Beautiful Amateur Lingerie Model Photography on Location
Traveling the world solo on a budget for several months at a time with simple equipment that fits in a backpack.” Everybody loves beautiful lingerie model pictures.
No matter if you are the photographer or the viewer, just compare lingerie model photography with senior portraits or wedding photography.
Yes, the choice is clear. If you are an amateur and or traveling photographer like me, meaning you have no studio, no crew, no expensive lights, maybe not even a reflector I have created this page for you.
Dramatic Photography With Hawaiian Lingerie Model
I see a lot of online tutorials that discuss techniques with commendable authority while displaying not so inspiring example pictures. I choose some of my favorite photos from the past several years to illustrate my thoughts. My stories and tips are not technical at all, they are more like a conversation.
With a keen eye and some intuition finding and casting first time models like this local Hawaiian beauty only required patience and networking. MySpace is on the decline (at the time of this post in 2010) but other model portals like ModelMayhem are full of FTCD / TFP (time for CD / time for print) meaning free models.
Many people use Facebook for personal use but it is not hard to spot a profile where the model has commercial interests, they have professional modeling photos as avatars.
I have contacted and had successful photo shoots with first time models just by seeing a casual snapshot or poorly lit polaroid picture. The first question I ask myself is if I am inspired by the model? What scenario, theme can I imagine her in where she would shine. These concepts are created almost immediately by harnessing the power of intuition.
Searching for new concepts with every photo shoot means often I end up with unusual themes. For example in Hawaii I enjoyed exploring nighttime bikini and lingerie model photography of edgy, dramatic models. The norm is pretty girl with varying amount of silicone on a sunny beach acting clueless (hopefully not wearing clear plastic hooker shoes).
What I am drawn to in my model selection is: femininity, strength, confidence and intelligence as demonstrated on the above picture. As usual I described the general concept to the model and let her fill in the details with her personality. current mood and natural body language.
In a case of a photo like this I may ask the model to make her hand more claw like or pull her knee up higher to create a dynamic diagonal line. But most of the fine tuning directions are given after the model eased into her natural pose.
I like this picture because it sums up how I photograph: concepts I find interesting, without assistants or expensive lights, always on location utilizing the landscape, props made out of items found, with easy going attitude and with chemistry I work on to establish between model and myself.
Japanese Lingerie Model In Tropical Rainforest
Peaceful non-forceful photography is more about receiving pictures rather than taking them. In order to establish chemistry with the model the photographer cannot be and look frustrated, impatient, disappointed, confused, unsure, depressed or have any negative thoughts or emotions.
If he or she does have these emotions, they will be transmitted by body language or eye contact. The interesting thing is that the model may receive these signals subconsciously not even aware therefore not being able to control their negative effects. A good example would be creepy or otherwise unprofessional photographers where the bad intention is purposeful and quite transparent.
I enjoy locations and concepts that are simple or at least start out simple. Take the above picture of a beautiful Japanese fashion and bikini model taken in a Hawaiian tropical rainforest. Hawaii may sound unattainable to some but I simply considered it as just another US state where I wanted to live for awhile. More about Hawaii at the end of this page.
In this case the simple uncluttered background was provided by a bamboo forest, the prop / set was a huge volcanic rock in a creek bed, and the story was the natural relaxed pose of a beautiful model. I did not direct the model how to lay down and I did not correct her pose. I wanted to capture a moment as pure as possible .. considering the circumstances of a photo shoot.
The fun part begins when I start studying the picture during the editing process and notice details that may seem purposeful or too good to be a coincidence while they actually are. What I notice here is that the lines created by the thigh and upper arm of the model are parallel with the leaning bamboo creating somewhat of a harmony between background and subject.
I also like that the model’s butt is against a dark part of the bamboo forest therefore it separates from the background. These details and similar coincidences with almost every picture I take are not the result of conscious decisions.
Russian Lingerie Model On Abandoned Ship
Shapes and lines are even more important with black and white photography. The ideal placing of the models limbs can make or break a picture. Best case scenario is that the model can naturally pose without much direction creating a visually interesting composition. Second best is that her natural pose can be fine tuned without her becoming awkward or discouraged because she thinks she is doing something wrong when directed.
I really like the simplicity of all elements in this picture while the resulting composition achieves both balance and enough visual excitement.
The pose of the model was undirected; it is the norm with me because I trust women to know how to be feminine better than I would. Placing the metal rope in the foreground was intentional mainly to provide another curved shape to compliment the large wheel. When it comes to on location photography with available lighting, I find side light provides the most flattering and visually interesting shadows.
This picture was taken in the harbor of Antwerpen, Belgium with one of my favorite dramatic, edgy models from Russia. It was just before sunset so the excellent side light was not too strong for the model to look towards.
Russian Lingerie Model In Black High Boots
Contrast equals drama in black and white photography but it is also a very useful tool to separate the main subject from the background. Important elements can easily be lost even against not too busy or not too cluttered backgrounds just by not having enough tonal contrast.
This is something I am definitely conscious about when composing my pictures. The black hair of the model against the bright wet pavement is such example. Alternately if the model was blonde perhaps the dark trees or other darker than her hair background should have been placed behind her head.
Another thing is to look out for is not to have the horizon or other lines going through the model’s head. This image is cleaner, simpler and more appealing to me because of the above points were taken into consideration.
When the background is this bright and the main lite source is behind the model using fill in light with flash or reflector is a good idea. I do not have assistants with reflectors so I use really low powered flash burst to fill in shadows and brighten the model’s skin. Fill flash is also useful to create catch light (sparkle in the eye) for closer photos when the model is not facing a bright area which would create its own natural catch light.
The flash is what was responsible for that long highlight running up on the black boot of the model. It adds a much needed highlight and three dimensional look to the the boot and the image.
Another example of how to separate the main subject from the background. The concept of this picture: Russian lingerie model pushing broken down car.
Simply squatting down and taking the picture from hip level can put the sky behind the model instead of a busy background. This was the usual and very popular vantage point when Rolleiflex cameras were widespread (those cameras had the viewfinder on the top so they had to be lowered while the photographer was looking down).
When doing an 8 hour model portfolio or travel photography session these squats not only will achieve better compositions but will improve the photographer’s fitness level. Sore muscles are common after a long day of photography.
I find the horizon intersecting the model’s figure at thigh level to be visually pleasing, as mentioned earlier one mush be careful where the horizon or other lines enter and exit the model’s body.
Beauty And The Beast: Finnish Model Pushing Wheel Barrel
I call deliberately contrasting a beautiful model against unattractive surroundings “Beauty And The Beast Concept”. I find this label to be a good reminder to continually seek out. Old, weathered, dirty or otherwise seemingly substandard locations work great for beauty, lingerie and bikini model photography.
The location was a construction site just outside Berlin, Germany. I found a blonde fashion and lingerie model with a perfect body at a local modeling agency in Berlin who was from Finland.
These are free shoots, the model, the agency and the photographer all get what they need which is new pictures for their portfolios. I never stayed around in one location long enough but doing photo shoots for model agencies with their new faces division is a great way to network which can lead to paying jobs or connections later on.
The photo shoot was on a weekend so we got lucky by finding this closed construction site where we could easily walk in without any risky fence hopping. The location was perfect for fashion and lingerie model photography. Subtle colors, powerful shapes and a certain degree of ugliness factor which is key for the “Beauty And The Beast Concept”.
I love to improvise and go into directions which were unimaginable during the planning phase. Even seemingly weak concepts can be made to work if both model and photographer have trust in each other and have an open minded playful approach.
The wheel barrel was a no-brainer choice for a lingerie modeling concept. I figured that instead of a cheesy pose or a forced or uneasy eye contact an action picture would be more interesting. In a way the photo would look like a candid shot of a moment at a real construction site .. where lingerie models were working.
A certain degree of chemistry is needed between model and photographer for far out concepts to work out. There are simple ways to achieve it: meeting before session so model and photographer are not complete strangers, starting every photo shoot with less risque concepts like portrait or fashion, communication throughout the day and being understanding when the limit to the model’s comfort level has been reached.
German Lingerie Model With Perfect Body
Another example of the “Beauty And The Beast Concept” with a German brunette lingerie model with a perfect body. The location was an abandoned industrial park in Berlin, Germany.
Most of the time I strive for simplicity. The location should not overpower the presence of the model, just provide context. Basically you don’t want to give the viewer’s eyes any chance to wonder around the picture, you want it drawn to the model immediately. As seen on this picture color can assist with capturing the viewer’s attention. Almost without exception if there is red color in a photograph it will become the first area that the eyes go to.
If the location and wardrobe allows, it is a good idea to look out for complementary colors (colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel). As their name suggest together these colors will create a pleasing color scheme. Red and green are complementary colors.
Another technique I often employ is close cropping (in the camera’s viewfinder not in Photoshop). This eliminates potential busy backgrounds. Also as soon as the eyes enter the photo from any direction they will be immediately drawn to following the lines created by the body of the model.
In this photo from the top the cascading long hair of the model leads the eyes inside the picture. From the bottom, the thighs and arms create long lines.
The background is generic rusty metal door with graffiti. It is simple and not too distracting but also completely inappropriate as a location where lingerie should be worn.
The opposite of the “Beauty And The Beast Concept” would be to photograph a dramatic edgy (not classically beautiful) model at an unattractive location which is another one of my favorite concepts.
Perfect Outdoor Lighting With Voluptuous Lingerie Model
On location photography in open shade is a reoccurring theme in this blog. I see way too many squinting models blinded by midday sun not to mention the washed out colors in online portfolios. In most circumstances open shade is available and when it is not the lone, light-less, reflector-less photographer needs to be prepared to utilize other methods of properly lighting the set and model.
Even if the photo shoot starts at sunrise the soft warm rays of the rising sun quickly give away to a blinding scorcher. This photo of a beautiful voluptuous lingerie model was taken in the foothills of Diamondhead Crater just outside Waikiki, Hawaii at 10:16AM.
Th bright sky provided ample soft and diffused light acting like a gigantic softbox. There are no ugly dark shadows anywhere, perfect for non-edgy portrait, fashion, beauty, bikini or lingerie model photography. One thing to keep in mind is that if the camera’s white balance is set to auto, pictures taken in open shade may get a cold blue color cast so manual white balance or Photoshop retouching will be needed to correct that.
I have one issue with this picture regarding separating the subject from the background, a topic I discuss on this page. I should have paid more attention that the brown hair of the model and the tree bark are almost identical in color. So the cascading long hair of the model is not as emphasized as it could be.
Simple Concept: Beautiful Mongolian Lingerie Model
Simple photography concepts are useful for two main reasons for me. I try to eliminate any visual clutter that is unnecessary. Of course at what point this perfection is reached is highly subjective for both photographer and viewer.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The other reason stems from doing most of my photoshoots with first time or amateur models. If the model has agreed to that the first session will entail lingerie or bikini modeling, the start of a photo session should be as demure as possible and fitting for the model’s personality and comfort level.
The above photo is an example of such approach. It’s a mix of a portrait and a lingerie picture. This beautiful Mongolian model was photographed in the open shade on a balcony of an apartment in Budapest, Hungary.
It is worth repeating the importance of using complementary colors (colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel). Just like two pictures ago this image also utilizes the visually pleasing contrast between red and green.
Flash Photography With Japanese Lingerie Model
It is possible for traveling or amateur photographers to create dramatic pictures with only an on camera flash without assistants or additional lights. I say on camera flash because the built-in flash is usually not powerful for this purpose plus the lens may cast a shadow in the bottom of the picture frame.
If the flash unit is left on the camera the effect of the straight-on, direct, unforgiving flash can render an intrusive paparazzi like effect. This harsh revealing blast of flash looks even better when it comes to black and white pictures. The viewer of the image may feel that he or she is not supposed to be witnessing the scene, it is forbidden to look at therefore these pictures have a highly intimate mood catering everyone’s voyeuristic side.
Because shutter speeds can get quite slow and it is best to have both hands on the camera, holding the flash off camera may be a challenging method without a tripod. Of course a friend or remote flash unit(s) can create lighting effects coming from more creative angles.
Let it be color or black and white, one of the more interesting visual aspects of night time flash photography is the empty dark background that is created. Any outdoor, on location photographer appreciates an uncluttered simple backdrop. Subjects really stand out, they pop against these backgrounds. You can check the range of your flash unit and figure out at what distance the light fall-off will occur.
There was no reason for such distance calculation with the above picture of an exotic Japanese fashion, bikini and and lingerie model. The photo was taken at Sandy Beach, on Oahu, Hawaii. The background was the Pacific Ocean covered in darkness. What I really like with night time flash photography is the gradual weakening of the flash which makes the background slowly disappear, reveling less and less detail in a visually interesting fashion.
Another example of night time flash photography but this time without the black background. The same intrusive flash effect was used as the model was crawling out of a beach cave that waves carved into the lava rock wall.
This cave was just a few feet deep so in the daytime it would have been bright in there. A daytime picture using ambient light would have given the image a kinder gentler mood. The daytime look would have worked better for beauty, glamor purposes. But for models with edgy and strong features I find the dramatic night time flash lighting works best.
Color contrast is important for night photography, vibrant colors like the lime green on the previous photo or the red color on this one will make the picture pop!
If the pictures are shot in black and white, than tonal contrast is very important. Some dark items and even blacks are OK in moderation but their size and tailoring must be considered because black clothes will be rendered as “empty areas” when photographed at night.
Structure And Geometry: Russian Lingerie Model In Castle
I love lines in photographs created by both the location and the model. Different types of straight lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) all convey a different mood and visual message. If the surroundings contain many straight lines, the feminine curves of a model can break up that geometry in an interesting way.
Only a fraction of the camera’s possibilities interests me – the marvelous mixture of emotion and geometry, together in a single instant.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
When it comes to skinny models without many curves, their limbs will create additional lines which can also be utilized. The above photo show such example, taken in a 100 year old Dutch castle of a slender Russian lingerie model.
There are a lot of vertical lines in this picture and only the diagonal lines created by the model’s pose offer a relief from them.
As always the model was not told to pose this way I let the lingerie theme and the surroundings set her mood and I was just capturing what was unfolding. The model’s demeanor really compliments the atmosphere of the castle, any forced, unnatural or cheesy pose would have cheapened and ruined this image.
The intelligence of the model or lack thereof can be gauged during the pre-photoshoot meeting. There is more to a successful photoshoot than outer beauty therefore the photographer should feel confident to follow his or her instinct and decline the session if the model does not have sufficient confidence and personality.
These meetings are also useful to check if the model’s weight or skin condition are according to her portfolio pictures.
Just a few feet away from the above window the antique chair provided a great prop. Once again the model’s natural pose did not need any tweaking from me. Besides some powerful horizontal and vertical lines this time interesting diagonal lines also appeared by the way of the planks of the hardwood floor. The legs of the model just happen to be parallel with those lines creating balance and visual harmony.
The lines created by the top of the fireplace and the curtain both lead the eyes towards the model’s face which is positioned according to the popular compositional standard: the rule of thirds. The ambient light via a large window creates side lighting coming from the right, this adds a three dimensional look to the model’s body and face.
I purposefully cut the vase and the small table exactly in half, it just looked right aesthetically while I was composing the image.
Beautiful Serbian Lingerie Model Smoking
Confidence ad personality are just as important as looks when it comes to model scouting. If the photographer honestly presents his or her ideas and has at least a brief discussion, the model’s “inner talent” is often possible to gauge before the photoshoot.
Such was the case of the beautiful Slovenian lingerie model who on this picture is smoking in the hallway of my friend’s apartment in Berlin, Germany. This was not even a real set-up. The cigarette she is smoking signals it was break time in the photoshoot as I hardly ever choose a smoking theme deliberately. But the moment was too perfect and natural not to capture.
The wall of the hallway was absolutely perfect, like a professional canvas backdrop of a photography studio. The color of the wall nicely compliments the color of the lingerie. If this was a planned smoking concept I would have made sure that the background was dark behind the cigarette so the smoke trail would have been visible. But any further direction or adjustment would have ruined the spontaneity of this particular moment.
Beautiful Slovenian Lingerie Model In Kitchen
Same model but a completely different shy and innocent mood was captured. A model’s versatility and ability to embody different concepts can add years to the lifespan of a photographer (via preserved sanity).
When shooting with amateur or first time models like I do, the separation between the models who got it and the ones who don’t is even more apparent.
The kitchen in my friend’s apartment was quite small but I was able to include enough of the surroundings to tell the story. The mixed lighting conditions could have been an issue but it didn’t really matter to me. There was the warm light from the light bulb above against the cold light coming from the left from the window.
There are ways to correct mixed lighting conditions (like putting colored gels on windows), professional photographers and Hollywood put a lot of effort and time into lighting a scene. I myself don’t mind mixed light at all, it adds to the realism. But if the colors look really awful I would just convert the image to black and white.
Young Slovenian Lingerie Model Daydreaming
Another fleeting moment captured. This photo was not the result of a set-up just like the smoking picture. We took a short break and the model drifted into a daydreaming state. This intimate candid shot and many more like it can make the photographer wonder of the value of deliberate set-ups and well thought out concepts.
Probably it would be exaggeration to eliminate any planning but the question is how much candid photography should be involved during a formal photo shoot? In my opinion as much as possible if the resulting pictures are high quality.
With practice the photographer can improve his or her compositional skills under these snapshot-like situations so the resulting pictures will fit in with the “properly executed” images.
Lingerie Model Photography With Natural Flow
It takes confidence, intelligence and chemistry between the model and photographer to effortlessly flow through a photoshoot. When it happens it magic described as “the model could not take a bad photo”. The best models from amateur to professional are able to get into the rhythm of the photographer and the photoshoot.
Pose, hold it, click, new pose, hold it, click .. and so on without any exchange of words. The above photo of the Serbian lingerie model in that Berlin apartment was the result of that kind of flow. It was the best scenario for both of us because I prefer to give as few instructions as possible.
I composed the frame, I made sure the model received side lighting to give the picture a three dimensional look, I included the curtains of the bed and the striped upholstery to add lines to the composition. Within this frame the model was free to do whatever she wanted according to her current mood. Taking pictures with intelligent models like her using this method always produces much better photos than photoshoots where the model requires extensive directions.
Beautiful Voluptuous Lingerie Model In Hawaii
Curvy lingerie models with perfect body proportions can provide excellent photography subjects. It has been noted on America’s Next Top Model as well how hard it is to find someone just below plus size with a body shape that photographs beautifully.
I had a chance to do a photoshoot with such perfectly proportioned lingerie model while I lived in Hawaii. The location was in the foothills of Diamondhead Crater. The sun was already too high not to cast ugly shadows without fill flash or reflector so open shade was chosen. This type of soft diffused light in my opinion tends to compliment models with curves. For skinny, edgy, more dramatic models the use of shadows are more fitting.
Another way to flatter voluptuous models is by elongating their bodies by the using poses, props or vertical lines. An example of these vertical lines can be seen in this picture in the form of the banyan tree roots. This may not be apparent to the viewer but it is a visual and compositional technique that definitely works. Just imagine the unflattering effect that horizontal lines would create in this photo.
Beautiful Amateur Belgian Lingerie Model
When photographing first time or amateur models like I do, often the model will provide her own clothes and accessories. This is simply the only way to conduct photo sessions when traveling or if want to take pictures on a shoestring budget.
I always set aside a good chunk of time during the pre-photoshoot discussion with the model to cover the subject of accessories, let it be in person, on the phone or via email. I refer to these accessories as fun items, even things from Halloween, hats, belts, sunglasses, jewelry etc. with character. The larger, the more over the top the item is the better so they are sufficiently visible on the pictures. A model once brought an huge afro wig that was part of her Halloween costume.
The value of having the proper accessories can be seen on the above picture of a stunningly beautiful first time fashion and lingerie model from Belgium. She had great style so the outfits and accessories she brought with her matched in both color and style.
With the black lingerie, dark sunglasses, white pearl necklace and white winter coat were able to repeat both black and white colors which established balance and fluidity within the picture.
Her wardrobe and accessories worked for both portrait pictures and full body photographs. Admittedly this ensemble was the result of both preparation and luck as I only communicated with her once via email before the photoshoot.
I made sure that the background was not too busy and it did not overpower or distract from the main subject: the model. Being a big fan of lines and diagonals in particular I employed the camera tilt for this composition which I am quite wary about because it can be easily overused and turned into a cliche.
When great opportunities like this present themselves my approach is always to shoot, shoot, shoot as many different ways as I can think of. I have seen countless times series of shots from fellow photographers’ photoshoots where one image was hardly distinguishable from the next.
No matter how many versions of a set-up I shoot it seems that the best picture, the one that gets selected is almost always from towards the end. This in theory could cause a photographer to shoot a set-up for hours but at least in my case once all great ideas seem to have been exhausted I simply run out of ideas and stop automatically.
Beautiful Black Lingerie Model From Panama
The next few pictures were taken of a beautiful black fashion and lingerie model from Panama at one of the most famous hotels in Hawaii: Kahala Resort. I had less than a handful of model photo shoots before this session so I had some reservations about my ability to pull it off.
The hotel room was large enough for me to be able to step back and create compositions that involved the surroundings to be able to tell a story with every picture. The room was also bright enough so if I needed to use flash it was just a low level burst to either lively up some colors or place a catch light into the model’s eyes.
Posing and body position was one of the challenges that laid ahead. I could rely on the model’s natural ability to pose inside each environment. But I knew I needed to also lead some aspects of creative decision making. One thing I had to be careful about how the model’s limbs would be positioned in relation to her body.
Limbs create intersecting lines with the head and torso and no matter how three dimensional a photo can get the photographer must take into consideration the eventual two dimensional nature of photographs. Mistakes like arms coming out of heads, torsos, legs etc. are common mistakes that sometimes even seasoned photographers tend to make.
The first step is to gain awareness about that these mistakes exist and once the photographer can automatically spot them in their own or others’ photographs they will always be visible. This may sound obvious but there are countless pictures even in magazines where the cut off limbs results in an amputee looks.
The above image I believe is free of such error but the way the feet emerge from behind the model’s butt almost represents an anatomical and compositional visual conflict. The photographer must be aware during the photoshoot, checking posing and body positioning must be paid attention to until it becomes second nature handled by the subconscious.
Creating Visual Balance With Golden Ratio
Utilizing the Rule Of Thirds will result in more balanced and pleasing compositions. These the most basic rules of photography that can and should be broken when they can be substituted by a more effective method.
Especially when it comes to a model portfolio photoshoot, the photographer must be careful that not all pictures have the same look (for example tilted camera angle). There can be perfectly legitimate instances when placing the model in the center of the frame will work, i.e. in the case when symmetry is being emphasized.
The above picture clearly shows how placing elements according to the rule of thirds draws the eyes to these areas: the captivating eyes of the model and the purple triangle of the lingerie bottom.
Flipping the previous composition horizontally results in the same effect. Lines created by the model’s limbs and the white embroidery of the corset also help to bring a flow to the composition that lead the eyes towards those elements that are being emphasized by the intersecting cross hairs (of the rule of thirds).
Black Lingerie Model Posing In Shower
I really enjoy the perspective waist-level cameras like Rolleiflex produces for 3/4 or full body photos. With today’s modern cameras without waist-level finders the photographer must be willing to get down to achieve the same old time tried results.
I read somewhere that some photographers are not fans of this lowered vantage point which is OK as long as they are at least aware of the look that it produces.
The effectiveness of waist-level vantage point can be seen on the picture of the beautiful black lingerie model from Panama above. When there is not enough shooting distance between camera and model a relatively wide angle lens must be used. The same photo would look distorted if shot from eye-level because the model’s head would get enlarged while her proportions would shrink towards the feet due to me having to shoot down.
On the flip side this distorted effect can be emphasized if the photographer stands on a chair and shoots downward. These compositions with exaggerated perspective offer a very unique and eye catching look.
A special note regarding waist-level photography: be aware of shooting up the nostrils, the size and beauty of the nostrils and facial proportions can allow this method as well as forbid it depending on the model. In the case of the Panamanian model her perfect nostrils make the above photo work!
Striking Black Lingerie Model From Panama
Tonal contrast (the difference between the light and dark areas) is important to pay attention to during back and white photoshoots. This may be a challenge for amateur photographers who are used to shoot always in color with digital cameras. A new colorblind way of seeing needs to be developed to be able to take dramatic black and white pictures.
As seen on the picture of the beautiful Panamanian lingerie model above, seemingly the easiest way to achieve tonal contrast is to dress the model into black plus white wardrobe. Not only this is not necessary but black and white clothing items can actually create some challenges.
Namely the classic dilemma of properly exposing all parts of a picture of a black cat on white snow. Now that can be a challenge with modern digital cameras which have a narrower exposure latitude than film cameras. In addition amateur, traveling or on location photographers usually lack the proper lights or reflectors needed for such high contrast scenes.
The black and white conversion shows my inexperience during the beginning of my model photography journey: the white vest is overexposed! The picture was not shot in RAW format so there is nothing to recover from the blown out highlights. But I wanted to purposefully include this image so I can demonstrate mistakes as well successes in this tutorial.
One way to control blown out highlights or detail lost in underexposed shadows is not to select black and white clothes but slightly less contrasty bright and dark colored items. The resulting images with less than perfect whites and blacks can be tweaked in Photoshop or with camera exposure setting to achieve the desired level of tonal contrast.
Russian Lingerie Model In Wide Angle
A great example for making the best in every situation is a fashion and lingerie photo shoot where we got rained out. It happened in the countryside in Belgium with nowhere to go but call it a day and head home.
But I was able to continue the session with some basic equipment that fit into my backpack and could be carried on international backpacking trips by any amateur photographer. A trusty Nikon flash and a wide angle lens allowed us to continue to take pictures in the model’s car. The output of the flash could be reduced to the proper degree even in those close quarters.
The wide angle lens did produce some distortion but that is not what the eyes of the casual viewer would focus on. The black interior of the car was perfectly matching the black lingerie. The intimate setting was helpful for me to add an up-close and personal mood to the pictures. The model was also inspired by the location and the scenario incorporating it into her expression.
Russian Lingerie Model Wearing Black Corset
Deciding to what degree the background contributes to the story of the photograph is a key decision the photographer needs to make. Compliment, contrast, fade away? Any rule that can be written about the selection of backgrounds can be broken while producing exceptional images.
For the above photos I believe it is a combination of contrast and fade away. An edgy Russian lingerie model wearing a black corset against the European countryside does not represent a shocking contrast, it is subtle one but the model is definitely out of place considering everyday reality.
The background also fades away in the sense that it is generic with some simple and elegant lines that do not distract from the main subject. The road cutting the model at hip level and the horizon at waist level is also complimentary. Usually it is not recommended for the horizon or any strong lines to “go through” the head of the subject but as noted before all rules of photography are flexible.
Taking the picture from waist level as I was squatting down ensured that the upper body and especially the head of the model would be against the empty sky without any distractions in the background. This ensures maximum contrast and eliminates any visual confusion.
German Lingerie Model On Red Leather Couch
The above picture encompasses everything this tutorial is about. The total cost of the picture of this blonde German dancer and lingerie model was no more than what I would have spent if I stayed at home just living a regular life sitting on my couch watching tv. I only paid for my meals that day.
Of course I had to get to Germany from Hawaii so the cost of transport is an exception. I always fly stand by because my itinerary is flexible enough. Visit Airtech . com if you wish to get a great deal on flights.
The photo shoot took place in Dusseldorf, Germany where I had a friend that provided me with free accommodation. If you are visiting places where you don’t have friends and don’t wish to pay a few dollars for a hostel bed, check out couchsurfing . org where you can stay with strangers for a few days at a time. Researching and getting references about your future hosts is a great way to avoid unpleasant couchsurfing experiences.
The model was also free. I contacted a local model agency and asked them if they needed any of their new faces photographed. Because there is no fee for the photographer the answer is almost always a yes. The make-up was free, provided by a make-up artist at the agency. The location was free. Besides public locations we used in the city we were granted access to the penthouse of the model agency where the above red leather couch was utilized.
The wardrobe was free, provided by the model agency and the model.
We ended up with a wide variety of images from that day without a serious investment from either parties involved. Most of my photoshoots are arranged in this manner financially speaking. There is nothing extraordinary about these arrangements, let it be around the corner from your house or half way around the world.
Voluptuous Lingerie Model In Cornfield
Living in Hawaii for five years truly can spoil a photographer for exotic locations. When I was in Germany of course I took advantage of abandoned locations, weathered architecture and other looks that only old Europe can provide.
But when I had a chance to photograph a voluptuous lingerie model I started to miss the lush rainforests of Hawaii. More as an inside joke than anything else I decided to create my own German jungle using a readily available location: a corn field.
Yes the concept is admittedly borderline cheesy but it was a fun photoshoot nevertheless. The model was a great sport crawling between rows of corn. The corn was planted with German precision so finding a perfect opening that would make the model visible actually took a few minutes.
Fortunately the corn was tall enough for the model to stand up as well. This setup mimics our lingerie model being an Amazon warrior-like figure as she is breaking through the cornfield. The time of the day was not ideal being midday so I placed the sun behind the model to avoid unattractive dark shadows under her eyes and to prevent her squinting. Of course photographing without assistants means I do not use reflectors.
To create a more three dimensional look, I made sure to include corn in the foreground as well so the model’s body is surrounded by leaves. The choice of a pink lacy lingerie was deliberate as red and green are on the opposing sides of the color wheel (making them complimentary colors) providing nice color contrast in pictures.
As the sun was going down it was now possible for the model to look towards the light. So we did a wardrobe change and switched to black lace lingerie.
The pose and the expression is not contrived giving the picture a more realistic mood. The viewer can easily create a story from looking at the picture. I wanted to create the illusion that the viewer is actually there surprising the model. To stumble upon a lingerie model in a cornfield is not an everyday occurrence for most people and neither it is for the model. So a certain degree of tension and even unease is quite appropriate for this concept.
With the sun directly shining on the model this more dramatic lighting condition allowed for the taking of color pictures which can successfully be converted to black and white. Besides color contrast now we had tonal contrast as well.
Usually it takes a long time for the photographer to see a real life scene in black and white. If I could change anything about the original composition which would improve the black and white version, I would place more leaves in the foreground so they would cast more shadows onto the model’s body. I would take at least a dozen pictures with slightly different shadow patterns so I could later select a frame where everything fell into place.
Nevertheless I do like both versions. It was a fun day, turning the ordinary German corn field into an exotic photoshoot location.
Japanese Lingerie Model In Rainforest
And finally let’s return to Hawaii to end at a truly exotic location. Even if you are an amateur photographer who does not live in Hawaii it is a lot easier to do model photography in paradise than it may seem at first.
These trips are very affordable and would no doubt spice up any amateur portfolio. Hawaii has a somewhat unattainable, dream destination myth about it but it is just another U.S. state. Meaning flights and hostel beds are cheap. There are plenty of exotic, mostly mixed Asian models who can be contacted via ModelMayhem . com who are looking for free photoshoots. There are free make-up artists on ModelMayhem as well.
Because there are only a limited number of local photographers in Hawaii, anyone visiting from the mainland with a fresh style is in high demand.
These local models will know great locations and the best times to visit them. They will have a car to drive you around and will have enough wardrobe of their own to provide all the looks that a fashion, bikini, lingerie photoshoot needs.
The above photo was taken of a beautiful Japanese fashion and swimsuit model at the Pali rainforest just 10 minutes outside Honolulu. It is one of many very diverse exotic locations Hawaii has to offer. This photoshoot was arranged and executed using the above methods. ModelMayhem talent scouting, meeting at Starbucks to plan location, theme, wardrobe and makeup .. and so on as detailed in this tutorial.
I love the dead tree, it has the “beauty and the best” feel to it as death and beauty are captured in an effortless way.
And now a few final words: the reason I don’t have even the most basic gear that is considered professional like soft box or remote controlled flash units is their weight and because I rather spend my money on traveling. Not vacation type traveling but what is called mini retirements. Mini retirements can span from a few weeks to a few months per year. More advanced vagabonds can easily stretch each of their trips several years long.
Photographing on the road is challenging and exciting. It is backpacking with a higher purpose and a lot more substance. Any trip is so much richer in (visual) experiences when the camera takes a front seat. We are not talking about Kodak moments but improving skills and building a photography portfolio.
If it is a one man or woman operation, the photographer will wear many hats during the trip. Model and location scout, wardrobe stylist, make-up and hair counselor, retouch artist to name a few. Creating the best pictures possible on a shoestring budget (that is often $0 dollars) is not as hard as it may sound.
Besides the obvious expenses of travel that is needed to get out of the comfort of one’s hometown other seemingly daunting expenses can be dramatically reduced or eliminated completely.
