Boudoir ~ Workshop pictures

Jun 26, 2012 | Continuous Lighting, Flash, Location | 11 comments

01. A high viewpoint gives a different perspective and changes the mood of the shot. I held my Fuji X-Pro1 with the 35mm f/1.4 lens above my head and composed using the rear screen. Other delegates used a chair or my step ladder to gain the height advantage.

Here are a few frames from my first simply boudoir workshop. This event is a one light workshop and I change the light source from time to time. I used a variety of Lupo lights and a single modified Speedlight. The emphasis was definately on keeping it simple.

02. Simple design and balance makes the picture.

Model: Ella D from Alpha Agency

Make up and hair: Vicki Waghorn

03. The 60mm macro lens on the Fuji or my 100mm Canon macro lens are perfect for simple crops like this. I love to get in close and pull out details. I used my Fuji 60mm lens wide open at f/2.4 for this shot.

04. Before the football went belly up for England at Euro 2012 there was an air of patriotism. A Union Jack foot stall was a fitting prop for this shot.

05. Simple window light is so effective for this kind of shot.

06. We replaced the window light with a single modified Speedlight for this sofa shot. Balancing the ambient and flash parts of the exposure is one of my key training topics on this workshop. I demystify the Speedlight shooting process.

07. This naturally lit frame uses a space that would most likely be overlooked. Learning to see opportunity is perhaps one of the most important aspects of becoming a successful photographer.

08. I showed how to control flare. The 'sunlight' was provided by a Speedlight.

09. A higher viewpoint and a lens hood in place and the flare is gone.

I shot this entire set apart from shots 1, 4, 5 and 6 using the 60mm lens. It is becoming a new standard lens for me until the Fuji 56mm f/1.4 is released in the Spring of 2013. See here for the latest lens road map.

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11. This was lit with the Quad light from Lupolux. Tipped right down on a tilt head bracket this luminarie literally bathes the subject in a pool of glorious light.

12. As a bit of a technical exercise we lit Ella with a softened Speedlight and balanced the interior light level with the exterior light level through the French doors.

13. I then showed how to use one Lupo 800 to key and kick for a Hollywood lighting look.

14. The Lupolux Quad light proved quite popular when used with a shower cap.

15. One of the delegates helped me set this shot up insisting on getting the piano and the floor lined up and it is this attention to detail that adds the finishing touches to a shot.

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Join me on my next Boudoir workshop. It is a foundation level workshop that will suit anyone with basic camera skills and a willingness to learn. It doesn’t matter what camera you have as long as the make doesn’t begin with an S. We have had issues with Samsung and Sony cameras not being compatible with universal flash triggers. All you need is a camera, a couple of lenses and an open mind.

Please feel free to comment on these pictures.

11 Comments

  1. Helen Field Photography

    Gorgeous photography – as usual. If you are thinking of enroling on one of Damien’s courses do not hesitate. Money well spent and advice that will stay with you forever!! I’m currently saving up for another!!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Claire,

      I love those shots too. I’m always trying out new ideas for shots even if I’m shooting at the same location. It keeps the pictures fresh and interesting.

      Best regards, Damien.

      Reply
  2. Dreamy

    beautiful and natural portrait!

    Reply
    • damien

      Thank you Dreamy :)

      Reply
  3. Peter Burkwood

    Nice selection of images Damien, any tips on shooting boudoir for a larger lady? As I have a shoot coming up soon.

    P

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Peter,

      Indeed, I’m running a Curvy Boudoir workshop to cover just those issues. I have a lot of ideas and systems that I have used over the 400 or so weddings I’ve shot with Julie and it’s amazing just what can be done in camera with great lighting to minimise, maximise, accentuate and diminish. Words alone won’t quite deliver the info you need. Here is one bit of advice though – Size is irrelevent to making great boudoir pictures. Each and every woman has attributes to champion. Personality, verve, energy and sassyness are often far more important to capture than the body. As photographers we need to be able to ‘see’ beauty and capture it. I teach that process on my workshops. We analise, then use light and pose to bring out the best. I do hope you can join me.

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply
  4. Bertrand Vessier

    I shoot Sony and have an eBay adapter which allows me to use my Skyport and Quadra pack. I’d imagine that it then would be compatible with the universal triggers…

    Regards,

    Bert

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi Bert,

      Indeed you are correct. The adapter is the bit of kit you need.

      Regards, Damien.

      Reply
  5. david cooke

    Superb images Damien I am definately booking onto a boudoir shoot some time next year.

    Reply
    • damien

      Hi David,

      I’d get on a boudoir workshop this year if I were you as I probably won’t be doing them next year. I’ve run two so far, I’ve a curvy boudoir coming up but I think just one more boudoir workshop after that will meet the demand. Then it will be something new as always :)

      Kindest regards,

      Damien.

      Reply

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