Warning - CONTAINS NUDITY - Carmen & LED Wands

[Manfred M]

I normally don't post nudes here, but I was talking about a particular technique with another member and the only images using this technique is from this series of images.

The model, Carmen C Camancho was looking to add these types of images to her portfolio. I had photographed her a couple of time previously in cosplay roles.

The shot was taken in a room with a black backdrop and dark material draped on the camera left and camera right side to absorb as much light as possible. The model was given one or two LED wands and was asked to move them around in patterns. There was a studio flash with a gridded strip box located to the camera left, which is why we had all the black material to absorb as much light as possible.

The camera was set to ISO 100 and the camera was set for a 10 second exposure on a tripod. I used a 45mm focal length and f/8 aperture setting to give me a reasonable depth of field. The flash was manually triggered. The seconds were counted up and the model was told that the flash would be fired when we hit two seconds and she should be in a pose at that point and as soon as the flash went, she could move around again, waving the wands. There was a radio trigger on the flash and the transmitter was hand-held, rather than the usual camera mount. I did try glow sticks, but the effect was not nearly as effective as the LED wands.

My success rate was around 20% on these shots, for various reasons. Awkward poses, the model moving too wide, firing the flash just before the camera shutter was open, the model was too close to or too far away from the flash, etc. The proper exposure for the wands was determined by trial and error and the flash was set by metering it.





I have been shooting artistic nudes from time to time over the past six months. I find that these are much more challenging to do than working with a clothed model.

[rpcrowe]

Neat effect Manfred - well done...

I find that a nude, to look good, needs to have a better proportioned figure than a clothed model. Posture is also more important in a nude since clothing can disguise a bit of bad posture.

[Jim A]

Well, I did cogitate, Manfred, because I thought that your title was a "come-on" and a cheeky subterfuge to get people to view - I have seen others do the same. Nevertheless, a very tasteful and interesting image. Well done!

[tbob]

Can't think this is anything but classy. No fear that anyone would find it offensive I like the subtle light on Carmen.

The wand is a better option for this than glow sticks

[Shadowman]

I wasn't really expecting an actual nude or suggestive nude in this case, I think this one has been tastefully composed and includes an artistic flair as well. I plan to do some boudoir/glamour shooting in a few months and have been writing down some ideas but nothing this elaborate.

[RBSinTo]

I normally don't post nudes here, but I was talking about a particular technique with another member and the only images using this technique is from this series of images.

The model, Carmen C Camancho was looking to add these types of images to her portfolio. I had photographed her a couple of time previously in cosplay roles.

The shot was taken in a room with a black backdrop and dark material draped on the camera left and camera right side to absorb as much light as possible. The model was given one or two LED wands and was asked to move them around in patterns. There was a studio flash with a gridded strip box located to the camera left, which is why we had all the black material to absorb as much light as possible.

The camera was set to ISO 100 and the camera was set for a 10 second exposure on a tripod. I used a 45mm focal length and f/8 aperture setting to give me a reasonable depth of field. The flash was manually triggered. The seconds were counted up and the model was told that the flash would be fired when we hit two seconds and she should be in a pose at that point and as soon as the flash went, she could move around again, waving the wands. There was a radio trigger on the flash and the transmitter was hand-held, rather than the usual camera mount. I did try glow sticks, but the effect was not nearly as effective as the LED wands.

My success rate was around 20% on these shots, for various reasons. Awkward poses, the model moving too wide, firing the flash just before the camera shutter was open, the model was too close to or too far away from the flash, etc. The proper exposure for the wands was determined by trial and error and the flash was set by metering it.
I have been shooting artistic nudes from time to time over the past six months. I find that these are much more challenging to do than working with a clothed model.

Manfred,
This photographic technique that uses a slow shutter speed with flash used to be referred to as "Drag and Pop".
Although in this case I suppose "Drag and Pop and Drag" would be a more apt description.
I think you did well here to get a shot that has a pleasing ribbon design that leaves the model's face visible.
I think my only question is "why the nudity?" Other than eliminating coloured clothing being a distracting element, I'm not really sure what having the model unclothed adds to the shot.
Robert

[Manfred M]

I think my only question is "why the nudity?" Other than eliminating coloured clothing being a distracting element, I'm not really sure what having the model unclothed adds to the shot.

Agreed. The model is the one who wanted to do nudes to add to her portfolio, so this approach was used on her request.

[mugge]

Love it.
Cheers Ole