Heated (Nudity)

[kat]

This is a long shutter shot, moving from once position to another. I know there is lots wrong with the photo..the obvious slant of the whole photo is huge. And the crop is off on the left head.

I want to redo this. I want to be more face on to the camera (with help to move furniture to do it haha). But I would appreciate more in depth tips please!!! I'd like to give this one more go and that be it (crossing fingers) as it's a long process with the slow shutter.

Should there be more visible movement between the two positions? Longer stays in those positions.. is the fireplace just too distracting?

Thank you for any input! kat

[Iguanasan]

I've never done any such thing (that's a good thing since I don't look nearly as nice as you ;) ) so I'm not sure I can help much but I'll give you my :twocents: as to what I see and maybe it'll help in some small way.

First, I like the idea, it's really kind of cool. You might want to try for a more evenly lit and neutral background as lots of the background seems underexposed except, of course, the flame. I think this distracts too much from the subject. Not sure if you are trying for motion or the double exposure result but your face in the reclining you is a blurry because, I think, you had hard time holding that position. You might want to consider multiple exposures layered rather than trying to do a single exposure for both positions unless you get really good at holding both positions without moving.

You've already noted that the crop was wrong as well but I'll go one step further and suggest you take your time to determine the correct poses for the best composition. I think that unless there's some reason not to do so you should think about ensuring your face is on one of the thirds and moves to another one of the thirds.

That's my ramblings, I hope you find it a bit helpful.

[kat]

Thank you! Input!!! I have to agree with it all. I think my biggest down fault is finding the proper lighting for the effect I want I also think I need an extra hand to pull this one off. I will start the think process over and plan it again..lots of help iggy! I'm going to do the slow again but with not so slow and do both "in one shot" and "multiple". Just wondering if I can have that ghost effect with the multiple???

Hmm..thinking black background/floor. Bring out the body more?

I hate how you have something in your head but not to sure how to pull it off...

[Iguanasan]

Well, with multiple, take one shot in one position, one shot in the second position and one shot without you there. Then you should be able to set the opacity of the two layers that you are on at 25% to 50% and the background at 100%.

[kat]

Duh..lol.. I should of known that! Haha.. over thinking now.

[Matt K.]

You could do that, or use a flash to fix one position or the other. If you are after movement, then I would use the flash at the last position. Not sure how you would trigger it, though might have to do that with a remote and your big toe.:evil2: you might even trick your cam by using rear curtain flash. Not sure, have not tired that out. The only thing I have tried with long exposure is the stuff Greg and I did one night; we were trying to do some light painting, and worked with a flash to fix some positions. However, this works fine if there are two people doing the shoot. With one it's kinda hard to do, unless you have a timer or something.

If you can set your camera to do several exposures sequential, this may work fine, and then use Iggy's suggestion in overlaying the images.

[Gaetan Cormier]

Personaly, I like this shot a lot! Nice and soft, one thing tought, I would of use a landscape framing, I don't like the cut face on the left side. Otherwise it's a fine shot with just a grain of mystery :)

[Andrew]

I like the photo the way it is and I think a flash at the beginning or the end would solidify half of the photo too much. Stretch it out horizontally and dodge out the brightness in the flames to a point where they are more in tune with the shot. A little practice holding the final pose to firm it up a bit would help as well. If it's hard to stay like that make the move in reverse. Start from a low position you can hold and move into the higher which looks like it may be easier for you to stay in. Also try different angles so the fireplace is still there but not such a major part of the photo. Just reducing the brightness of the flame may do that as well.

[Marko]

I like the play here kat and yes for me the fireplace is a distraction, I'd lose it next time out. just my 2 cents.

[kat]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I think I got more than a lot of info to use and try out. I will put up the next effort within the next few days. :)

[Mad Aussie]

Wow gutsy work there Kat ... but you do have the right model for the job ;)
I think I can see what's in your head and what you are trying to achieve.

I agree that the fireplace is a bit too much distraction. Something more uniform in texture or pattern would work better I think ... OR ... the fireplace might need to be stronger even if it's not centered in the shot.

In terms of should the body be brought out more ... hmmm ... if you are looking for a more sexual feel then absolutely ... and the 'man' in me says "Hell yeh!!" ... but to retain the mystery I think you got it about right.

Not sure about the two positions. Not sure if this needs two positions. Perhaps a set of 3 photos identical in terms of processing, composition, etc but you in a different position for each shot is the go. That way you would be doing 3 shots properly rather than comprising 2 positions in a single shot. Sort of a sexy 3 plaster ducks type I guess :)
I guess if the movement is an important element in your vision of this then perhaps not.

Lighting wise I think you need to decide on one or two sources. The fireplace here suggests another source of light but nothing else appears to reflect that light source.