Last night our weekly Wednesday night workshop at the studio focused on Intimate Couples Portraiture.
After the workshop concluded I took an hour or so to work with our models myself.
This shot was lit with a single Calumet 750 with a 16" beauty dish and 20 degree grid and then I turned my shooting angle diagonally to the light to shoot into the deepest portion of the cyc wall
The lighting works well for this composition. The rim light behind just completes her profile. Perhaps the shadow on her buttocks is harsh. But consider that they have been discovered in the light. so it "works". This picture shows her off as the main subject. She has a lot of confidence and poise while he is more of a backdrop. she actively is present and he is a strong and decorated prop for her own self assured bearing. Still he's interesting with that discipline tattoo! One needs discipline for all those needles and for being so close to such an exceptional female. I don't know what else is going on with him or in his mind, but he's aced it.
I'd like to see the shadows opened up in the small of her back, just a tad perhaps. A supplementary light might be a consideration, but what you have done with the beauty dish is dramatic and works well.
I don't know what character of picture this would be catalogued under. It's not an ordinary figure study and not glamor. I guess this is an erotic image, but not X-rated. Another more active pose would be for him to have grasped her body and pulled her towards himself. Maybe you shot that. I can't imagine you didn't. I like the fact that this image is not overtly specific in its meaning. Yes it's exhibitionistic, but then this woman is not demeaned, she is in charge or at least an equal and she's photographed very well.
Thanks for sharing,
Asher
