Something a little ‘Off Piste’ from my usual stuff!
As I said, a slight deviation from my usual subject matter but as anyone who has shot fashion will know, presents its own set of challenges!
These images show how with just a tiny bit of creativity, two very different styles can be created with very little change in technique or camera position, by simply understanding your equipment and the range of possibilities open to you.
The location was the roof terrace and infinity pool of the Double Tree Hilton just outside Malaga – an area normally reserved for guests and which is available to hire for parties and special occasions – but, with its spectacular views and fantastic layout, it made the perfect location for our shoot.
The model was wearing a bright orange bikini and strong red lipstick but was strongly backlit as can be seen in the first image. The orange privacy screen and strong backlighting gave a perfect silhouette style shot, and as is often the case in Spain – the crisp, blue sky complimented the orange in the rest of the shot giving a strong, graphic image.
In the second shot, camera position was lowered very slightly and moved closer to the model who was asked to put a slight arch in her back. A slightly shorter lens provides the different perspective and in order to combat the extreme contrast of the earlier image, I employed the use of the incredible B1 Profoto fitted with a 3’ Octa.
I have always preferred to take manual control of my studio flashes on location, and with the B1 I was able to maintain the high shutter speeds necessary to control the aperture under such bright conditions.
After downloading this later image it was simply a case of de-saturating the areas that I wanted to remain monochrome and leaving the bikini and the lips as they were – a completely different feel from the first shot.
Both images were shot at 100 iso and f9 but with the portability and high speed sync of the B1, I was able to shoot these two very different images in a very short space of time.
More to come from this shoot!!
Words: James Wright 2016
Images: © Double Red
Not for publication
