Brian Magor, APSA, MPSA  


Nude by Brian Magor, APSA, MPSA

August 2018 - Nude

August 2018 - Brian Magor, APSA, MPSA

Original

About the Image(s)

Taken at our recent model shot. We originally booked a ballerina but at the last moment she was unavailable, so Wendy took her place. We took some clothed shots when suddenly she said that she could do nude photography and stripped her clothes off! Once we got over our surprise, we remembered an image of a nude reclining on a table from the Hoylake International. We didn't have a table, but there was a white box, which we draped with some black netting.
Studio lights set off by a hotshoe attachment. Camera Olumpus OMD EM1 Mark 2. Lens Olympus 12-40mm equivalent to 24-80mm. Set at Manual, focal length 28mm equivalent to 56mm.
Heavily cropped, turned to sepia in Nik Silver Efex, then border created usuing Nik Color Efex.
Entered a print in Washington State Fair and Central Washington State Fair


This round’s discussion is now closed!
15 comments posted




 
The pose is typical and shows her quite well.
Pity about the unsuitable lighting, because there are shadows under her breast, elbow, groin and bottom.   Posted: 08/07/2018 13:08:22
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
I must confess I don't understand much about studio lighting. Why are those shadows unsuitable? Should there have been a fill light from the other side to eliminate them (I thought that was standard in a studio setup). Maybe Brian can tell us what the lighting setup was.   Posted: 08/11/2018 10:28:47
 
I probably understand even less! This was a studio we hired and the studio operator set up the lighting. On the back of the camera you can't usually see all the problems. Personally, I can not see the problem with the shadows on the model. It's the shadow above her I need to work on!   Posted: 08/11/2018 13:09:47
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Oh yes, the more one looks, the more one sees. I agree the shadow on the back wall in your monochrome is distracting. Let us see a revised version when you get rid of it.
By the way, you improved Wendy's hair a lot in the monochrome.   Posted: 08/11/2018 13:23:20
 
I did some cloning to remove the shadow of her hand. I think you need the shadow under her breast to give shape.
Tried Topaz Chamoisee Glaze. Does it add anything?   Posted: 08/14/2018 17:36:34
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Or perhaps go for straight Black and White rather than sepia?   Posted: 08/14/2018 17:38:10
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Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Shadows. Shadows. Shadows. I think they are part of photography, especially the human form. Now that the shadow of her hand on her bottom is gone, the overall impression is better, but I think the rest of the shadows need to stay to define roundness.
I like the straight b/w best.
Good model, good pose, good shot, good lighting, good post-processing. Let us know over in group 32 how it does in competition.   Posted: 08/14/2018 19:27:17
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Shadows. Shadows. Shadows. I think they are part of photography, especially the human form. Now that the shadow of her hand on her bottom is gone, the overall impression is better, but I think the rest of the shadows need to stay to define roundness.
I like the straight b/w best.
Good model, good pose, good shot, good lighting, good post-processing. Let us know over in group 32 how it does in competition.   Posted: 08/14/2018 19:28:20



 
To get rid of the shadows, you could use small versions of the clone tool. I still prefer, the more natural body colors of the original   Posted: 08/08/2018 04:23:54



Sherry Icardi   Sherry Icardi
(Groups 73 & 94)
So, I am totally out of my depth on this one! I have never photographed a model, let alone a nude model (my 12 years in catholic schools is showing). Lighting is a science that I have not yet conquered. I work almost exclusively in natural lighting and use reflectors and such but studio lighting is a few levels above my paygrade ! I have removed shadows with clone tool, works pretty well. The one other shadow that I think is distracting is from her hand. It is quite dark and draws my eye to that spot immediately.   Posted: 08/13/2018 09:49:47



Marilyn Ross   Marilyn Ross
I also do not understand enough about studio lighting. Now that everyone stresses the shadows, I now focus on them which I did not before. The shadow above her should be removed. But the shadows on her abdomen which did not bother me initially now does. But I still think it is a great capture and well done.   Posted: 08/13/2018 17:24:57



Adelet Kegley   Adelet Kegley
I also do not have practical experience with studio lighting. However I do feel that much more contrast and shadow is needed. When looking at quality BW portraits the softness of shadows softening the face and body would greatly enhance this image. She needs much more shadows to generate mystery and elegance. Try using the brush tool in Lt room and dodge and burn in softly with the contours of her body. Look at up other similar photos to see where the shadows are. When taking life drawing it is all about the lines and shadows.   Posted: 08/16/2018 11:51:22



 
By contrast, here is a copy of a model I took on a shoot near Lake Vernwy in Wales UK. I call it Rachel on the Rocks, and it has had two accepts at internationals, as yet.   Posted: 08/17/2018 09:01:51
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I always feel sorry for these young ladies posing naked in such uncomfortable places!   Posted: 08/22/2018 07:40:31



Shirley Ward   Shirley Ward
I, too, have never photographed a nude model, and have no desire to do so, but, I will say that she is well placed on the box. Agree with all the comments on unwanted shadows on her body. Maybe her left leg could be a bit higher and bent a bit more, with the right leg behind lower...having both legs in the same position seems awkward to me...   Posted: 08/25/2018 15:28:59