Hollywood / Femmes Fatales
Link to portfolio/mood board.
These are trying to emulate the techniques and mood of the classic Hollywood photos of the 1940s – see the work of George Hurrell.
And I’ve also started to reflect Alfred Cheney Johnstone’s wonderful “Jazz Age” nudes from the 1920’s / 1930s, so I’m building props to reflect this.
And I’m also bringing it a bit up-to-date in terms of contenporary styling – but the rôle you’lll be playing will still be the seductive ‘vamp’.
So we’ll typically try 2-3 ‘looks’ – here are some ideas for you to work around :
- Slinky / glam frocks you can ‘fall out of’
- Contemporary styled lingerie (Honey Birdette, for example) – not just basic bra/pants
- Vintage ‘style’lingerie – corsetry, girdle, stockings, french knickers etc.
- Topless / nude is an option
Stockings / hold-ups work well with this style.
Jewellery – especially necklaces – can work on this set as well.
Makeup
The lighting can be quite strongly directional, so please use foundation, or the images will show shiny patches of skin.
“Glam” makeup – bold lipstick, smoky eyeshadow. Emphasise cheekbones, if possible.
If you can style your hair to enhance the mood, that’ll be great 😊
Danseuses series
Link to portfolio/mood board.
This is the main session of the shoot – maybe taking 1½ hours, and probably with 2-3 looks. It can be quite tiring, so let me know if you need to take a break.
These are long exposures – between 2 and 10 seconds. All the effects are in-camera – I just correct exposure and contrast in editing, and crop the composition, to keep a very organic mood.
These are intended for exhibition in art galleries and (hopefully) for limited edition print sales.
The original intent was to capture the dynamics and emotion of dance, but it’s moved on a bit since then. From my portfolio, you’ll see that we can achieve a number of effects, from ballet moves to more dysmorphic images. All are valid, and I love that each model brings her own mood to the shoot.
The parts of the subject that don’t move (obviously) register more light. So a quick change of position during the shot will register twice, whereas a smooth change will register a blur. Both can be interesting.
Even the parts of you that stay still will have a softened effect.
The studio has a fan, which can create an interesting effect with light fabrics or long hair.
Note : I’m trying to capture dynamic movement here, which may involve you parting your legs – this is can be overly revealing, when working nude or with a tutu.
- I’m not trying to capture images of your ‘bits’ (and my model release limits me from sharing any ‘accidents’)
- Normally, these would, in any case, be blurred by the motion and lens blur.
- However, if it helps you to feel less constrained, I’m happy for you to wear a nude / white thong under a tutu.
Styling
I bring lots of organzas (and some ‘ballerina’ skirts and tutus) to work with, but classic/period loose, light sheers (or even cottons) can be interesting as well.
I think simple makeup works well with these – strong colours can dominate in the images, creating smears. Hair – loose and natural-looking. I think soft curls work quite well.
I don’t do any detail-level photoshopping on these images, as it would ruin the organic feel.
If possible, please use plain / muted nailpolish.
Boudoir Noir
Link to portfolio/mood board
This series is mostly about shadows and curves, in a soft, impressionistic portrayal of the female form.
We’ll probably try 2 “looks” for this set.
I explain the intent of this series on the portfolio page . I believe that it’s sensual, without being pornographic. However, I understand that different people have different comfort levels, so if you’re not happy with this, then let me know (it’s not a deal breaker) and we’ll try something else.
(And – by the way – if there’s anything you’re uncomfortable with on the day, then please let me know asap).
This series is mainly intended for magazine publication, and I’ve had some success with these.
I usually brief this as “intriguing underwear”, but sheers can work as well. Soft lingerie (as opposed to “shell” bras) works best, with patterns or textures (laces, satins, etc.). Straps and clips give a bit of variety. Suspender belts can work.
Stockings really work on this set – they give definition to your legs (which could otherwise just appear as white blobs).
Again, I aim not to shoot full-frontal / open leg.
There are no specific makeup / hair requirements for this session..
Model Release
At the end of the shoot, I’ll ask you to sign a model release.
Here’s an example of my current standard terms (let me know if there’s anything you’re not happy about) :
NOTE: This version allows for commercial use of images, because that’s required by some of the magazines I submit to.
I don’t sell (or seek to sell) the images commercially (and I don’t load to stock sites), so I’m happy to go with non-commercial terms (I’ll just submit to other magazines 🤷♂️).
For “Consideration” noted below, and herein acknowledged as received, and by signing this release I hereby give the Photographer / Filmmaker and Assigns my permission to license the Content and to use the Content in any Media for any purpose (except pornographic or defamatory), subject to the “Limitations” noted below, which may include, among others, advertising, promotion, marketing and packaging for any product or service. I agree that the Content may be combined with other images, text, graphics, film, audio, audio-visual works; and may be cropped, altered or modified. I acknowledge and agree that I have consented to publication of my ethnicity(ies) as indicated below, but understand that other ethnicities may be associated with me by the Photographer / Filmmaker and / or Assigns for descriptive purposes.
I agree that I have no rights to the Content, and all rights to the Content belong to the Photographer / Filmmaker and Assigns. I acknowledge and agree that I have no further right to additional consideration or accounting, and that I will make no further claim for any reason to Photographer / Filmmaker and / or Assigns. I acknowledge and agree that this release is binding upon my heirs and assigns. I agree that this release is irrevocable, worldwide and perpetual, and will be governed by the laws of England.
It is agreed that my personal information will not be made publicly available (subject to “Releases” noted below) but may only be used directly in relation to the licensing of the Content where necessary (e.g. to defend claims, protect rights or notify trade unions) and may be retained as long as necessary to fulfill this purpose, including by being shared with sub- licensees / assignees of the Photographer / Filmmaker and transferred to countries with differing data protection and privacy laws where it may be stored, accessed and used. I represent and warrant that I am at least 18 years of age and have the full legal capacity to execute this release.
It is further agreed that the Photographer will not use the Content in a way intended to humiliate or degrade the Model. This includes (but is not limited to) submitting the Content to pornographic websites or magazines.
Consideration : £xxx
Limitations : – no visible genitalia (nb this does not include breasts)
Releases : The model may be identified by the relevant professional name when images are reproduced
Definitions: “ASSIGNS” means a person or any company to whom Photographer/Filmmaker has assigned or licensed rights under this release as well as the licensees of any such person or company. “CONSIDERATION” means £1 or something else of value I have received in exchange for the rights granted by me in this release. “CONTENT” means all photographs, film, audio, or other recording, still or moving, taken of me as part of the Shoot. “MEDIA” means all media including digital, electronic, print, television, film, radio and other media now known or to be invented. “MODEL” means me and includes my appearance, likeness and voice. “PARENT” means the parent and/or legal guardian of the Model. Parent and Model are referred to together as “I” and “me” in this release, as the context dictates. “PHOTOGRAPHER / FILMMAKER” means photographer, illustrator, filmmaker or cinematographer, or any other person or entity photographing or recording me. “SHOOT” means the photographic, film or recording session described in this form. “GENITALIA” does not include breasts.