AOP part 9: Coloured Gels

When I saw Maja's heel-less boots the first thing that came to mind was Devil's hooves. I instantly wanted to put her in a hellish red environment.

more...

AOP part 8: Shaving

I had booked Maja for the workshop partly because of her bald look. It is really beautiful and quite rare.

more...

AOP part 7: Movement

Now, remember I said this was all natural light? Well the previous images were shot at ISO 1250 at f4.

more...

AOP part 6: A Darker Portrait

On the very first set I shoot with anyone I always go through the same sequence of long shots, to medium, to tight portraits.

more...

AOP part 5: Attitude

So this style of guidance lets me and the model move easily from genre to genre, theme to theme. I can say "give me some attitude" and we are in a different place.

more...

AOP part 4: Natural Light Serenity

Another simple window light portrait. Always look to the lighting on the face first. See here how we have perfect Rembrandt lighting on the face.

more...

AOP part 3: Strength

From the first few shots it became apparent that Maja could play the emotional chameleon and pull of a wide range of posing styles.

more...

AOP part 2: The Location and the Shoot

The location was a disused factory in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham. I have used the location several times for workshops.

more...

AOP part 1: The first shot

This was my first image of Maja. I was completely blown away. I remember jumping up and down exclaiming, "Oh my God, that's perfect!

more...

AOP part 65: How to photograph a model suspended from the ceiling.

Depending on the pose Maja has a greater or lesser control of her position. The silks can wrap, deliberately or as part of their own accord.

more...

100 Do's and Don'ts for Studios

How a $5 prop can create great images

Helen Stephens Photoshoot

Model of the Day: 24/06/2021 - Victoria Bond