Pool shots

I've done a couple of pool shoots now - not as easy as it looks with so many variables to control.

I'd appreciate comments and critique.

These are nudes, so do not go here if you do not like to see bare breasts.

http://homepage.mac.com/jeffinorlando/Pool...hots/index.html

Very nice. Tell us a bit more about your setup. Black cloth? Any land strobes? How hard did the models find it to not breath?

Cor

Very cool and a great first showing - thanks for posting. The lighting is really even and the water looks incredibly clear.

One thing I just have to ask is what kind of "added value" does the nude add to this type of photo? I haven't shot any underwater nudes and am curious why some people like these more than shots w/ garments. I personally think that clothing can look incredibly cool underwater.

Don't get me wrong - I certainly have nothing against nude photographs - just curious.

Cheers

James

I have found there are many variables that I am still working on. The first is the water clarity, and I have spent some time and cash upgrading my pool filter, and still have a way to go. I have been using sheets for background, and my next step is to have someone sew four king size sheets together so I really have a lot of space to work. All these shots required a fair amount of burning in the background and spotting in photoshop.

Working at night does eliminate sunlight and allow better control of the background and I think nicer reflections. The second and third shots were done at night with an outside strobe (Subtronic Nova on a long synch cord), the rest were done during the day with quite a lot of burning in of the background. I'm using my 16mm lens.

At my next shoot I plan to use my strobes just like in a studio, on stands off the camera.

The two models here are both very comfortable in the water, but it will take more practice to really have more control of the poses, as one only has a few seconds to get the shot in most cases so far.

This is a lot of fun, but I have a long way to go. Ryan at Reef Photo is standing by helping me to run up my credit card tab.

Here's a pic of the pool

Be very careful when using externally powered studio flashes or other equipment around the pool. Even a GFCI is not enough protection. You need some kind of secondary protection to keep the juice out of the pool at all costs. Don't just think about yourself or your assistant knocking things in, but other things that might happen like wind, pets, etc. Be VERY careful or just use amphibious strobes.

With that said, don't burn up your flashes - they are made for underwater use and are water cooled.

Cheers

James

James,

I actually have quite a few with clothing, though they still need some work. In some ways using the clothing, wraps etc can be more difficult as it does not always behave the exact way one wants it at the particular moment of the shot, and can add another variable that has to be contolled.

I plan to continue to experiment with both.

I am not using studio flashes; I have a Subtronic Nova and Midi. Probably I will eventually get another Nova as it recycles really fast when the power is turned down, and is still more powerful than most strobes.

I use a C-stand with a balance arm and an adaptor that conveniently screws into the strobe. I checked with Subtronic and as long as I use them with short bursts then periods of cooling which happens anyway during each attempt, they should be OK

Naked chicks always get my vote;-) nice pics lik'em

All,

I think these photographs are very appropriate considering Jeff's profession. Although I too think "fabric" underwater is lovely. But they are all very well done and aesthetic Jeff, thanks for posting.

Forgive me here Jeff but I just must post a pic to counter yours........

Here is my recent "nude" with hula-hoop.........

No fancy flashes, backdrops or anything artistic here - just crazy/changing ambient light and extremely limited access - but worth every ounce of effort I put forth. This is Winter the little dolphin who lost her tail fluke in a crab trap entanglement near where the space shuttle takes off. She is being worked with at a marine rehab facility near me and I have the honor of photographing her. This is actually one of my "reject" photos - other ones will be published but I can post this one. The hula hoop is one of the excercises to get her used to a prosthetic tail made specially for her (plus she just loves her hula hoop). Do you think she gives your models a run for their money??? Best, Carol (PS couldn't resist when I saw yours with the hula hoop.......)

Great Carol,

Your model is a whole lot more graceful in the water than mine are, holds her breath much longer, and is actually much cuter!

Yea, I saw that prosthetic contraption that was made for Winter on TV. I guess she needs to work on the up-down motion used by most dolphin's tails as opposed to the side to side that she has perfected to propell her without tail flukes. Very Cool!

Great Carol,

Your model is a whole lot more graceful in the water than mine are, holds her breath much longer, and is actually much cuter!

Thanks Jeff, I'm glad you liked her! I didn't mean to hijack your thread it is just when I saw your model with hula ---- well, I had to post it as there is just a mutual affection for hula hooping there.... And you got it right - I'd say she is devastatingly cute!!

Yea, I saw that prosthetic contraption that was made for Winter on TV. I guess she needs to work on the up-down motion used by most dolphin's tails as opposed to the side to side that she has perfected to propell her without tail flukes. Very Cool!

Yes, I don't want to steer loftus thread here wayward but I'll post something in the future when I find out more about which photos are going to be used and which aren't. I've been with her (along with other dedicated people) from the beginning when we accepted her in Clearwater here (Dec 10 2005); that is one reason I was chosen to photo her - she knows me so well that I'm just "no big deal" anymore......., well as it should be cause I can't get a good photo of my subject if she is way too interested in "me"...! (wouldn't you agree loftus?).....

All the best, you are an artistic photographer Jeff! Carol

Nude's

Dolphins

NICE !!!!

Dive safe

DeanB

Wow, the first one that you added is really cool Loftus. She looks very relaxed and has a great pose. And the color adds a lot.

I also like the feeling of strength in the 7th photo.

Cheers

James