You can use chains to allow your model to create new shapes

Anything that the model can hang on can give you great new poses to explore. These chains are hanging from my studio's ceiling - 6 metres above the floor - so despite the crop which makes them look short they are actually very long.

In this shoot I've kept the chain ends fairly high off the ground since this encourages poses which are heightened vertically. You could of course let the chains run much lower so the model can twist herself into them and do floor work poses too.

The combination of the metal chain, the tutu style petticoats and the extra tall heels give a really strong fashion look.

The whole piece is lit with a single main side light and I have let the white cove dim to a light grey. There is a second light at the back and to the left with barn doors - this creates a rim light on the left of the model and maintains separation from the cove. This gives a very dramatic effect to the lighting.

In the first image you can see how Kirsty is using the chains to provide balance in the outrageously high heels - a pose that would be impossible to hold otherwise, there are lots of other variations on this style of hanging to maintain a pose that can be used.

In this second image I've gone for a very strong vertical look. The chains are helping the model to give a tilt to the whole pose, especially in the legs. Notice how the raised body makes the legs look very long.

It's so easy to forget to shoot the backs of things in the studio, yet often the rear view can be very interesting. I particularly like the hint of bum just below the petticoats.

I also really like the way the shadows fall across the back, with the arms raised and tensed it has created some really interesting flexes in the shoulders.

 

key points

Fixing the ends outside of the camera view with "bungy" elasticated straps can help keep the chains taught and give the model more flexibility.

share:  email    facebook    pinterest    twitter    reddit    reddit img  

---

---