Lights, Camera, Beauty shot!

Me in action. 

Setting up.

I really feel passionate about photography so me and a couple of friends from class decided to test shoot our final assessment. I have asked Annie to be my model as I really want to do a beauty shoot inspired by the lighting of old Hollywood but I want to put my own twist on it. I think Annie is the perfect model for what I want to achieve as I feel she has that classic beauty look. She reminds me a bit of Audrey Hepburn with her dark hair and eyebrows so I thought she would be perfect. Today we had 4 hours spare so we spent the first 2 hours getting each other camera ready. I wanted to see how my makeup idea for the beauty shoot translated on camera. We had a bit of trouble with the sync cable and could either use the sync cable or the flash. It wasn't working and we were running out of time because someone was using the studio after us. So with the help of Chris Overend we changed the lighting and just used the camera on its own without the use of the flash or the computer. I actually loved using the camera freehand. I felt like I had more control and the camera became an extension of me. 

I am really happy with the test shots and think Annie looks beautiful. She took direction really well and was such a natural in front of the camera. This made it so much easier to shoot because I felt that she understood what I needed her to do. 

Apart from the set backs I think to today was really inspiring. A happy accident happened and I ended up with some really beautiful shots. I'm confident now that I can achieve what I want to with the end assessment. I'm so enjoying this part of the course and feel that This is something I really want to explore. 

I did also play with the face tune app as well to see what could be done with the shots. I cleaned up a couple of blemishes and sharpened up a few details around her eyes. I think they look beautiful before but after they just pop that little bit more. I had to be careful to not change too much as I still wanted Annie to look like herself.  

Below are some of the shots I loved the most. I have also included the post production shots as well. 

One of the test shots that I love. Before Post production

Before Post production. 

I love this shot it feels really soft and youthful. After post production.

After post production. This is my favourite. I think its a really strong image.