I had a friend that wanted shots for here new boyfriend. She wanted nudes that complimented her and showed her at best. I wanted to catch the green in her eyes and the red in her hair. I did that but as you can see, I did it in 2 seperate images. Grrrrr. This one got the hair. Suggestions? Thoughts? Comments? NOTE: If nudity offends you do NOT scroll to the second image! Magick Michael

This shows the green in her eyes. Did I mention that she is a large girl and angle is everything?

[Rubinesque. The word is Rubinesque. Not Large.] Your lighting seems pretty contrasty. There used to be a lighting tutorial in the Resource Area. I've found that lights are painful unless it's a well controlled studio situation. I'd try posing her very close to a window from the side having a shear curtain to soften the light. Perhaps bring in a white (or golden) reflector on the oposite side if the shadows are too dark.

agree- softer, definately softer- you could always bring out her hair & eyes a bit more with some postwork

How about laying her on a bed on her side with the sheets bunched up in the area's that are not so flaterring. I'm thinking a crisp white color or something in a solid. That way you can show the curves of her breasts, hips and legs. Another idea would be to have her sit on a dinning room style chair backwards (saddling it, like men sometimes do). That would hide her stomach (assuming it is not well toned, and then you could play with the different angles of her curves with the lighting. I agree with Misha about having her near a window. I've done that a few times for portraits and it gives the best results. You can even get real high key results near a window if you desire and that helps hide skin blemishes. It may also help to emphasize her eyes and hair. She has some nice features, so you should definitely be able to achieve some great results. Good luck to the both of you if you try for another shoot :)

I dunno, I've got to be honest and say I don't find the first one to be very flattering at all, but the second one (even without the towel hangers ;) omg don't tell her I said that!) is much more flattering. Her eyes are a phenominal feature for a photo, really nice! I know I mentioned recently the 'tacky' (ok, traditional) poses from a friends collection, but I think these may suit... (",)

The first shot could work with a bit of fill light from the front. The next time you have this kind of situation, with the light coming over her left shoulder, try a flat white card from the front (on your left). Any old piece of card will do it, or even a newspaper, at the worst. It'll fill in the entire face and clear up all the shadows.

I much prefer the 2nd one. If you look at it sideways, (with her hair at the bottom), it's a really interesting perspective. Maybe you could rotate it 90° anti-clockwise. Hmm... I think I have a shot somewhere that's very similar. Let me see if I can dig it up and try to remember how I shot it.

Towel racks. LOL.

mac

I can't find a real print, but I found a polaroid size proof. Crap quality, but it gives the idea. I did this in my living-room with a white backdrop cloth and a Ianiro tungsten spot. (you can get away with murder in B & W). With the head down, you get that nice hair effect.... and of course, the 'towel hangers'. LOL. mac Not strictly a nude, as she has tights on. Heh, heh.

1. I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE the first picture for the hair it's a jewel! OK. If you don't mind a little digital retouch how about another face picture which works best for the eyes. Then simply combine the best eye pic and the awsome hair pic. I think the second photo while it may be flattering. ( She does not appear large to me. ) is a bit odd IMHO as the head is tilted sideways. I also think the best light for the eyes should come from the side. Perhaps not a ton of light keep the basic setup as the one you have but also include some light from the sides to highlight her eyes. Have you considered a similar pose but have her lay back down on a bed. You can then arrange the lights the way you want and you won't have to stand on a ladder. Aditionally you can then have a cloth as a backdrop. OF course since there are her ( and her boyfriends ) pictures maybe you should ask what pose does she like and what type her boyfriend would like. Those are my thoughts. ON second thought I think the side way is a neat picture but it still will make the boyfriend probably desire to rotate the frame. Bsteph

I AGREE WITH ALL THE ABOVE COMMENTS. FOR ONCE! :o) A BIT OF POST WORK "MIGHT" HELP... BUT I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND GOING AND GIVING IT ANOTHER SHOT. HERE IS A SAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH A BIT OF PHOTOSHOP. BUT WHEN THE DARKNESS IS REMOVED THE PIXELATIONS WILL REVEAL MORE NEED TO RE-SHOOT. JORDY IS JUST PLAIN EVIL.... NOTHING NEW.

OOPS SORRY, I FORGOT TO RESIZE THE SAMPLE I JUST UPLOADED.