After A Fashion

After a Fashion – Rob Van Petten

Rob Van Petten says:

Fashion photography – Shooting fashion is about fantasy, aspiration and forecasting changing trends. It’s working with models to create a special moment that attracts an audience to an ad in a magazine or a scene on a billboard.

It’s about creating an illusion. Fashion photographers cover a broad range of clients from casual clothes, athletic apparel, ready-to-wear, to crazy couture fantasies by the great designers. The shots can be lifestyle images of kids with sneakers, and at the other end of the scale it can be sexy lingerie, swim suits, or intriguing high fashion. In the process fashion photographers create the brand identities with their images that sell clothing, personal care items, soap, perfume, jewelry, cosmetics and even rubber boots.

So you aspiring Avedons, Demarcheliers, and wannabe Helmut Newtons – should you accept this challenge, I am going to hold you to a higher standard. This is not just a passing shot of someone who looks good. This is not someone fashionable you happen to capture on the street. This is creating a shot. This is about acting, and selling a product. You need to build an illusion that the audience will believe. It’s not just sexy or pretty of superficially appealing. These pictures tell a story about how we dream of living. They require some concept and production value. I love fashion images and I can’t wait to see what you submit. Here are a few of mine:

Lily soaking up the last days of summer.

I shot Danica for The Improper, wearing a Samantha Sin dress, and Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry…

Model Carol Lago dancing atop the Strand Hotel with the Empire State Building lighting up the background.

This was my first shot with a sample D800 of model Anoushka to demonstrate the sharpness and resolution of the new Nikon.

Miss Universe Olivia Culpo was willing to put down her cello and hop on the hood of the ’64 Continental for a fantasy editorial – Junk Yard Gems.

	platypusstudios says: Jeff is my best “model”, hands down. This may not be “fashion” but I think we created….something….. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: platypusstudios: I do realize this topic is a bit harder to fulfill. Therefore I plan to be much more liberal and inclusive in my expectations of what photographers are able to produce. The idea is that it first takes a concept and to create something that adheres to you concept. You may decide to veer from your concept where you discover something good along the way – a better idea. You may find you like directing the “model” and it helps you guide the subjects in your portrait or wedding shoots. This kind of shooting is about controlling all the elements that go into your shot so your result illustrates your concept. It forces you to make all the decisions. You set the stage, light the set, direct the action and hope for a capture that exceeds your expectation. Then you usually retouch the heck out it too. I give extra credit for any shot with a Telecaster in it, and especially a black one. A wise choice of props. (not just because I have one sitting in my studio for the past 25 years.) Thanks for breaking the ice. I think Jeff and his two back-up singers make great models too. 4 weeks ago
	PVA_1964 says: Hey Rob, I have never really played with Fashion Photography. And now that you have posted this, I might be a bit more inspired to do so! Thanks for the motivational kick in the backside! Over the years, I have been inspired by your work. Looking at the comments on the Devon image, it was over three years ago, that the image of Devon sent me off on a tangent for a while. Swords! I think that was the first time we “met” on Flickr. I never did file off the edge on that sword… As for cool props, I don’t own a Telecaster, but at least it is a Fender. Does that count? Well, actually it is my daughter’s guitar, not mine. We made this several years ago with her guitar, my LCD projector (the background) and a “Joe McNally bed sheet diffuser”. All of which I was trying out for the first time. Thanks again for keeping things going here and for the motivational kick! 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: PVA_1964: Welcome. Take the inspiration and temper into something as fine as that blade. Yikes – that is an intense shot. Kill Bill. There is something seductively dangerous about the image of intense beauty and intensely dangerous weaponry. It’s a common theme in Hollywood fashion. I guess mine too. A few swords have sprouted up in my beauty pictures. Devon and I were just talking about doing another one. Taking it further. I like the eye contact here. Did you brighter her eyes to pop like that? As for the Fender shot, a Stratocaster is equally as cool as a Telecaster in my humble prop and styling estimation. Never any flies on a Strat. I love the idea and that you mentioned using an LCD projector as a background generator. Perfect. Use landscape, interiors and street scenes without having to mask in Photoshop. This music sheet creates a great environment. Very often the simplest suggestion is the strongest concept. I really like that her hair is in motion here too. The motion creates the mood for this one. I hope this offers some ideas for concepts and sets. As for Joe McNally’s bed sheets, I love Joe too, but I’d prefer a set of fresh sheets… Two very nice shots. Always a pleasure to hear what you’re thinking. Recent Devon visit. Recent guitar indulgence. 4 weeks ago
	BioArt says: ©BioArtPhotography.com – All Rights Reserved 4 weeks ago
	Jane Anastasia Studio says: 4 weeks ago
	ngr07 says: Vintage 4 weeks ago
	Kevin Cambodia says: Thanks Rob however I never join your real workshop and I always read what you have speak and written that really true for Fashion photo need all the point that you have talk. and I always work and learn from what you say Originally posted 4 weeks ago. Kevin Cambodia edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	PVA_1964 says: I can’t wait to see what you and Devon cook up next! I bet it is dangerous and intense! I really like what you do with your subjects and the make-up. Do you have a MUA in house? Or someone special that you collaborate with on a regular basis? The new image of Devon has lens flares. These look to be placed there in post. VERY cool! How did you create them? Your recent guitar shot looks so clean and amazing. I like the ultra clean background. I didn’t mess with Katrina’s eyes in post. She has those rare natural eyes that are easy to light and tough to turn away from. She is going to school in Boston, so I don’t get to create with her too much anymore. While this shot isn’t as strong from a photographic point of view (her eyes are too hidden), I do like the intensity better than the other shot. As for the Kill Bill inspiration, Kat didn’t have a body suit, but we did manager this… i would love to reshoot the last one and clean up the sword reflection and add a bit more edge lighting to the overall subject. And of course with a bodysuit that will keep the body outline very smooth and sleek. Soon, I hope. 4 weeks ago
	platypusstudios says: We did actually have a concept, which I probably should have mentioned. I’d seen Jeff perform in smoky bars but had never met him. When he showed up at my house, he wanted images to promote the programs he does with kids. Two strangers deciding to take goofy, kid friendly images, with whatever we had on hand. I’ve taken lots of band photos, almost all of them with more planning and better equipment and lighting. But these actually turned out better than most of those. I think the reason was quality collaboration. We had a clearly defined goal and we talked and listened to each other. Jeff thought I was crazy for suggesting he sing with the coyotes, but he trusted me and gave it a try. I didn’t initially understand the umbrella in the snow idea. Working with creative people is awesome. Thanks for reminding me about this project. Now I’m thinking about how I can do it better. Originally posted 4 weeks ago. platypusstudios edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	GStrader says: well we have Rob pulling the strings on a fashion/Katina/Fender shoot, and Paul stepping up to the plate, with such heavyweights I predict this will be a short thread. 🙂 Originally posted 4 weeks ago. GStrader edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	PVA_1964 says: Did I post too much? I can get carried away sometimes… 4 weeks ago
	GStrader says: No Paul, just giving homage to you and our teacher,. You and Rob are light years away from most of us. Though I will admit that we do not have quite the same advantage with a well equipped studio, MUA, and models, and the New York City skyline. Even so, your talents shine through. I would rather you post more, not less Paul. Originally posted 4 weeks ago. GStrader edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	PVA_1964 says: I am very flattered. But you must have me confused with Rob. NOT an easy mistake to make, I assure you. While I do admit to being a bit spoiled with the gear, I don’t have a studio, unless you count the corner of the storage room I rent. The images you see above were all made in the living room. All the people I have been lucky enough to make images with to date have all done their own make-up. And the models? Most of them are either family or friends of family. With an occasional Model Mayhem model thrown in to the mix. During Kiara’s (my daughter with the guitar) senior year in high school, many of our Friday nights were “Facebook Profile Picture” nights. She and her friends would descend on our house, were we would have pizza and soda for them. My wife would let me tear apart the living room and turn it into a make shift studio. The kids were eager to try new things and new ideas for their Facebook pictures. Many, many of them never turned out the way I had wanted and won’t see the light of Flickr. Others, worked and sometimes worked well. Like this one of Katrina. She asked if we could do an iPod type shot. A very simple shot: one SB-900 aimed at the far side of a … ahem, Rob… clean bed sheet. Katrina on the near side of the hanging bed sheet was put into silhouette. One of my daughter’s friends was a dancer. We made this with the same set-up. A very easy set-up and some fun results. Another night several of the girls were fresh from a trip to the mall and really wanted to try and create a “abercrombie and fitch” feeling shot. So, working on the floor with a roll of grey background paper, a couple of flashes and a clean bed sheet and a bit of playing in post… Of course, sometimes it is all fun and games. One of my favorite out takes came from that evening. My kid is the one on the far right. I am so proud… My long overdue point is that while I think we would all love to have the fully stocked studio and the MUA on staff and to be working at the epicenter of the fashion world, we can all make some pretty fun and interesting images in our own living room or backyard. A little time and creativity along with a whole bunch of determination with a dash of stubbornness mixed in, is all that is really needed. Sorry about highjacking the discussion… Now back to our regularly scheduled programing. 4 weeks ago
	PVA_1964 says: Another thought… I personally like much of what you have posted so far in this discussion. With some small tweaks, I think they could go from good to really show stopping. On the shot of the young lady, a tighter crop: Vertical, from just above her belt to just above her hands. I think this would make the image you created really jump off the page even more. And the young tough guy! Man-oh-man! Simply place his back against that brick wall… place him off to one side of the horizontal frame. Have him look across the frame and into the light… Then shoot him from his eye-level or even a bit lower… Wow! What do you think? Am I really off base? 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: BioArt: This is definitely recognizable as a BioArt shot. The contrast scale is signature Bio. The quality of light and even the placement of the model in the frame looks like the Bio MO. The shape of the shadow and highlight is a very graphic window for the action. Random transitional gestures are a popular way to create a sense of drama too. These are a lot random and maybe a little more deliberate gesture would make more of a connection with a reader – but it has your style in a graphic way and I know I’m asking a lot to apply to a fashion assignment. So as usual, thanks for your submission and all your valuable input. You have a distinct individual style. 4 weeks ago
	BioArt says: Thank you Rob. You inspire vision through the viewfinder. When one has a life long passion for photography, individual styles evolve and are always part of a dynamic. Visualization of composition then integrates with conceptualization. The title for the shot is “Devouring Drama.” It’s flattering that you picked up on the drama in your comment and recognize my work as unique. Another great topic! 4 weeks ago
	Edson_Matthews says: I’ve faked fashion-type stuff before, but I’m no fashion photographer. It’s been a lot of fun though. Originally posted 4 weeks ago. Edson_Matthews edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	Rob Van Petten says: ngr07: The close color of the white hair and wall colors are the first thing that I see. It’s a great graphic dress too. It almost looks like an old Polaroid SX-70. I think the real success of the shot is the blunt straight line of her bangs with the straight line designs on the dress. It’s a repeat, or echo of shapes and tones. It almost makes me want to see this on black for the continuity of design. She has a great impish expression that gives a sense of attitude to the shot. I may have tried to repeat some of the bold graphics of her dress into her make-up. Very nice shot with lots of provocative food for thought. The hole in the dress has big potential as simple shape and opportunity to do something that would reinforce the design. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: BioArt: I like what you have said here about individual style. I am currently working on a book about developing an individual style, recognizing the emergence in yourself, nurturing a new direction all the way up to commercially promoting a signature style. You’ve got me thinking… Thanks. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Jane Anastasia Studio: Very nice concept. Hats at this angle always seem to work. The mystery of the one eyed stare. The big ribbon adds color and contrast and the bright red glove brings the pallet to life. Very nice design and sense of color. If I could offer one suggestion (this is the Nikon Digital LEARNING center) it’s to get the model to project a bit stronger, to perform, to work it a little harder and it might be that much stronger connecting to an audience.) The big strength of this shot is the graphic layout both chromatically, and with the smart sense of graphic space. Thanks for sending this in. The big black ocean of negative space against the coastline of her arm and shoulder is very effective. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Kevin Cambodia: Kevin Cam from Studio K8 – Nice to see you on here all the way from Cambodia. I hope you will show us some of your fashion and beauty images. I’ve seen your new work and hope you can share with this group. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: PVA_1964: was encouraged to contact Devon and see if she is available to collaborate again soon. An annual sword shot may become an institution. She is a very busy woman, so I’ll have to surprise you. I do work with a number of MUAs. Devon herself has been my go-to make-up artist for a few years – she is a master MUA and as I have said reads my mind and we appreciate the same color pallet almost instinctively. More recently I have enjoyed working with another MUA named Noel McKinnon on a regular basis for things like the Olivia Culpo – (Miss Universe) shoot and many others. She has been a great right hand collaborator and very generous with her time testing new ideas. There have been others as well. Mariolga Pantazopoulos is a great MUA and did the Bite the Bullet shot. I like Iris Moreau from Los Angeles very much too. Several others. The days of an in house MUA are long gone. Everyone works on a freelance basis, and there is no “free” in freelance. The new Devon image we just shot, and still in the works – is a Photoshop lens flare. Filters>Render>Lens Flare>50-100mm zoom>100%. It’s fun to play around in there. I use parts of these little effects regularly. Sometimes it’s better for me to add the flare later than chance getting it wrong or too powerful and loose detail in the shooting part of the process. This way I can back it off it is objectionable. Please remember that I am working for clients who want to be able to undo or redo for the sake of comparison. If I have a Photoshop adjustment layer, it’s a life saver. The recent guitar shot is an accident. I was working on another shot with my youngest daughter Grace, while Lily was trying on cloths in the dressing room. I was balancing lighting on the background to see how clean and white I could get it, when Lily emerged from the dressing room dressed in this little Betsy Johnson outfit with my Les Paul, and said, “Dad is it OK if I borrow this for tonight?” I had to document the event, so I slid Lily onto the set and said – “Just stand there for posterity”… bang. One shot said it all. I’m in Boston regularly with the Big Shot Workshops. Katrina has an open invitation if she would ever be interested in attending. Dad too if you’re there for a visit. Good luck with the evolution of the Kill Bill theme. Play safe with those things… Always good to have your expertise here. Thanks Paul. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: platypusstudios: Great to have your thoughts on the process. As promotion for children’s programs it make perfect sense – a bit innocent and playful with the bright colored umbrella etc. Thanks for adding the details. Collaboration with other crazy people can be so inspiring. Sometimes I just pull back and watch a great stylist or makeup artist or hair dresser just take over and do create something beyond my understanding… that’s the best. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: GStrader: I hope it’s not a short thread. I only hope it will be inspiring and point out the difference of producing an image in a controlled process compared to searching for an image in the real work and exploring the creative capture of it. Much of we are asked to do everyday shooting friends and family and even corporate portraits is very similar in process to doing fashion. You first need to envision the shot. What is the background? What is the mood? What is the use of space and composition? How will I light it or use available light to make this mood real? What lens is right for the subject and surrounding space? These are all the same steps to shooting fashion images. Your little boy is an adorable subject. I do like PVA’s suggestion of putting him back to the wall and eliminate the take of products behind. As for the shot of the red headed girl. I like everything about it. The light is beautiful soft back light and maybe filled a little. The low depth of field makes the water reflection beautifully soft. Her gesture and smile is so natural and fresh. This is an inhale. I’m very aware of a model’s breathing as I shoot. Most shots look much better as an inhale than an exhale. Fuller, brighter eyed and more energetic. This is one of my favorites of your shots. Her hair color against the pastel greens makes a perfect palette. In answer to your comment about studio, gear and skyline. Some of the best, strongest and fashiony images are simple, natural light and a normal lens. As with every other genre of the photo world, the gear doesn’t make the photo. It helps to have gear that keeps up with your progress. But the image is made in your mind first. Conjure up the concept with the tools you have available and it will be there ready to shoot. I have a studio and lots of specialized equipment available. However, I can only shoot with one camera and one lens, and I don’t choose many at this point. I take as little gear as I can on a shoot because it slows me down and consumes my energy. If I can shoot with available light – I do. Sometimes I take a light along just in case, but I’m a minimalist about gear. These days, I carry most of it myself. Assistants are too busy doing other important things with computers and assembling video gear and microphones etc. so I get a workout while we unload. Make-up is a great creative component to a competitive fashion beauty shot. A large part of the make-up is perfected in the computer however. No make-up artists lip line and mascara can hold up to the resolution of a D800. Cameras now are so good they show more detail than we can see with our eyes. All make-up jobs are cleaned up digitally. It’s impossible to make-up blood shot eyes. Photoshop is still the final dressing room. If I have one advantage, it’s that I am married to an talented, experienced, versatile model and have two model daughters, who luckily look like their mother instead of their Bruegel faced father. (She is not holding a gun to my head right now – other times though.) That has made it easier to work out a spontaneous idea. There are other times that get’s complicated… but that’s not unique to my marriage. My real advantage is that I love this type of photography. I dream about it at night. I can’t get to work fast enough and I haven’t tired of it after 40 years. In my spare time I study the work of really great fashion photographers and I am always inspired by what I find other people doing. What I do here is try to share my excitement. What could be better? Carolyn in the garden, no lights, no other gear, one camera (Don’t remember what) and one lens, looks like my favorite old AF-D 80-200 F/2.8 ED. 4 weeks ago
	Jane Anastasia Studio says: Rob Van Petten: Thank you Rob for looking at it and your suggestions. I have followed your threads for a few years and value your professional eye. Best Jane 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Edson_Matthews: I love the comment, “faked fashion-type stuff” . What happens at the beginning of most fashion photographers careers has to be an imitation process of seeing if we can make it look like something we have seen. Maybe that’s true of all photographers. We see someone else’s work and get inspired to try it ourselves. BIg production fashion work is definitely a costly and involved circus to manage. But “faking” a big production and getting it to look like a compelling emotional moment can be within all of our grasp. That’s completely legitimate. I loaded up all my gear, 3 cameras, 5 lenses, 2 studio strobes, Pocket Wizards, reflectors and stands and headed to the beach late yesterday for a shoot with 2 models. The light was so nice and the wind was so helpful blowing hair and clothing, I shot for 3 hours with one camera, one lens and all the gear sat in the trunk. I was asking myself, ‘ Am I faking myself out – should I be working harder here and using lights?” When I got home and looked at it on the big screen it is bette than I thought. So – who’s faking whom. If it looks like a great shot it probably is. There is a cosmetic look to all three of these images you have shown. You’re using a very clean lighting on their faces and that is helping a lot. There’s nothing fake about that. These are all nice. I just hope those guns are fake. Thanks for joining in. 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Jane Anastasia Studio: Thanks for joining the dialogue here after so long. Nice to have you submit a picture. Keep up the good work. 4 weeks ago
	Edson_Matthews says: The guns are real. Lauren is a bit of tomboy and all of a badass. Getting her to look like a model is as “fashion” as I can get! : ) This photo, in which one can see her disheveled hair and awful fleece, was shot maybe an hour earlier that same day. Getting to that photo of her above by losing the fleece and brushing out her hair might be my best “fashion” accomplishment! ; ) Originally posted 4 weeks ago. Edson_Matthews edited this topic 4 weeks ago.
	Edson_Matthews says: I don’t have anything approaching your editing chops, but I really enjoy fashion-type skin editing. Before After Thanks, as always, for hanging out with us schlubs! 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Wow! This is a great transformation. Very nice touch. You do seem to enjoy the cosmetic part of the edit. What has added the mood and fashion editorial look to the whole shot is the increase in contrast. I know several fashion and beauty shooters who light this way to begin with to blow out much of the skin tone. To retouch the shot in this direction gives you many more options. This is great to see a before and after. I’m sure many people appreciate seeing this. It is such a striking difference. She must love it too. It’s still her, just in a better spotlight with a little more sleep and fresh make-up. This is exactly the way I begin my skin projects too. I assume it’s Photoshop with the Heal Brush, and Clone stamp and maybe softening and sharpening masks. I’d love to know what you are doing. I have also been using Portrait Professional plug in for PS6 and find it works well in some trouble spots and is fast. I’m still experimenting with it more than using it with any command. Photoshop retouching tools, adjustment layer masks, and blend modes are still my main go to tools. I also use the Liquify tools regularly. I like to dabble with filters and effects too. In any case, thanks for the before and after. It’s helpful for people to see where you start and where you can go. 4 weeks ago
	Edson_Matthews says: Thanks, Rob! She likes that photo a whole bunch. I enjoy giving heavily Ps’d photos to regular folks like my two “models” above. As much as Ps can distort reality, I think everyone should have at least one Photoshopped-to-hell-and-back photo of themselves. : ) I love Ps before and after discussion threads, BTW. Someone should start one up around here. The heavy contrast in that shot was actually achieved by using a B&W conversion as a new layer blended to overlay. I learned the trick from a Nik mini webinar. Works great on landscapes too. The skin editing is just gentle cloning, spot healing, and dodging followed by a Tonal Contrast (tuned down) adjustment layer via Nik Color Efex 4 plug in. 4 weeks ago
	rajnishjaiswal says: Very interesting topic Rob. Again, I shoot only my family and fashion was never on my mind when I shot these. But here are few pictures I would like to put: My daughter: My Wife: And Me: 4 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Edson_Matthews: Hi Edson – Thanks for all the Photoshop details. I have considered doing something here on PS. Post processing strays slightly from the mission of this group, but I’m sure there is a way to work in a little Photoshop. Since the advent of the D3x and D800 I have been processing my NEF files in Nikon NX2 exclusively and getting things as ideal as possible. Then I move them into Photoshop for selective retouching, cosmetic adjustments, masking and compositing. I may have seen the same tutorial on the adding the B & W layer as a filter. I like that and had seen Chris Alvanas use that on one of my images recently. I just forget and need to be continually reminded to introduce new things into the regular practice. Thanks for the reminder. Most of the people I shoot would be shooting me back if I posted a before and after, but I may try to set up some good lessons that way. It’s very helpful – Thanks. 3 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: rajnishjaiswal: Although this is your wife, daughter and your handsome self, these images have a very commercial advertising quality about them. They are all set up concepts which you have deliberately executed with a carefully crafted lighting and use of space. This is just what an advertising and fashion photographer does. When I saw the shot of you, I originally thought it was a watch ad. I think in there somewhere is an emerging fashion and beauty photographer – and you have a beautiful family to help you. Originally posted 3 weeks ago. Rob Van Petten edited this topic 3 weeks ago.
	Geardoc (@yahoo.com) says: Why do fashion models almost never smile in photos? 3 weeks ago
	GStrader says: Rob Van Petten: I am sorry that I came across the way I did. No amount of gear makes the shot, they are but tools as you have stated so many times before. In fact you just stated it here: “I loaded up all my gear, 3 cameras, 5 lenses, 2 studio strobes, Pocket Wizards, reflectors and stands and headed to the beach late yesterday for a shoot with 2 models. The light was so nice and the wind was so helpful blowing hair and clothing, I shot for 3 hours with one camera, one lens and all the gear sat in the trunk. I was asking myself, ‘ Am I faking myself out – should I be working harder here and using lights?” When I got home and looked at it on the big screen it is bette than I thought. So – who’s faking whom. If it looks like a great shot it probably is” No I am a great fan of yours, each image is carefully crafted and polished to perfection. It does reflect well on your abilities, and your dedication to the medium. I have lost track of my thoughts because I just watched the slide presentation of your work, and as usual it leaves me in a state of “WOW”. 3 weeks ago
	moemay9 says: geardoc: because it is not business like.. that is also why they spend hours in front of mirrors practicing looking constipated and dissatisfied because sophistication sells anyway here is one of mine, it is more of a street candid than a true fashion photography.. sorry Rob…………………….:) 3 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: geardoc: I posed the question with a group of models and advertising people at dinner last night. The models said, “Why do models never smile in a photograph – because the photographers never want us to,” was one response. Some jobs require smiling shots, it’s not all angry grimaces and sneers. I do know what you are talking about. A large percentage of fashion images, especially editorial fashion images, is designed to project a drama and a sense of scenario. The images are short stories meant to depict mystery, intrigue, or an aspirational good life. There’s a lot of pretense and attitude. Mystery and drama play longer than a happy smile in most cases. It’s about engaging the reader to spend time fantasizing about the scene. There are areas of advertising where models are smiling and having happy healthy lives. Much of the catalog images, of which I have shot thousands, are smiling, playful and even laughing. The lifestyle advertising genre is full of happy stuff too. I think it’s safe to say that fashion images generally reflect every part of the human condition somewhere on the spectrum. The editorial and high fashion stuff represents the dramatic and theatrical extremes. 3 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: GStrader: You don’t have to apologize for anything. I took no offense at your comments. There is a lot of truth in your original suggestion that there are advantages to having a studio and an arsenal of high powered photo artillery. It’s not always necessary and if you don’t have an extensive kit, it’s still possible to do something great. On the contrary I always appreciate your comments and input here. I’m used to absorbing years of professional disrespect, rejection, disregard, political gerrymandering, and agency insults. I consider all of the contributors here as friends and I always look forward to your opinions and comments. Thanks for being a regular. Originally posted 3 weeks ago. Rob Van Petten edited this topic 3 weeks ago.
	Rob Van Petten says: moemay9: I really like that. I may have to borrow the term from your directorial vocabulary – “Ok – look constipated – Great – Perfect – Now more constipate – more… ” That would get a laugh out of any model I know. Thanks. 3 weeks ago
	dkphoto7 says: Certainly not my forte, but residing in a house of 4 beautiful ladies (wife and 3 teenager daughters) opportunities are bountiful. 3 weeks ago
	Marylizabet says: I would like to have reflected some light on her face, but my model (daughter) was too tired to wait: 3 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: dkphoto7: I would say you have a virtual model agency right at home. Not too bad. My daughters went to work about 3 months before they were born. We have been a fashion photo family – both girls growing up in my studio. It’s a great way to work on your creative photo impulses and to document your family’s life. It’s been a valuable skill to pass on as well. Yesterday I watched my daughter retouch and compose her pictures in Photoshop and drag them into her school report. It looks like you have the benefit of great window light in you studio/home too. Plenty of full time fashion shooters don’t have studios and work on location and from their regular residence. I have been working recently with a great lifestyle and advertising photographer, Barbara Peacock, who shoots from her home, and has groomed her property to be a set for her lyrical illustrations of children for fashion, advertising and stock images. www.barbarapeacock.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=9750&Akey=… You may have the beginning of a new industry for yourself. Thanks for submitting the shot. 3 weeks ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Marylizabet: Nice shot with or without the reflector. Maybe a little more attention to her face may have drawn the reader’s eye to her facial expression a little more quickly and made it a bit stronger. That’s a good instinct. If your selective Photoshop skills or Lightroom brush sklls, or Nikon Capture NX2 even easier, you could lighten up that area very easily. There appears to be a lot of detail in the shadows to work with. I hope you don’t mind me giving it a quick try. I used the Tired and Impatient Model Filter in Photoshop. Nice shot – nice model. Thanks for showing us what your up to. 3 weeks ago
	Marylizabet says: I don’t mind at all–thank you very much. 2 weeks ago
	Naked Lens Dallas says: Xarah Von Den Vielenregen – Negril, Jamaica. 6 days ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Naked Lens Dallas: That’s a pretty wild outfit, Naked Lens. Tell us the story. This looks more like New Orleans than Negril. Was this for a show? I saw the mermaid costume too. Also lit from underneath with a ring light off to the side? Wild colors. 4 days ago
	Naked Lens Dallas says: I was lucky enough to be invited to shoot the first Caribbean Burlesque Festival last week; lots of exotic locales, including a cove on a beach with a couple of caves. Most of my lighting was done with Nikon speedlights, the other photographer was primarily using an ABR-800 running off a Vagabond Mini power pack. For this mermaid shot, I had an SB-900 on a stand to the left, and an SB-600 firing into a hole in the rock, which is where the light to the model’s right is coming from: 4 days ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Naked Lens Dallas: Thanks Naked. All this time I thought mermaids were a mythical fantasy. Just goes to show that fashion shooting is as real as your imagination. I give you a lot of points for playing with flash that close to the water line. I have suffered some disasters but never been badly zapped. A working knowledge of insulation and grounding is key to not getting killed. With remote Nikon SB 900 and 910s you have a lot less to worry about. 4 AA batteries aren’t going to hurt you too much if they get wet. Some of your lighting techniques are very imaginative. I have always marveled at your space invader backpack umbrella rig. You make it work and those pictures look great. You take the studio to the street in a big way. You have courage, energy, and a lot of pretty wild pictures to show for it. You are the Evel Knievel of lighting. 3 days ago
	Naked Lens Dallas says: Thank you Rob, I’m very humbled. And have a sudden urge to visit Snake River Canyon. We did lose one Vagabond Mini when some water splashed onto it, but the speedlights I tried to keep in poly bags so that they were mostly protected. The biggest unforeseen obstacle we ran into, was that moving from the air conditioned rooms into the humid air required a little extra time for defogging. 3 days ago
	Rob Van Petten says: Naked Lens Dallas: If you put enough power into those umbrellas you could probably jump Snake River Canyon… 3 days ago
	Naked Lens Dallas says: They did work well as sails when I was on my bike at Burning Man, now I just have to figure out how to tack into the wind with them. Thanks again Rob, i appreciate that you have a sense of humor about the StrobePack. 🙂