Decent Chic – it’s all about the hair…and the lighting
I had the pleasure of shooting the insanely talented nude art model Stana.
For that my team and myself created a theme that fits and shapes Stana for once in a slightly different role.
Hollywood and the 50s was a big influence. I was inspired by all the world class actresses and the basic Hollywood lighting, hence we realized this here on a less authentic (hard) level.
I was up to blend the lighting a bit more with a glamorous, soft touch…
I gotta admit I love the results and it will be interesting to see if any of you agree with my selections… Please leave any comments at the end of this post!
Flash Lighting – Flash with Honeycomb Grid and Background Lighting with DIY Cardboard
Behind the Scenes
Lighting Diagram
Tech Sheet
- Key light: Studio Flash Head with a Honeycomb Grid 10″
- Background: Studio Flash Head with Barndoors shining trough a Cardboard with DIY cut out patterns
- White Balance: 4800K
- Camera: Nikon D700
- Lens: 80-300mm, f/3.5-5.6
- Focal length: 150mm
- F-stop: 10
- Shutter: 1/80
- ISO: 160
Team
- Model: Stana
- Photographer: Dan Hostettler
- Make up & Hair: Antonina Stefanova
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Dramatic Lighting with Playmate Coxy Dominika
Lighting Blueprint. Composing drama light does not mean to create dusky sceneries but rather working with well-chosen light areas and corresponding accents. Expect sexy lascivious, dark shadows, round forms, red lips, and 5 sets of sensual, seducing emotions!
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Hi Dan,
thanks for sharing your knowledge and I really like your work, I would love to take one of your workshops but they are a bit expensive.
I am located in Miami USA photographer I particularly long intereza this style photo (50s chic) and I want to understand well, I wanted to ask if these pictures are worked with a third light as I see in the hair and arm a reflection of light, and if if the answer yes, that light as you used to do that does not reflect the lens.
I thanks again,
Carlos F. Mendez
Hello Carlos, you are welcome. And thanks for your comment. I just worked with 2 lights as you can see on the 2D set plan and the documentary photos above. The rim/side light on the model’s arm is created with the background light. The “flag” I used for the background had some cut-outs and like this we got a wider light spilling that is to be see on the models side. Both flash heads were directed away from the lend; towards the model or towards the background. So there was no danger for any reflection/light spill towards the lens. Many… Read more »
Love this style, very good job.
Grtzz from the Netherlands.
Hey Gsighfotos,
welcome on SWP! And thank you!
Happy New Year, Dan
Really digging the Makeup and hair on this shoot. One of my things is finding a dependable hair stylist, it always eludes me. The lighting is great!
Hey Darkman, great to see you here! Thanks for your comment. Glad you like this shoot because you’re the specialist for this style and genre!
To everybody: check Larry Darkman’s Blog out here: http://www.darkmansdarkroom.com/
Again: Welcome on SWP
Congratulations on the great concept, lighting and capturing a very compelling set of images of Stana. The hairstyling, makeup, wardrobe and set props are perfectly balanced with the dark patterned background. Combine that with the grid spot on the model to show the highlights in the hair and while keeping the model’s eyes bright. Love it!
Glad you love it, Dana. And thanks a lot for a motivating comment. Yes we prepared things precise and are very happy with the outcome! A big thanks to Antonina, the MuHA and the fabulous Stana :-))