|
Leona returns for her
fifth sitting, in May, 2003. Originally, we were going to
try to work with some liquid latex, but when we opened the can,
we found that the latex had hardened. So, we quickly
improvised, trying some simply down lighting.
|
|
|
|
This
is Leona's fifth sitting with me. Like
many of you, I browse the web looking at fine
art photography, and I do notice that many
photographers work with a model only once or
twice. I'm not that way. Truth be
told, I started making nude photographs
because I was somewhat shy around women.
I don't have that problem any more, but it
still takes me a while to get to know a
person. My approach is gentle, and my
attitude is that I collaborate with a model,
creating images via mutual consent. That
can be a problem -- I hire (and pay) models,
and they typically are here to do what I ask
them to do, and most are unprepared to take
responsibility for images -- sure, they can be
creative in their posing, but as the
photographer, it's my job to take control of
the sitting. So, for me, it takes a few
sittings before I feel comfortable trying new
concepts that might not work. It's a
bonus if the model likes the pictures we
create together, but pleasing the model
typically isn't an objective of the sitting. |
So, there are a lot of
"Pros" and "Cons" to working with a model multiple
times:
|
Pros:
- There's a good chance you'll be
happy with the photographs. (A model wouldn't be
invited back if you didn't like the previous results).
- You get to know the model fairly
well. That includes how they carry themselves, how
they move, their best features, etc.
- Previous concepts can inspire future
concepts.
|
|
|
|
|
There are also some
challenges working with a model multiple times:
|
Cons:
- You can easily fall into the habit of
wanting to please the model.
- You can fall into the tendency of retrying
past successes, as opposed to trying new concepts.
- You can become complacent & spend time
socializing, as opposed to raising the bar higher each time.
|
I think about stuff like this a lot, and that's
probably good. If you are aware of these pitfalls, you probably can take
steps to avoid them.
|
I'm not sure which cropping I
prefer. Do you have an opinion?
|
|
I
thought I'd finish this page with one of my
favorite images from this particular
set-up. Can't really say why I like this
image more than the others, except to note
that I've managed to move closer to the
model. (I notice that I tend to position
myself at a consistent distance from the model
-- I'm trying to break that habit). |
|
|
Assessment: I had some
problems printing these pictures -- they are a bit
darker & flatter (lower contrast) than I am used
to. I had some trouble figuring out why until
the enlarger lamp bulb blew a little while after I
finished printing these pictures. A new bulb
seems to work, but I haven't had the time or the
inclination to go back & reprint these
pictures. (I find it difficult to spend much
time in the darkroom when the weather is nice outside
-- that's why I'm more prolific in the fall &
winter months).
While I like the concept of
soft down lights, I don't think I pulled this off very
well. Make no mistake, Leona is as lovely as
always, but the lighting just doesn't pop for
me.
More pictures of Leona from
this sitting on the Leather
Pants page.
|
