Beautiful First Time Fashion And Lingerie Model From Belgium
September 25, 2005
These photos were taken during one of my European photography trips. I most enjoy working with first time or amateur models with little or no experience.
What are the positive aspects of photoshoots with first time models? They have no diva attitude, no badly learned modeling poses, no greed or delusions of grandeur.
Of course amateur models must be cast carefully based not only on looks but on personality and confidence as well. In return they tend to be more natural, more willing to follow directions and more appreciative of the opportunity. They do not have previous negative experiences with photographers which ensures the essential trust.
I found an informal photo of Alexandra on a Belgian modeling website and immediately was really interested in her look. Our shoot happened to be her first photoshoot and the results were excellent.
The above photo was an intro for the post, now let’s look at some of my favorite images from this photoshoot in chronological order.
The location was an industrial area at the Antwerp harbor. As usual wardrobe was provided by the model, we went through some ideas via email before the shoot to select a few looks.
When I heard that Alexandra had dark Ugg boots and a Russian style fur hat it was easy to shape the rest of the clothing selection and photoshoot theme around these few centerpieces.
At first we started taking pictures on and around freight trains. Nothing posy or intimidating, looking in the camera is always optional. These first few frames are warm up period not only for the model but for me as well.
I love intimate and personal portraits so all photoshoots sooner or later gravitate towards these compositions. Alexandra has a beautiful face with a strong jaw which over the years became my favorite feature in female models.
The Russian fur hat frames the model’s face beautifully and turned out to be a winning wardrobe piece. The soft back lighting nicely adds a dreamy feel and intimacy to the photo.
The color of the freight train containers all complimented the color scheme of the clothes. Considering that Alexandra was a beginner model she was effortlessly striking some great poses.
Fun personality, confidence, intelligence, improvisational skills and a beautiful face are all features a photographer seeks in a model. Here the Russian fur hat creates the illusion of large ears which add to the playfulness of this photo.
My rule is if something works keep shooting it from different angles using different compositions; the only downside is that the editing process can become hard if there are too many good photos to choose from.
The stunning face and beautiful hair is revealed when the fur hat comes off.
I love this beauty shot, the eye contact, mood and expression are great. Confidence like this cannot be faked. It is really remarkable how the slightest hesitation, doubt, lack of confidence can be seen in the eyes.
Alexandra was a pro a truly unique and captivating beauty.
This time the background was provided by the mustard yellow freight train container which was a perfect match for the chocolate brown Russian fur hat and the model’s skin color.
It was time to shoot our winter coat and lingerie theme. Repeating colors is a great photographic technique and by sheer luck we had a white winter coat, white pearl necklace, black lingerie and black designer sunglasses. Repeating these colors works out great in this photo.
By angling the camera the wooden fence provided some really dynamic diagonal lines which add excitement to photos. The also dynamic pose complete the story of the photograph.
What a different image compared the the one above. Taken just a few second later due to the lack of camera angle the wooden fence now is drawing vertical lines which convey a static and strong feel.
The pose of the model has changed accordingly and matching the background with its quiet elegant confident stance.
Another version where the pulled together winter coat and a different expression conveys a secretive, shy more withdrawn mood, depending on how the viewer of the image interprets the story of the photo.
I like a simple story: beautiful deadly secret agent a moment before she opens her winter coat and opens fire with weapons attached to her black lacy bustier.
I just had to shoot more beauty shots, this time out in the soft light under the overcast sky where I was able to blur the background and focus the eyes of the viewer on the stunning beauty of the model.
I also love this quiet, confident photo where Alexandra turns into a beautiful Natalia Portman look-alike. Her vulnerable intimate beauty transforms this simple setup into a special moment.
I remember carefully composing this photo especially how much if any of those bright skylights on the rooftop of the warehouse to include. Really bright areas can distract from the main subject but due to their relatively small size and being blurred I think they actually compliment the image.
One eye hidden, the pink cardigan slipping off one shoulder were improvised by the model that “just happened”. I never give models too many instructions, my preference is to capture their natural mood and personality.
As the wind picked up the model’s hair the feel of this photo changed from the previous ones. The thumb in the pocket and the white wifebeater shirt coupled with the model’s rebel pose and attitude make this shot another favorite picture.
