Props can make the shot

They add a little bit of mystery. An extra element of shape, color and texture. Props. So many figure flaws can be masked by lingerie of all types.

Genitalia as art objects

Genitalia are like snowflakes. No two sets are alike. From a flaccid penis to a hard cock. A sublime pussy or a set of hanging vaginal lips. Little clitoris. Penis like clitoris. They are all different and all beautiful.

In her bedroom

Many of the figure studies that I do are in my subjects homes. Where better to photograph a nude than in a bedroom. Available light coming from an open window on an overcast, rainy day. The blue of the window light contrasts nicely the warmth of the tungsten lamp on the night stand.

The Beauty of Infrared

Infrared is part of the wavelength of light that you don't see but that you feel. It makes you warm or hot.

Digital cameras are very sensitive to infrared. They come with ir blocking filters in front of their ccd's. When the ccd is removed, the camera is almost useless for conventional photography. The resulting tones are usually unnatural looking.

With a little manipulation in Photoshop the same images shot under the right conditions can make for dream like or ethereal images. Skin becomes pasty white. Dark green foliage goes white and dark blue skies become almost black against white clouds. This can be the stuff of dreams.

This photo is from a couple of years ago. I'll be posting more as soon as summer arrives and we get green foliage again.

Light and shape

Often times I use available window light for photos but for this one I used one large soft light. The light is large enough that it provides a soft directional light while still filling in the shadows. Skin photographed this way can take on a golden glow.

Changing the point of view

Changing your point of view of posing your subject in a non-traditional way can have interesting and effective results. The subject was on her hands and knees on top of her bed. Lighting was available window light. Often times, available light with a tripod because the shutter speeds are so long can be more effective than using studio lights.

Stockings do it

Props are always useful to add or subtract. They can add mood to a photo and they can also hide flaws or blemishes that you don't want front and center. This model is a large woman, maybe 240 lbs. Having her legs up hides the belly that she is embarrassed with. The stockings also add texture and tone.