Lighting is at the heart of photography, which is why it is so important to learn how to see the most favorable conditions for shooting. Effective shots are unthinkable without skillful manipulations with studio equipment, street, or natural light sources.
Body photography is a special direction, which teaches the photographer to see the sculptural nature of any form, to reflect the relief and texture of the model. For example, when creating a female portrait, special attention should be paid to the décolletage (if it is provided by the outfit). Several techniques can be used together or separately – they allow you to emphasize the beauty of rounded shapes.
Preparing for the shoot: what to consider?
If the photographer does not have enough experience and/or the model has a small bust, which is difficult to present in the form of a spectacular neckline, the pictures can always be corrected at the stage of post-production. To do this, you can use a special service at https://retouchme.com/service/breast-cleavage. It is designed for the natural enlargement of female breasts in photos. The brilliant result is achieved thanks to manual editing of the photo by the designer, instead of using AI technologies. Without the fear of ruining a photo shoot, it’s much easier to start experimenting creatively!
The upcoming shoot should be discussed with the model. Women with small breasts can use push-up underwear. It is important to carefully select clothes on the shape of the neckline and cut. Visually increasing the small bust will be able to dress with a neckline “heart”, or “deepened oval”, in the form of the letter “V”. The last two will also visually elongate the silhouette, making it slimmer. A good choice will be clothes with ruffles, and other voluminous decorations in the neckline.
Light – a powerful tool that allows you to emphasize the seductive curves, but its effect can easily be further enhanced with the help of cosmetics. For example, on the collarbones and other protruding points in the neckline area, you can apply a little light highlighter with a thin unobtrusive shimmer. The smallest sequins will visually add volume and will help to accentuate even when using simple lighting schemes.
Lighting options to accentuate the neckline
To accentuate the seductive neckline, it is worth using such portrait schemes that allow you to build an interesting light and shadow pattern. Simple frontal light usually does not give the desired result, so you can use the following options for the arrangement of equipment.
- Side light with a reflector. You need a large light source, for example, 80×120 cm, which is placed on the side and slightly behind the model. The reflector, which should be placed on the opposite side, will soften the shadows and form a pleasant light and shadow pattern. The color of the background can be any, but dark shades look most favorable.
- Monoblocks and umbrellas. Turn the model about 45 degrees about the camera. You can cover one or both light sources with an umbrella. They are placed on different edges of the scheme, but directed to the same shoulder (in front and behind the model, respectively). This option is also optimal for a dark background and will suit swarthy-skinned girls and brunettes.
- Triangle”. The main source of lighting is installed behind, strictly diagonal to the model. Drawing light with a diffusing umbrella is placed in front and to the right. This allows us to emphasize the texture of the model and at the same time to separate it well from the background.
- Softbox and two reflectors. Place a drawing softbox in front diagonally to the model, and wide light panels on the sides. The latter will play the role of reflectors, creating additional light and shadow variety. Using softboxes of different sizes and power, it is easy to control the final result.
In general, it can be advised to use drawing and modeling light, which is directed at the upper part of the model’s body. This will allow you to emphasize shapes.
If you work in natural light, making the neckline expressive will help to use an additional reflector, as well as a careful choice of angles. For example, when the sunlight illuminates the model slightly from the side or at an angle from above. Be sure to use a reflector to avoid deep and harsh shadows.
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