Model Portfolio
Kissed by the sun
With the weather getting perfect for swimwear images, thought I would share some of my work on the subject of backlit imagery. The only lighting used for fill here is a 42″ soft silver reflector.
Model: “Carolina”
Location: Columbia, SC, USA
Equipmnt used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR lens, and a 42″ soft silver reflector.
Camera settings: ISO 200, f/4 @ 1/2000s
javashotsblog 
Absolutely breathtaking. Oh to be a Javashotsblog model.
May 25, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Thank you very much Resa! oh, and my photography “company” name is Sparkling Shadows Photography, but the “…javashotsblog model.” comment was incredibly flattering! Thank you so very much!
May 25, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Gorgeous as always!
May 25, 2012 at 9:47 pm
You are so awesome Charly, thank you! Hope to get an email out to you this weekend as well.
May 25, 2012 at 9:52 pm
That’s how I lay down too! Nice shot, but she looks uncomfortable. I think models should look inviting, soft. Just a thought between a rock & a hard place, her head
May 25, 2012 at 10:19 pm
As a photographer, I too appreciate the soft and inviting look when photographing women. I have also learned that women have wonderfully diverse ideas on what makes them look “good” in images, it didn’t take long for me to come up with a collection of poses that I could offer to models as a posing aide, to assist them in designing poses while encouraging them to “make it thier own” and not to just copy the pose. This model actually told me she wanted to do this pose as she had always wanted “this shot” for her portfolio. I made that happen for her as best I could. Thank you so much for your compliment and perspective, I will be posting some of the “softer side” for everyone over the weekend, I do hope you’ll visit again soon!
May 25, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Damn cool mate. I love the way you’ve put the natural light to use here.
May 26, 2012 at 12:43 am
You are the man Irfan! Thanks!
May 26, 2012 at 12:56 am
I love this pose! Nicely done! She might have a headache afterwards, but worth it 🙂
May 26, 2012 at 7:43 am
Thank you Joylene! Lovely to have your kind comments on this one!
May 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Beautiful! 🙂
May 26, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Thanks Miles! much appreciated!
May 27, 2012 at 12:25 am
Beast mode lol. Love your stuff sir!
May 27, 2012 at 11:20 am
Thanks Chris, one of these days soon I hope to push out a couple of entries in your contests, greeat work by the way!
May 27, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Ok so… nobody else asked…how long (or how many takes maybe) did this require, where your model had to maintain the challenging pose?? she has a whole lot of extension taking place her spine (compresses discs) and also a bit rough on her cranium (skull) 🙂 🙂
Mostly just teasing you, of course Stan… it’s a terrific pose – and wonderful capture. I’m sure she was able to manage just fine. I’m extremely flexible so typically could do this and more contortionist posing … but given what is going on with me now, I would hesitate. I’m sure you gave her lots of breaks though and were extra kind. Amazing work once again Stan — & yes to be a ‘Sparkling Shadows’ model… Sending Hugs to you my friend ~ RL
June 26, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Hey Robyn! Your thoughts and your self admissions on posing are awesome! With you in front of my lens…the shoot could takes hours (especially with your ability), but for this young lady, this shot was nailed on the third attempt. The first was my fault (correct fill light not adequate), the second was hers (not happy with the arm position), and the third one (with me shouting “extend those legs! arch your back, etc..) and bang, exactly what she was looking for. And as for “rest” between shots….well, while I am not really one to do “group shoots”, this photoshoot was for three models, we rotated each model in a round-robin style fashion. while one was being photographed, the other two were changing wardrobe, make up touch up, and hair touch up, and picking out thier next three poses (and rehearsing the poses). Normally I prefer to shoot “one on one” so as to produce images specifically tailored to the model’s presonality, vision, and taste. Oh, and as for her cranium…I am way too kind hearted! I placed a jel-pac under her head where the noggin came in contact with the rock then covered it up by simply placing her hair around it.
I have yet to post a comment to your most recent blog submission……my apologies, but amazing work like that deserves careful response! I am “on the move” getting my apartment set up in Charleston, and I am not able to spend the time your work deserves to respond. In a couple more days I will be able to slow down and take my time to pen a proper response to that beautiful body of work! Thanks so much Robyn, always a delight to see you have visited!
June 27, 2012 at 11:39 am
Thanks Stan– it is so interesting that there were 3 models in rotation here. I never ever could have guessed, as your shot just looks so focussed and personal — I envisioned a 3 hour shoot with this one lovely lady!! 🙂 You must have extraordinary talent to shift gears that way and still achieve the result that seems very private and dedicated to the subject at hand!! 3 takes — not bad at all 🙂 Soooo happy you had a gel pack for her noggin!!
You will get a kick out of this… I actually tested myself on my bathroom floor last night (after focussing on your post a bit) to see how challenging the pose would be… I naturally have excessive extension in my back (part of my problem 😦 ) so the arch was a piece of cake – but the head really hurt on my ceramic tile!!! LOL!! Can you imagine I did this? I must be insane ~ I am in fantasy mode, you know? 😉 Gel pack would have been very cool. You are so thoughtful.
Hoping your apartment set-up is gong smoothly…good luck!!! ~ not to worry about commenting on my latest shadow post, am very happy you liked it, and certainly can visit and chime in any time it’s peaceful for you. It was one of those energetically inspired writings while I was in the midst of some fierce physical pain….healing on some level I hope 🙂
Always a pleasure to visit here and explore your fine work Stan… inspiring and admire your awesome talent as a photography master ~~ Sending good thoughts – RL
June 27, 2012 at 11:55 am