Something I wanted to avoid when I started taking portraits was using the same poses and lighting for each model. Though all of it was experimental I had objectives in mind which nudged the experimentation in the right direction. Each model I asked had different elements, or features I wanted to capture.
Elena, (the model from my previous post) has very balanced strong features, high cheekbones, distinguished jawline and chin, and wise eyes. Before shooting I sat down and sketched out the basic shape of her head and simulated where the shadows would be and what they would define through a series of poses and different light angles. I came up with about 6 different poses I wanted to try, which wasn't enough. But it was a start, and the results were good as I had a framework to work within.
A week or so later I was fortunate to meet Jules who is a model by profession. Possessing a more fragile build and thinner features I knew I would be working within a different mindset than before. I set up light and dark backdrops which allowed for even more contrast depending on what I wanted to achieve with the photos. And in preparation I sketched up somewhere around 15 simulations of Jules head shape and features. Of all of the photos I've ever taken some of the pictures that came out of this session have to be some of my favorite, and will be very hard to top.
