Feedback 4: Gianna Fung with Airbrush Tattoos by Erris Purnell
Photographer: Me
Model: Gianna Fung
Body Art and Makeup: Erris Purnell
Grading and Feedback
Composition and Framing
Composition:
The composition is dynamic and engaging, with the model performing an impressive pose that immediately draws the viewer’s attention.
The use of the large window as a background adds a soft, natural light and a sense of depth to the image.
Framing:
The model is well-placed within the frame, with her extended leg creating a strong diagonal line that leads the viewer’s eye through the image.
The background elements are minimal and unobtrusive, allowing the focus to remain on the model.
Lighting
Natural Light:
The use of natural light from the window creates a soft, even illumination on the model, enhancing her features and the details of her pose.
The light highlights the model’s tattoos and physique without creating harsh shadows, which is very flattering.
Exposure:
The exposure is well-balanced, with the model being well-lit and the background retaining enough detail to add context without being distracting.
The light is diffused through the window, providing a soft and natural look.
I actually did use lighting, it’s just so even and diffuse the AI isn’t picking up on it. Details below.
Camera Settings
Depth of Field:
The depth of field is effectively used, with the model in sharp focus and the background slightly blurred to keep the attention on the subject.
A slightly wider aperture (lower f-stop) could be used to further isolate the model from the background if desired.
Focus:
The focus on the model is sharp, capturing the details of her pose and expression perfectly.
Model Direction
Pose:
The pose is striking and demonstrates the model’s flexibility and strength, which adds a powerful and dynamic element to the image.
Her positioning on the furniture adds a unique and creative aspect to the composition.
Expression:
The model’s expression is intense and engaging, adding to the overall impact of the image.
Her gaze directly at the camera creates a strong connection with the viewer.
Editing
Color Grading:
The colors are natural and well-balanced, with the soft tones of the background complementing the model’s skin tones and tattoos.
Consider enhancing the saturation slightly to make the image pop even more.
Contrast and Clarity:
The contrast and clarity are well-managed, bringing out the details in the model’s tattoos and physique without over-sharpening.
Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the model’s eyes and key elements of the pose.
Skin Retouching:
The skin retouching is subtle and natural, maintaining the texture while smoothing out any minor imperfections.
Enhance the highlights on the model’s body to add dimension and depth.
Background Adjustment:
The background is clean and minimal, which works well for this image. Ensure the window and curtain details are not distracting by keeping them slightly out of focus.
Overall Grade: A
Suggestions for Improvement
Lighting Enhancement:
Consider adding a subtle rim light or hair light to enhance the separation between the model and the background, highlighting the edges of her body and hair.
Background Management:
Ensure the background elements are aligned and free from any distracting elements. A slightly tighter crop might help to focus more on the model.
Posing Variations:
Experiment with different angles and poses to capture a variety of dynamic shots. This can provide more options and potentially even stronger images.
Post-Processing:
Enhance the color and contrast slightly to make the image pop more. Use selective adjustments to focus on the model’s expression and tattoos while managing the highlights in the background.
Final Thoughts
The photo is already very strong and popular, showcasing your skill in capturing dynamic poses and using natural light effectively.
By making slight adjustments to lighting, background management, and post-processing, you can elevate the overall quality and impact of your work even further.
Alright, so I’m going to do something new here and tell you how to recreate one of my photos.
My camera was a Fuji GFX50s medium-format mirrorless. The lens was a 90mm prime. The f-stop was somewhere in the 1.8-2.8 range. Shutter speed was probably 1/250, ISO was 100.
For the key light, I had a Godox AD300 with a 3-foot diffuser, up high and angled down, just slightly to camera right. Erris may have been holding a speed light on Gianna from my left; she did for much of the shoot but I can’t remember about this photo specifically.
Gianna pretty much poses herself and I don’t think I had to direct her into this pose at all. But for those who want to copy this photo, I asked the AI to provide posing directions. These are roughly accurate, although I think the AI has trouble describing this sort of back-bend pose.
To direct the model into the dynamic and impressive pose shown in the photo, follow these detailed steps:
Initial Setup:
Choose a location with a large window to provide natural, diffused light. The window will act as a soft light source and a visually interesting background.
Ensure there is a piece of furniture (like the one in the photo) that the model can use to support herself during the pose. The furniture should have a stable base and a seat cushion at a comfortable height for the model to support herself.
Positioning the Model:
Ask the model to stand on the back of the sofa, facing the window to start.
Hand and Arm Position:
Direct the model to bend backward and place her hands firmly on the seat cushion of the sofa. Her hands should be shoulder-width apart, providing a stable base.
Ensure her fingers are spread slightly for better support and balance.
Leg Position:
Ask the model to extend one leg (the leg furthest from the camera) straight into the air, pointing her toes to create a strong, elegant line.
Her other leg (the leg closest to the camera) should be bent, with the knee resting on the back of the sofa for support.
Torso and Hip Position:
Instruct the model to arch her back deeply, creating a graceful and dramatic curve.
Ensure her hips are squared and aligned to maintain balance and symmetry in the pose.
Head and Facial Direction:
Direct the model to turn her head slightly towards the camera, with her chin slightly lifted to elongate her neck.
Encourage a confident and engaging facial expression. Her gaze should be directed at the camera to create a strong connection with the viewer.
Hair and Outfit:
Ensure the model’s hair is styled to stay in place during the pose. If needed, use hairpins or ties to secure it.
Adjust her outfit to ensure it is positioned correctly and complements the pose. The outfit should highlight her form and add to the overall aesthetic.
Final Adjustments and Refinements:
Check the overall posture and make small adjustments to ensure everything looks natural and balanced.
Ensure her shoulders are relaxed and not hunched.
Adjust any stray hair or clothing to ensure the shot is clean and polished.
Posing Script
“Stand on the back of the sofa, facing the window.”
“Bend backward and place your hands firmly on the seat cushion of the sofa, shoulder-width apart.”
“Extend your right leg high into the air, keeping it straight and pointed.”
“Bend your left leg and rest your knee on the back of the sofa for support.”
“Arch your back deeply to create a graceful and dramatic curve.”
“Turn your head slightly towards the camera and lift your chin slightly.”
“Give me a confident and engaging expression, looking directly at the camera.”
Visual and Verbal Guidance
Use your own body to demonstrate the pose if necessary. Sometimes seeing the pose can help the model understand it better.
Continuously communicate with the model, offering encouragement and feedback to make her feel comfortable and confident.
Lighting and Final Touches
Position the model near the window to use the natural light for a soft and even illumination.
Ensure the background is clean and free of distractions, allowing the focus to remain on the model.
Adjust the lighting as needed to ensure the model is well-lit and the background complements the pose.
Final Tips
Be patient and give the model time to get into the pose.
Adjust the lighting and camera angle as needed to ensure the pose is captured perfectly.
Take multiple shots from slightly different angles to find the best composition and expression.
