Fashion with a model

Today some images from the series I did with a new model.
Although it’s not the best weather out here we did decide to do a part of the photoshoot outside. On location there are several options but one of the things that always excite me is the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra, as you see in the link I would always couple it with an A head for some extra speed when you need it, and trust me there will always be a moment where you do need it. Of course one can add a lot of extra accessories, you can even get a conversion ring for the quadra to fit the larger Elinchrom accessories to the quadra (Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Reflector Adaptor for EL Reflectors), but somehow with the Quadra I just love the light that the small original reflector creates, and I find myself very often just using that one (it also saves a lot on carrying around gear).

The first images were shot with a large ratio between the strobes and the sky, this creates a so called day to night effect and it’s something I really love to use with these kind of setups. I also always love to use a very strong color as accent, as you can see here it’s the red “gloves”. It makes the model really pop out and draw your attention.

 

For the following shots I lowered my shutter speed  and allowed a tiny bit more ambient light to enter the lens, but also changed the angle under which I shot making the image much more dramatic than the previous angle.

And here a lot more ambient light is entering to create a different look.

But also shooting without strobes will create a nice looking image when the sky is covered in clouds, I always call it the big soft box in the sky, and trust me…. we have a lot of  “soft box” days in the Netherlands.

The fun thing about playing with the mix of ambient light and strobes is that you can very quickly create a lot of different looks. You can of course lower the output of the strobes every time you want to change the mix, but also remember that you can do the same thing with the shutter speed, but take care you don’t drop under a speed where you can’t guarantee sharp images or movement from the model.

 

After the “cold” part of the photoshoot we also did some studio shots to make sure Jorien had some variety in her new images.
In these kind of setups I just love to play with some “off beat” elements as you can see here with the shoes and the necklaces and glove. Somehow I just love it when something is really “wrong” in the image. The funny thing is that some models will be a bit “afraid” to do this kind of combinations because they are used to doing everything as it “should” be, however as soon as they see the images coming in and add a bit more “drama” to their poses they all love it and let’s be honest, one of the most important things in photography now a days (and always) is “be different”, make sure you stand out from the crowd.

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9 replies
  1. Scott Peters
    Scott Peters says:

    Your eye for light and ability to make it all happen with strobes is astounding.  You could take pictures of a homely model and they would still be enjoyable! 

  2. Nickv
    Nickv says:

    Very instructive and helpful, Dan.  Beautiful range of lighting that is reflects your great skills not only as a photographer, but also as an educator.  Thank you.

  3. Menno Herstel
    Menno Herstel says:

    “Somehow I just love it when something is really “wrong” in the image.” 
    I really hope this is fake fur. If not, then that will be the thing that’s really wrong in these pictures.

    • Frank Doorhof
      Frank Doorhof says:

      I use the 70cm, 100cm, 150cm and 190cm octa.
      Love them all for different reasons, it’s a matter of personal taste.

      The 150cm is I think the best for crisp full bodies, the 100cm is great for portrait.

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