First Try (semi-nude) and Alien Bees

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/07/2005 04:22:21 PM · #1

So I got my new Alien Bees setup. 2 400w monolights, Octagon Softbox, barndoors, shoot thru umbrella, white/silver reflective umbrella, barndoors, and 10 degree through 40 degree honeycombs. Read through a good book on lighting and got an offer to do some nudie shots a few days after getting the setup.
So this is my first "erotic" shots and really using the Bees. All comments appreciated.
The model wanted black and whites. Alot of the shots have my 'ChromaKey' background in use and I was able to change the color (or put in any background) I choose. Time to build digital backdros, now, too.

This one was with barndoors 90 degrees camera right and softbox 45 degrees camera right (from model). Obviously kept the red color in.

This one I set up with barebulb in front of the model for backlit effect and shoot thru umbrella 45 degree camera right

Octagon softbox in front of model and white bounce umbrella 45 degree camera right

The last two were with barndoors 90 degrees model right and softbox behind camera.

As I told the model...it's my first time...so be gentle. Was for her too though.
Comment away...I am here to learn from your wisdoms. (C:

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

02/07/2005 04:39:45 PM · #2

Sorry dacrazyrn...no wisdom from me!!

Number 2 would have been great if it were not for the material acting like a nappy/diaper! A bit of butt would have been a great shot.

I like number 3, just captures that moment after stepping from the bath.

I like the pose of 4, but she has goosebumps...perhaps you need to warm up your studio?? whatever. Maybe just a bit more of a hint of breast would have completed a great pose. I like erotic shots to give hints and expectations.

Not over impressed with 5...looks a bit tacky for me.

But after all that, good work and keep at it. I look forward to seeing more.

Well Done,

Steve

caba

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/07/2005 04:48:28 PM · #3

Was it cold? I'm seeing goose bumps on her skin. Lighting is good.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/07/2005 04:53:05 PM · #4

theres some wisdom there Steve.
Number 2-she didn't want plumbers crack and thought it would be better like undressing a sarong. I'll learn.
Number 4-not sure how she got goodbumps..it was pretty warm. She did say she liked the way the 'ChromaKey' fabric felt all silky around that time...turn on maybe? And she didn't really want breast shots, so...
Number 5-she liked the ladder on the back of the thong and wanted some shots of it. Those last minute, but didn't have many more ideas. Need to look through some more "art" sites and books and write down ideas.

Thanks!

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

02/07/2005 04:56:13 PM · #5

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

That is not at all bad for a first attempt!!

I have no model, so gues I've gotta use my imagination :))

My wife wouldn't do that, so I think I'll stick to plants and macros!!

Keep at it,

Steve

02/07/2005 05:03:12 PM · #6

Originally posted by Formerlee:

I have no model, so gues I've gotta use my imagination :))
Steve

Usually I don't either...except the big three models I use alot
Me, myself, and I (C:

Travis99

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/07/2005 05:06:11 PM · #7

In photo number 4 she looks like she has goosebumps

blindjustice

Canon EOS-7D

02/07/2005 05:28:05 PM · #8

Number one is a fantastic composition. Number two is ok but the lighting is a touch contrived.

But gosh- if you can dream up and shoot a shot like number one, on your first try at this, you have terrific promise. If all you have is lighting issues- you don't have far to go to be really great. I think composition is really more difficult than lighting at times. Especially with semi-nudes. But thats my own thought.

02/07/2005 05:35:47 PM · #9

Great shots. I absolutely love the first one, the red works really well. I am sure she will be delighted with your results :)

Question for you on your chromak background you've used here ...

So, what is this, a bright blue (or green?) backdrop like they use on TV?

If so, then does it make "cutting" the model out
in photos such as this really easy? And are there any issues with colour casting?

I've been taking a lot of model photos lately and use a black backdrop. The black gets too much light on it, so I use levels to blacken it down, Sometimes this adversely affects the lighting on the model. Trying to cut the model from the background when she has hair flying all over the place becomes impossible.

Any advice on the chromak thing?

(Not hijacking the thread, but it looks like you may have the answers :)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

02/07/2005 09:52:10 PM · #10

It is the blue screen they use on TV, etc. I have been playing with it a little trying to make sure I figure out the best setup. The people who make it have instructions here 'ChromaKey' FAQs.
I didn't light the screen at all for these pics and had a pretty easy time matting the model. The biggest problem would be the spillover. Can start getting the blue halo. An example here. Lying flat on it, and just the lighting. Depending on what you want to do it is easy to fix. Converting to BW of course is great! I played around (still am) and found that lighting it up definitely helps.
You can use the Replace Color Adjustment...real easy, just changing color.
You can also use the Wand pretty easily (example below) I start out around 100 on the strength and see what happens (non-contiguous) then clean up little areas with contiguous selected and lower setting. Still experimenting with this part, but I do a Expand by 3 pixels, and Feather 3 pixels (still working that out-the numbers) then Duplicate the Background layer, hit the Mask button (Layers palette, second button from the right). Cleans up pretty well, but it depends on what colors you are doing. You can always touch up also on the matte also.
Creating a Path is another option. Tried it once and good results also. End up making a mette of it also.
Your welcome to try on this shot. After making a matte do Hue and Saturation, move the Hue slider all the way to the left to see it well. Then turn up the Lightness all the way to white...can't see it, all the way down...gone. Just depends.
I am also looking into trying other things like the Color Range, etc. Maybe in RAW Chromatic Aberration?

The 3 pixels I use are on the full size..this you may want to try it with 1 pixel.

This is a close up with the Hue slider to the Left

Message edited by author 2005-02-07 21:55:22.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

02/07/2005 09:59:27 PM · #11

You've gotten some good comments, and I haven't done studio work since high school (a long time ago), so I'll defer to the experts.

I'd love to set up a small studio, but probably can't justify the cost of the lights, etc. But I'd love to hear more about your setup. How about posting a pic of your setup?

02/07/2005 10:47:03 PM · #12

Originally posted by nshapiro:

How about posting a pic of your setup?

I'll get one up here after I put the little one to bed.

02/08/2005 12:48:58 AM · #13

Alright, I worked a little on the legs. Better?

Message edited by author 2005-02-09 02:01:00.

02/08/2005 01:45:46 AM · #14

Thanks for the tips there, and especially for the original to have a play with. I am familiar with that way of selecting, expanding, feathering etc ... just never though of deliberately going for the blue background.

Not experimented with paths at all though.

I have some previous model shots with a plain blue backfround, paper in this case, so will have a play using that as well.

:)

Message edited by author 2005-02-08 03:01:36.

hanlomba

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

02/08/2005 02:05:01 AM · #15

good start!

Some tips if I may...

I find that when shooting black and white, what you DON'T light is just as important (if not more) than what you DO light. Pay special attention to shadows...

It seems to me what you have here is fairly uniform lighting and pretty full coverage of the subject. Now try lighting half of the subject; a quarter of it; an eighth...you get the picture. Experiment with the lights to really get the most impact from those shadows.

Hans

02/08/2005 05:11:37 AM · #16

Thanks Hans. On my note pad!
Getting use to these lights and how they work. Did try quite a bit with what you mention, just did not come out as I imagined in my head. Got alot of blacked out areas I did not like the look of.
Keep on pluggin. With the Self Portrait coming up..MORE PRACTICE!!
If I could get this 2 year old to hold still! (C:
Thanks again

02/09/2005 01:54:57 AM · #17

Alright...here is what is setup, for now (...pool table and old computer "closet" are set to go soon).
I have the 11'x18' 'ChromaKey' background on some elecrical conduit on curtain holders. Got springy curtain holders to attach to the fabric and move back and forth (you can see I have the door open here). Right now it is folded up. 11 feet was just a bit short on width, but have an extra 18 feet to mess with. I am thinking of suspending a rod from the ceiling to bring it out and over then to the wall rod and the rest out in front to stand on, this would give me the ability to get some easier full body shots and low angle shots too.
The damn thing as it is now covers my WHOLE floor.
I need a studio or garage/workshop! More money, more money!! My two Alien bees shown, one with octagon softbox.

02/09/2005 02:15:32 AM · #18

Interesting setup :)

What's the red thing in the middle on the floor? Those really hot (temp) halogen work lights?

If so, how does that fit in with the Alien Bees, any issues?

02/09/2005 02:19:02 AM · #19

Originally posted by Natator:

If so, how does that fit in with the Alien Bees, any issues?

they don't! I was experimenting to see how well and what they would look like to illuminate the background more. It sucks...the color changes, of course) Get my adjustment (they have been stalling for 10 months---ALL BACKPAY!!!) on my paycheck, may look at getting one more Bee for the background light. And myabe a big garage!!

02/09/2005 02:26:36 AM · #20

*laugh* Ok, I wondered how they would work *laugh*

I have a garage for my studio. Curtain rod for the backdrops (only have 2 colours of continuous paper and some fabric at the moment).

Here's a photo of my set up. It has changed slightly since I took this photo though. I was getting far too much light bouncing off the walls and ceiling, so they are now a neutral grey.

Like you I have 2 lights (gave up on attempts to use slave units on the external flashes I have). Mine are Elinchrom 500W monoblocks. Also like yourself, I really badly want a third light. However, the kit I got with the two was great value, and a third light is going to cost me about 2/3 what the entire bloody kit did.

tcmartin

Canon EOS-40D

02/09/2005 02:40:04 AM · #21

No offense intended - please note.

It is great to see you giving this a shot and even better that you have a willing subject to try different set ups with. In my opinion, as has been stated here in the thread, dramtic lighting where you have well lighted areas falling off to darker areas lend themselves to more interesting compositions. Your best bet for these types of shots will alomost always be natural light. You will be able to get close with your setup, but never as great as the real thing. Overall work on lighting is needed. Since you have invested in the great equipment, I highly recommend the following books on lighting the nude. These provide examples and setups that you can experiment with.

#1 Lighting the Nude, RotoVision and
#2 Lighting for nude photography, RotoVision

Good luck, stick with it, and I look forward to watching your progress.

02/09/2005 10:02:56 AM · #22

Understand about the natural light part, and I would rather use it all the time if I could. But considering the space I have to work with, I am unable to get alot of sunlight in (now, when I get to building a garage, this is all in mind). Not to mention that I am in CO and it is 10 degrees out right now. (C: And also the weather changes around here every 15 minutes anyway. Good to have this as a secondary place, if I need, when I do shoot "on location." I do LOVE shooting portraits outside and it is definitely my first choice.
Tahnks for the continied comments and info.

Prof_Fate

02/09/2005 11:23:07 AM · #23

Originally posted by Natator:

I was wondering...most studios i have seen are usually black inside or some other very dark flat color. I am trying to work in a 1 car garage-sized basement space - not wide enough, but no way to change that.
And no, my walls are not flat nor dark...