Photo Shoot with a young model

Iris arrived 45 minutes late, fresh from the Soccer field, no makeup, other than the war paint she wore under her eyes.  But even though the autumn light was fading, we got her into the dress, [ Crickett's old prom gown] wiped the black from under her eyes, and had her in the leaves in 5 minutes.  This teen really is one of the most cooperative, agreeable models I've ever worked with.  Her natural beauty required no make-up, and her athletic frame moved as instinctively as that of a professional model.

Iris goes to our church, and I  was  concerned that her dad would think these pictures were a bit "sexy",   [ you know how dads are!] but he assured me that he was only surprised at how "grown up" his little girl looked!

working with a model

I used to work with my husband as a wedding photographer, and I always liked doing the bridal portraits the best. But when my daughter took over our business, I was allowed to "retire" and devote my time to fine art photography.  I still love to photograph women, however, and I recently had the opportunity to shoot one of the loveliest of my former students, Britt.  Having photographed her Senior portrait a few years ago, and some candids of her on a trip to Paris, I knew she was a marvelous model.  Britt is an art student in college now, but I hope this portfolio can help to get her some modeling jobs.

We spent about 2 hours out in the garden and up in the barn, and I didn't go for any conceptual shots, but  just let the shoot flow.  I knew I wanted to accentuate those amazing eyes and lips, so I shot a series of head-on , evenly lit head shots.  The one above is textured with another shot of rose petals, and suggests her sweetness and femininity.  I love the pink tones, but I like it black and white, as well.

I found this headdress in the barn, and had used it in the early '90s and then forgotten it.  It was perfect for creating this Egyptian composition.  I call it "Queen Neferbritti". :~)))

I added the tear on her cheek in Photoshop.

In my vintage '50s hat

Tess of the d'Urbevilles

And this one ended becoming this one...

Lady Brittany

I have a feeling that I'll be editing this shoot for a long time to come!  Isn't she a beauty?  So many ways to present her.  And I hope it brings me some adventurous girls for Senior Portraits!