On the 2nd May we completed our first boudoir workshop with Zoe, a superb stand in when our original model flaked out at the last minute and Casey.
In today's very competitive market it is important to have as many revenue opportunities to cushion those times when business is slow. Boudoir photography is becoming increasingly popular providing sensual and sexy images. It is a skill that is not easy to get right, however can be learnt and in conjunction with creative and simple lighting great images ensue.
A simple set up with the window ambient at 1/125s f7.1 The light on Zoe's back was set to match the ambient using an Elinchrom BX250ri head with a 100cm octagonal soft box triggered with the skyport radio transmitter.
Boudoir photography is about sexy sensual images that the bride to be wants to give to her groom, wearing as little as possible. For me boudoir is not about nude photography, more about the suggestion and sexuality of the bride. However this type of photography need not be restricted to just brides and works extremely well for any woman who wants to look sensual for their partner.
Boudoir is more about suggestion and the simplest lighting can produce results that I think work. In this shot I set up a single BX250Ri with a honeycomb grid on the floor. For the techies the shot was shot at 1/125s f14 on 200 iso.
Despite several heaters the temperature was just a little cool for zoe in this basque/corset shot, again the simplicity of the shot works for me using a single light again directional across the back. Slight underexposure to add intensity to the colour. Shot info: 1/125s @ f16 - 200 ISO.
I just loved the texture on the back wall and used a single head to light with a honeycombe tight against the wall. Having the light tight to the wall enhanced the stonework. The light on Casey was fron the front right and balanced to about 1 stop under the wall light with the overall exposure 1/125s @ f8 200 ISO.
In the afternoon we moved on to the white background set using a venetian blind to shoot through. Casey was lit with a BX250ri head and 100cm octagonal soft box from high. 1/125s @ f8 200 ISO
In the final minutes I set up two florescent lights either side of Casey and flagged them so they did not "blow" back to the camera. This setup will give you two rim lights with a shadow down the center of the subject that can be controlled by moving the white flags to provide the fill light. A very single and low cost way of achieving a stylish image.
1/60s @ f4 on 800 ISO
If you are interested in joining us on our next boudoir workshop then please contact terry on email: terry@terryhewlett.com
Next Boudoir
25th July 2011 hope to see you with us.
