THE GOOD GOOD GIRLS
Backlighting and dark clothing combine to make a great modelling shoot.
We took some classic portraits at the weekend. The best part was that nothing went according to plan. The original plan was to take some quite formal images of the girls but the weather was so good that it did not feel right being inside and after all, God does the best lighting. So we decided to take the strong contrast of the sunlight and shoot directly into the light. Back-lighting breaks all the rules but it gives you some clear advantages – no squinting eyes so faces are relaxed, lovely haloes of light around the subjects hair and the opportunity to achieve a quality of translucent facial tones that are difficult to achieve in direct sunlight. Which probably says something about the rules….
Strong contrast can be interesting and needs balance
The girls are sisters who all get on really well. They were funny and supportive of each other, helping to bring out the best in each others shots.We worked on some relaxed poses that involved movement. It did mean that we only discovered the results in some cases, after the shoot, but it makes for fluid and fun photography.
Sometimes all the photographer has to do is be there
We did not use a stylist or make-up artist. The girls had done their own hair and clothing. We had a short break for a change halfway through to make sure that the final shoot with Mum had everyone in light clothes – making the most of the dark background.
A strongly backlit group can work perfectly
We separated kids from adults for most of the shoot to avoid grown-up comments inhibiting anyone and in a rapid piece of post-production, the girls and I worked in the studio until we had something we were happy to show off. It did not take long, processing initially in Lightroom 2 and the finishing off in Photoshop 4. Making it a group effort was engaging and what I may have lost in de-mystifying, I more than made up in goodwill.
Work with children and animals whenever you can!
They cheerfully waved goodbye as the sun started to cool and I went back to finish the final touches. We are meeting up this week to review framing and portrait ideas. All in all a very creative Saturday afternoon. Thanks to the Good Girls.
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