Behind The Scenes: Lingerie Photoshoot
A couple of weeks ago I posted some shots from a lingerie studio shoot and after there were some great comments and a few people wanted to know how I'd put together the shots. So I thought I share the processes that went in to creating the images in this post. The basic idea and premise of this shoot was to create a sexy, sultry but classy lingerie shot, something seductive and provocative without being cheap and run of the mill lad's magazine shoots.
Key Info:
Model: Carolina Le Borg
Studio: Millwood Photographic Studios, Stalybridge, UK.
Photographer: Andrew James
Camera: Nikon D7100 with a Sigma Art 35mm F1.4
Edit: Retouch and Colour Adobe Lightroom 5 and Adobe CS6 for lens flare elements
Moodboard:
THE SHOOT
Lighting wise to produce this shot there is a large soft box, slung overhead on a large tripod with a boom arm so that the light is suspended over the model. This shoot was only lit with the one light and for this particular shot was lit with just the modelling lamp from the Bowen's Gemini 500R strobe unit. Here is the lighting diagram which shows you the simple one light set up in it's basic form.
In the photograph below you can clearly see the soft box positioned directly above and slightly behind the model. It's positioned low down to avoid spill light and keep the light tight within the area of the backdrop. It's positioned just slightly behind to add some shadow and shape to the front of Carolina's face and to avoid really harsh overhead shadows. The modelling lamp itself is covered in a thin layer of diffusion material to soften the light. The lighting needed to be soft in order to flatter the models curves but create some areas of shadow to give that sultry smokey look. The light from overhead sculpts and accentuates the models body, by wrapping round but generating shadows to create an air of mystique adds to the allure of the shot.
Having fun and putting the model at ease is really vital during any lingerie shoot. The model is at their most vulnerable wearing next to nothing and this could be the first time working with a particular photographer. It takes some courage to remove your clothes in front of total strangers, then add to the fact you have a camera and lights to attend to as well, can create an awkward working environment if you are not careful.
This the first time I had worked with Carolina so even though I was changing settings on my camera and testing the light I was chatting to her throughout. I can't remember what we were actually talking about here in this test shot but we were having a laugh during the set up procedure and building up that working relationship.
In post production I decided change the white balance from the warmer tones to the cooler blues and teals. The modelling lamps glow a warm orange colour by definition and although this is giving Carolina a lovely golden tan all over it was not the sultry look I was going for. I chose to cool it down and work more with the teal colour pallet. I also spent some time gently airbrushing Carolina's skin, removing marks and blemishes and correcting marks and rips in the backdrop. In this unused shot from the collection you can see some of the primary edits made in Lightroom to bring in the blue tones I was looking for.
THE EDIT
The final stage was to add some lens flare elements in photoshop. I used these to create an almost voyeuristic touch to the shot as if the viewer was seeing something they shouldn't. These overlay elements you can purchase from my online store as part of the Allure pack.
It adds to the mystic of the shots some what, creating a classy seductive atmosphere that oozes sex appeal. The Allure pack contains 25 high resolution PNG glass overlay effects that I have curated in to an exclusive pack for professional photographers. Have a quick look at the before and after shots below.
The Allure pack makes a big impression on the image, transforming it from a standard studio shot to one that gives the impression of a high quality fashion shoot.
