Lydia in the Rose Garden {30 Photoshoot Speedlight Challenge #10}

Lydia in the Rose Garden

(this image reminds me of the young shephardess)

Lydia is an aspiring model and a good one at that. She wanted photos for her excellently curated print portfolio. We got together in attempt to take a photo that put off the same mood as this Marilyn Monroe concept image.

Concept Photo

For me this image says the following things: hairlight overhead strobe on a boom, telephoto lens, and color desaturation. For Lydia, this photo said evasive femininity and soft, subtle expressionism.That is why even a single concept photo can be so powerful. It gives cues to everyone, giving everyone an assignment on style and an expectation before the shoot begins.

Click here to read and see more from this photoshoot.

I wanted to meet her mid day on sunday because 1) I wanted to compete with harsh mid day light for no good reason and 2) I wanted some time in the afternoon to edit the photos. I met her, conversed her, then showered her with light.

I really think these photos are gorgeous. GORGEOUS. Maybe its just me, but I am starting to reach an asymptote on technical skill. Okay that is just me being cocky. I am proud, okay? Let me show you some of the best photos from the series.

I thought this one was beautiful because she is doing the Marilyn laugh, head thrown back with her arms akimbo.

Lydia in the Rose Garden in Balboa Park

The flower adds something even when its not in her hand...

I asked her to face away from the sun. My handy dandy speedlight helped me even out the light. Its beautiful how the full day sunlight wraps around her.

Near the rose garden fountain

Then I was like, OMG we are getting away from your original concept! The photos get sexy on us.

Then we went to the last row of the rose garden where we found a lovely little shaded area. The wind was blowing and romance was in the air. I love these images. They are so painterly.

And the color desaturation? I didnt have the heart. I did happen to completely minimize highlights to get that glowing effect.

In Summary...

I am starting to create photographs that are blowing me away in quality. I love the photographs I'm taking. I love the whole thing. I just hope lydia loves them as much as I do!

Lydia is available for modeling! Please send me an email at maria.zimmerman@gmail.com if you wish to contact her.

The 30 Photoshoot speedlight challenge is a Self Challenge where I attempt to learn as much as I can about single source lighting before I graduate to adding a second source to my kit! The reward of course is a second speedlight. I do my best to be reflective about my experiences to make them as instructive as possible. Read more about the 30 photoshoot challenge and follow my journey by clicking on the links below.