So sometime this year I decided to start give a new name to some of my photos. I had already established the XL-Images Signature series but was thinking of something different. Something geared more towards the more risque shoots that I do. Something that had a better ring to it than "boudoir". That just seemed to be used to death. Then the idea came to me one night when I was doing a post in the Iowa Models and Photographer Coalition.
Even though it was a closed group, I decided that I would only post the more risque stuff when it was later a night. It just seemed more appropriate do it then. Therefore, I always made sure to do it when it was after dark. I used to post a little comment as the subject of every one of them calling it "IMPC After Dark". That's when it hit me. I would just incorporate the name with my own brand to give it a more broader appeal. Thus, the XL-Images After Dark series was born.
Now keep in mind that the majority of these particular photos may never see the light of day on the regular Facebook. I have too many FB contacts that are too conservative. They look at some photos the wrong way and get the wrong idea. They are unable to differentiate art from smut. And trust me...I'm in enough of these photo groups and been around enough photogs and models that I clearly know the difference. I just figure it would be less of a headache for me if I just kept the After Dark series confined to those folks that have an appreciate for photography as art.
But every now and then I come across one that will be on the fence. It could pass where it has just a little bit of innuendo yet doesn't reveal too much. The undertone of is there of what the photo conveys without overtly saying it. More importantly, you can't see too much yet can see just enough at the same time. That's the beauty of a silhouette. One of my favorite kind of shots.
Not everyone can pull off the ideal silhouette capture. It's more than just having someone backlit to get the effect. First of all, the person has to have the right shape for it. Skinny folks don't tend to work with this particular shot very well. Even if they can contort to get the shape, they won't be able to fill out the form. That's what comprises the biggest asset of the shot.
Secondly, even if a person has the shape, they still have to know how to use it. Or at the very least, the photographer has to know how to get the best out of them. The more natural a person is, the better the result. That way it doesn't look all fake and posey. This capture was a combination of both. Erin was doing her own thing while I was snapping. I just made sure I had her in the right area so the shadows would help complement her. This particular 'pose' was achieved with very little direction from me. Just the way I like it.
Then of course there is the setting that is the key in bringing it altogether. I have become an old regular at the Ikonix natural light studio. It's home to more than a few Top Captures over the years. So many people know it so well that this doorway has become legendary. The way that light soothes the floor just enough to get that subtle reflection is magical. It was such the ideal overall composition. It was definitely one of the more commercial looks I have ever done. Just throw a perfume bottle in the corner with some catchy motto and it's complete:
AfterDark...by XL-Images.net.
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