Human Nature

Schefflera Imp

*Schefflera Imp*
Fuji TX2 + Rollei RPX100
Model: Victoire

So this is another attempt at side lighting. I had two issues with the side lighting. The first was that it required two lateral lights plus blowing the background, and the studio only had three lights. Bad prep on my part on this one. That’s why the left side of the shot shows texture in the background. I could photoshop this out, but I don’t find it unpleasant. The second issue is that my side lighting was really on the side. So the front of the subjects (ie. where I’m shooting from) is quasi backlit. Is it an issue though ? I don’t know. I think if I could subtly light just the face a little more, it would work so well. But then that would mean 5 lights !!!

Clear Eyes and Leaves

*Clear Eyes & Leaves*
Fuji TX2 + Ilford FP4+
Model: Fox

When I shoot textures for this project I’m always on the lookout for contrast and shapes. I try to focus on leaves that are neither too small not too big, and that have either a contrasted edge (clearer or darker) or some contrast patterns. These leaves here are quite contrasty although a bit longer and more messy than I’m normally comfortable with. Still, here they work nicely, weaving into Fox’s beard.

Schefflera Woman

*Schefflera Woman*
Fuji TX2 + Rollei RPX100
Model: Pauline

I think the lighting scheme of having two lateral lights but no front lights is really interesting. It creates a sort of backlighting but not quite. Lots of texture, but a better defined figure. I’m definitely going to explore further.

Briar King

*Briar King*
Fuji TX2 + Ilford FP4+
Model: Barth

It’s often hard to get a sense of how a texture will play out once double exposed. But with this one, a combination of ferns and flowers, rather cheerful, I never expected the dark and moody results. There’s something magical in all of these shots, and in this one the texture acts as a coiffe or organic crown. Truly amazing.

The Plume

*The Plume*
Fuji TX2 + Ilford FP4+
Model: Anne

In the latest studio sessions, I tried a more rational approach than in the past. I was somewhat aware of what my textures were, as opposed to previously when I really didn’t know. Still, the results has a good share of happy accidents including this shot of Anne. The palmtree leaves were aligned in a really interesting way to follow her silhouette. Also, the shot was clearly an underexposed silhouette (not intentional) and yet it’s one of the most graphic results and a really fascinating one to boot.

Rebel Hair

*Rebel Hair*
Fuji TX2 + Rollei RPX25
Model : Anne

One of the things I love about photography in general, but film photography in particular is that sometimes the little thing that makes a shot great is something you didn’t even see when you were shooting. Here, Anne’s little tuft of rebel hair gives the picture a graphic quality that is quite unique and works well with her determined pose.

Coleus Nymph

*Coleus Nymph*
Fuji TX2 + Rollei RPX100
Model: Pauline

Some textures speak to me more than others. The common, garden variety Coleus, aka Plectranthus amboinicus, works really well and has those jagged edges that make it stand out. The lighting scheme here was lateral lights, which is why the darkest area (with the most texture in in the middle of the frame.

Analog Tattoo

*Analog Tattoo*
Fuji TX2 + Ilford FP4+
Model: Toni

So the tree structures (rather than plant textures) bring something to the mix although the fact that the only roll where I had grain issues is this one probably suggests that I need to fine tune the exposures. My initial reasoning was to shoot both the plant and the portrait at nominal speed to increase the contrast, but it may have overexposed the shot so much that grain appeared in scanning. Still, it works even with grain, and I like here that it feels like tattoos despite Toni’s already tattooed arms.

Slashed Back

*Slashed Back*
Fuji TX2 + Rollei RPX25
Model: Cora

I am ambivalent about these very sharp and twisted leaves. Already in the first studio session they ruined a couple of shots. They lack the neat separation that other more textured leaves have. And yet this shot I like a lot. It’s chaotic, but dynamic as well. And Cora’s pose is just fantastic and sassy.

Freefall

*Freefall*
Fuji TX2 + Ilford FP4+
Model: Victoire

Not having a massive experience in studio portraits and/or fashion/glamour, I’m sometimes at a miss when it comes to suggesting poses for the models, especially since I’m decidedly not going for glamour/sexy in this series. This one was suggested by Victoire, and it works fantastically, I find, conveying a great dynamic to the shot. Will definitely use it again!