Last month my wife and I attended a photoshoot which was arranged by three models, one of which was Elle in this picture. They hired a studio with multiple sets and brought along several outfits for us to choose from. Unfortunately, they were rather let down by the studio owners who did turn up to open up the studio and switch on the heating (it was freezing), and were not on hand when there was some problems with the studio flash. As a result, the attached image was taken with permanent lighting rather than studio flash, and when I looked closely, poor Elle was covered in goosebumps from the cold. A bit of editing required to straighten up the couch (I really should get these things right when shooting), adjust the contrast and saturation and smooth out the skin textures.
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 plus 24-105 F4L Lens at 30mm, F4, 1/125sec, ISO800.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 7 comments posted
Trey Foerster
Gordon, there sure are a lot of women in your life! Right off, the one distraction that caught my eye was the light spot at the bottom left, a reflection on the leg of the couch. I also wonder why you "dirtied up" the coach so it looks like something that was curbside. That said, the model is beautiful, her right hand is delicate, the lighting on her is perfect, and I like the contrast between the panel wall and the couch. I like the shadowing of the bottom and the creases/folds in the dress bring you up to the subject. I am now waiting to see what inspirational message or advertisement you'll be posting at top left … Posted: 03/16/2025 12:50:25
Gordon Watson
Thanks Trey. There is actually only one woman in my life, and she accompanies me on all these photoshoots (and usually ends up with better pictures than me if I am honest!). Your suggestions are always welcome and I had already noticed that bright spot on the couch leg. Interesting that Ian disagreed regarding processing the couch. I might dial back the processing a bit though and see what I think. Thanks again. Posted: 03/21/2025 16:39:02
Ian Cambourne
Another superb image Gordon. I'll agree ever so slightly with Trey about that reflection on the couch foot, mmmm, if it wasn't there, the couch would be floating in space somewhat. So the jury is still out for me on that. Dirtying up the couch, for me, was most definitely the way to go. I think the bluer tones it now has help it blend in much better with the overall tones of this scene. Sorry Trey. Congratulations on a great image taken in a way that may not have been most conducive for good photography. And my biggest applause goes to Elle who was able to look magic, even though she took out the Miss Goosebumps title. Posted: 03/17/2025 03:21:24
Gordon Watson
Thanks Ian. See my reply to Trey above regarding the bright spot and the couch. It is always useful to receive some feedback, even it is contradictory! At the very least it makes me go back, think again and then come to my own decision. Posted: 03/21/2025 16:46:46
Henriette Brasseur
The molding of light/shadows is superb in this image from the dress, couch, panels and floor. You are a master at doing this sort of thing. I had to think about the spot of light on the couch's leg as to whether it should stay or be removed. I think the spot of light gives an edge to the leg so it doesn't blend into the floor. It's a matter of choice if you want to darken the spot of light a bit or not....your choice. Beautiful model with a timeless look and a blue dress that complements the combination of light and shadows to give this image a vintage look. Well done, Gordon. Posted: 03/17/2025 12:22:02
Gordon Watson
Thanks for your kind comments Henriette. I have already decided to take out that little bright spot. Elle turned up with a selection of outfits, so we said to her that the blue dress would match her blue skin because it was so cold! Posted: 03/21/2025 16:57:35
Jay Joseph
Beautiful image Gordon. The colors, lighting, and position of the model are very professional. Your treatment of the floor and couch really add to the mystic of the picture. Posted: 03/21/2025 17:33:10
