Model Shot 1

Ok, here's the first shot from the glamour lighting shoot. Everyone was able to move around the building the studio shares with several other companies, affording more opps. I like the shuffleboard table but had no idea how to use it until another photog arranged the scene (including the lights, which I think are excellent here). Teamwork in action !

Which, if either?

I prefer the second picture much more than the first. The first one has to many distracting objects in the background I think. However I like the lighting of the face better in the first one.

The model looks much more comfortable than the other one you posted, and with a much better choice of apparel.

I really like the soft spread of light on these, very soft and well diffused, my guess is that the light is from up above her head on her left side. I'd like to see a light path to her neck and shoulders in the second, but its a minor nit-pick. I like the second better because its a better angle on her body.

I like them both, but I prefer the first and imagine that it would be great as a carefully-converted b/w. It reminds me of something that SDG or Octavio might do. Excellent work, as always.

I think these came out a lot better because this is more of a natural pose for this girl. It seems like the other model's poses didn't match her features very well.

I've never shot with "real" models so I can't say how difficult this is or how much of it is from them, however looking at your website, it looks like you did a good job "matching" poses/features with Liz (July 09) and the shots of Talia (Jan 08)

Thanks for commenting. I think the lighting and general geometry are strengths in these shots, and the model is obviously pleasing to the eye. But although I was initially excited that I might have gotten some portfolio level images, I think there's several flaws the prevent that, namely a somewhat ad hoc look to the poses and ones that don't show her to be in the best shape (she needs a bit more muscle). See my comment at the bottom about evaluating a model's strong pts.

Tayl, funny, but I like the background objects in there, maybe because it sort of places her? I sometimes like busy environments, like a crowded coffee shop :) I agree with the facial lighting though to me the top image's might be a tad intense.

Anbesol, yes, she looks a lot more comfortable (.. who can't be lying flat on a shuffleboard table, huh?). I find the puzzling foreshortening of the top image more interesting myself, but I see what you mean. There were two lights; one just out of sight on the right side at about her ankle pt, and another behind her on the left. They were direct but he must have had some sort of diffuser on them, quite soft.

Dray, thanks and I will try that B&W. Look for another post tomorrow (too tired to focus right now!). I will have to research SDG and Octavio

Caleb, you are spot on in that the photographer really has to "match" a model's best attributes and abilities with the poses and angles. I am still learning this but it is a matter of looking and evaluating. Quick decisions are also necessary if, as in this situation, one doesn't know much about the models beforehand.

I would say to give model photography a try, even if it can be a lot of fun and a pain in the neck at the same time. Liz was a very experienced model and it is hard not to get great shots of experienced gals like her. Talia had incredible natural beauty ,and was great to photograph, esp on this shoot where she wore outfits that matched her features. I keep hoping she comes back to the modeling club but is quite busy in school.

Anyway, thks all for commenting.

Here's the photos desaturated. different ...

In the first one, the whites are all in that door frame which makes it roughly 14 times more distracting. A square crop right above her knee may be worth a try? You still see elements back there but they aren't so distracting.

I think the second needs something more, as I still prefer color although it's close. Possibly split toning?

They look good. but I really like the second color one the best.
here is another Idea for your to try. Selective B&W leave her is color and turn everything else into B&W.