Scaffold Pyramid - 3 poles, 1 naked model
I love scaffold poles for props. They are really easy to configure into different shapes. They are sturdy enough to take weight. I also like the combination of hard steel against soft skin - I think they create a good contrast of strong lines against soft curves.
I've built a simple three sided pyramid from the poles and it is strong enough for our model to climb on, balance on, swing off or just stand against.
Lighting is a large softbox to the right hand side of the image and two big 8ft x 4ft while polyboards on the left hand side to reflect light back in.
In this first image Kirsty is thrusting upwards, supporting herself on her arms while her legs swing free. In variations of this pose I am always looking for arms and legs to echo the angles of the poles - so the lines are always in consistent directions - this stops the image looking confusing.
In this second image Kirsty is reflecting the pyramid shape in her posing. So we have two triangles in the image: the triangle made by the poles and the triangle made by Kirsty's shape.
Note also the arms are running in parallel to the line of the poles.
Finally, the rectangle created between the poles and the arms acts as a strong frame for the face. Keep an eye out for these sorts of frames within frame combinations.
Our final image is a close up, ignoring the larger frame structure. I really like the way the pole cuts across the image at an angle. This gives a very strong dynamic to the image, echoed in Kirsty's fingers, but with a delicate softness in the leg and bust around the pole.
key points
Scaffold poles and a few fittings are very cheap but very useful props and equipment to have in the studio.
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