Like many others, I am a sucker for strobes and all things associated with lighting equipment. I eventually plan to own everything AlienBees makes. There's just so many options and choices, it just excites me with endless possibilities.
On the flip side, I've been moving away from the lights and experimenting more with natural light situations. Many of my photo friends/idols have natural light down as if mother nature was always working in their favor. I hope to attain some of that skill and talent as I progress in photography.
I just recently finished reading Annie Leibovitz's book, At Work. It's a really great read and I recommend it to all types of creatives. It was nice to get insight on all of Annie's most famous shoots and to see how she progressed as a photographer throughout her career. I was really inspired by her earlier work, the work that depended on natural light.
Last week, I was at my friend Angie's apartment hanging out and I noticed there was this glowing, beautiful natural light coming through her window. We seized the opportunity to shoot around. I was extremely hesitant at first to shoot her in a revealing fashion. I had tried nude shoots before in a controlled, "strobe" setting and it always turned out to be a disaster.
I figured the scene was too gorgeous to pass up. I was really happy with what we walked away with. I think that one of the best ways to capture the human figure and form is through natural light settings. Of course...the body, in itself is a natural, delicate thing.
