Isis Wings - Stunning curves working with nude model curves

These golden wings are known as Isis Wings and are used by belly dancers. These I purchased from eBay. They are a large pleated circle of cloth with two sticks, one for each of the models hands. They come in a variety of colours and range from opaque to almost gossamer transparent.

While you can create static poses with the wings they work best when they are in motion. When the model sweeps her arms up, down and around they create lovely spirals and curves - almost mathematical in their shape.

I've chosen to shoot these very solid gold colours against a dark background to really make the gold shine out. With more gentle, translucent wings you can shoot on grey or even white for a look not unlike dragonfly wings.

You need quite a large backdrop; your models wing span will be getting on for 10 feet as will their height when the poles are held vertically above the head.

The model needs to keep moving, so definitely pre-focus on the model from a fixed position; otherwise you will find your auto-focus is continually hunting for a focus lock.

It is tempting for your model just to sweep their arms around, get them to move their feet too, this will give you greater variety in your images.

The twirling, swirling material can be used to hide or reveal the model as you wish.

There are almost echoes of Marilyn Monroe's famous wind in skirt shot here. With the wings in the right place you can create a number of different "dresses" and "skirts" - it has quite a haute couture look if done right.

You can also use close-up shots. While the wings are majestic and seem to demand wider, complete images getting in close can be exciting too.

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