Use a Prop.
Designing an image around a prop is another useful strategy to explore.
Practical Example: AK-47.For this shoot (7-34), my assignment was to
create a high-impact photo for use in an upcoming movie. The plan was to
shoot a model with a prop AK-47, using a low camera angle and dramatic
shadows. Since this model has great legs, we decided to add sex appeal to the
image by making her legs a secondary focus.
The most important lighting technique used here was patience—waiting
for the right time of day to shoot. As the sun approaches the horizon, the
light becomes warm and beautiful. The length of the shadows increases and
they become more dramatic. In this case, I wanted the model’s shadow to
point down the road to draw the viewer's eye off into the distance. If you are
working in the manual mode for a late-evening shot like this, be aware that
the light will change rapidly and needs to be constantly metered.
Practical Example: Newspapers.The next image (7-35) was created as a
promotional poster piece for makeup artist Wendalynn Nelson. In this case,
the whole shot was designed around the prop: newspapers.
We used a rubber skull cap with strips of newspaper glued to it as hair. The
background was also a wall of newspaper. Originally, the model was to have
bare shoulders, but after a couple of tests shots it was obvious that the bare
shoulders drew too much attention. Therefore, her shoulders were also cov-
ered with newspapers.
To light the image, I used a White Lighting strobe in a 7-inch parabolic
covered with a diffusion gel. By using a hard light with diffusion gel, I was
able to get the extreme contrast I desired. It was important that the viewer
120 LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS
7-34.Explore ways to incorporate props
in your images.The length of the
shadows increases
and they become
more dramatic.