Model: Martina Bellacima
Photographer: Damien Lovegrove
Styling: Damien Lovegrove
Event: The Lovegrove Tuscany workshop 2021
Lighting: Godox AD200 pro with Scatterflash, Godox AD1200 Pro
Camera kit: Fujifilm GFX50s, GF32-64mm f/4, GF110mm f/2, GF250mm f/4
Camera Support: Novo T20 tripod with Benro G2, Gitzo monopod with RRS
Incidentally, the featured image at the top of this blog post was lit with a Godox AD1200 Pro flash head used bare bulb with the simple reflector/ heat shield that the unit comes with. The sunlight is about 1/2 a stop down on the light from the Godox unit.

1. I’ve photographed Martina every year for quite some time. Our back catalogue is extensive and our creative moments are lifetime memories to enjoy. For this portrait, I shot into the sun without reflectors and used the GF 250mm lens at f/4. This lens gives me front to back sharpness on Martina together with a wonderfully out of focus background.

2. Martina in a field of lavender under the Tuscan sun. GF50s, GF250mm at f/4. The tilting viewfinder on the 50s is something I’ll miss on the GFX50s mkll but I’ll use a Hoodman Loupe on the LCD instead.

3. Top and Left: Patches of dappled sunlight dance on Martina as the olive leaves ebb and sway in the gentle breeze. Right: A simple dress that I bought in Morocco together with Martina’s hat work well to break up the regular pattern of the rustic fencing complete with cob webs. All shots: GF50s, GF250mm at f/4

4. The trees in this grove made a fabulous backdrop for some full length dynamic portraits. GF50s, GF250mm at f/4

5. Left: The harvest of grapes was due any day when I took this shot. The vines on the other side of the valley make a lovely backdrop. Right: The long grass at the base of a pine tree made a wonderful location for a series of shots. GF50s, GF250mm at f/4

6. No Lovegrove workshop in Tuscany is complete without a pool shoot. The pool at our villa had a beach. GF32-64mm at f/4

7. An abandoned railway station in glancing afternoon sunlight made a great backdrop. GF50s, GF32-64mm at f/4

8. I used a Scatterflash on my Godox AD200 pro to create the dappled light in this portrait of Martina. GF50s, GF32-64mm at f/4

9. I used the ambient light from the windows of our villa for these simple portraits. GF50s, GF110mm at f/2

10. I love to create subject separation with light. I moved the chair into the pool of light and directed Martina to rearrange her skirt. GF50s, GF250mm at f/4
If you would like to join me on a photographic holiday in Tuscany in the Autumn of 2022 take a look at the details here. At the time of writing there is just one place left so don’t delay.
Breathtaking set of images…Bellissimo!
Thank you :)
Loving these as always. The first set is so light and airy
Thank you Peter :) Kind regards, Damien.