01. We started the session using the light from a window to get everyone up and running with camera settings and to get used to shooting alongside each other. I explained my strategy for exposure with high contrast scenes and how I like to handle white tones in the shot. I showed the photographers how I set up my LCD preview using the jpeg settings to emulate exactly what I see in Lightroom once Lightroom has built it’s previews and we also discussed absolute sharpness and minimum shutter speeds.

02. Our first lit scene was with Terez on the sofa with the tutu skirt that I had bought on Ebay. Some of these shots will make it into my forthcoming book called Tutu. I lit Terez with a Lupo 1000 set to 3200 Kelvin and angled to simulate the light coming from the overhead floor lamp. I moved the Lupo for the shot top right as we had spun the pose around. The beautiful dappled light falling on the scene is a factor of the Scattergel on the barn doors of the Lupo.

03. That is the classic Lovegrove ‘S curve’ on the unlit side of Terez’s face where the key light highlights her cheek bone then the light scoops down and pics up on her jaw line. Lighting was one Lupo 1000 dual colour (as above). It’s fabulous shooting with continuous light because what you see is what you get. The barn doors and the flood and spot dial give a lot of light control.

04. I opted for my black tutu skirt and a simple sheer crop top with sleeves for this shot. I set up the Lupo 650 as a backlight and dialled in 5600 Kelvin. I explained it could be considered moonlight perhaps. Most of us were shooting in black and white but I explained it is important to get the white balance spot on if you want a good black and white rendering of skin tones. The framing for this shot is exactly how I shot it in camera. I use a tripod and get the uprights spot on. I look for lead in lines from the corners and once the framing is set I lock off the head and set the lighting. I can always refer to the live view as I adjust the lighting or the scene contrast.

05. Here is a black and white sequence from the setup above. I don’t use Photoshop to edit my work and like to leave skin texture alone keeping the shots real.

06. Another set for the Tutu book perhaps. Lit with the Lupo 650 with a ‘Splinter’ Scattergel.

07. We then set up at the big mirror in the drawing room. I wanted to keep the styling simple so I opted for Terez to wear just a pair of rugged jeans.

08. This is such a cool look and I’ve used just one light to key and kick Terez.

09. This is probably my favourite shot from this sequence.

10. We moved through to bedroom 4 for these shots by the window. I went for a punchy dramatic look to my black and white tonality here without crushing the shadows or clipping the highlights.

11. I then showed how to use a couple of Lupo spotlights to make a sunny scene as Terez lay naked on the bed.

12. There is always room in a Lovegrove album for a few abstract or close detail shots.

13. This sequence of shots of Terez Kučová lying in a bath with flowers was a highlight from my Prague set. It was fun to set up, light and shoot. I must thank Rebecca and Luciana, two of my photographer students, for trimming the carnations and plucking the roses. It was a team effort and well worth it.

14. I love the scene in black and white. I could imagine this as a huge print in exhibition.

15. We finished the session with Terez in the shower and I showed how to light the scene with one spotlight. It is worth noting that the Lupo spotlights can run off a battery so they can be used safely in wet environments. The close up is a very tight crop from a frame shot at 1/250th second.