Challenge yourself
I think I talked about this in a past video, but it doesn't hurt to talk about this subject once again. We always want to improve, we want to get better, develop our skills, and so on. And I believe the most effective way, according to me is to get out of your comfort zone.
Do something for the first time, be an amateur, be a noob again! And that's what I am going to do next year from time to time and I will share this experience with you.
Boudoir, glamour, lingerie is something I thought I would never do. Far from the athletes, circus performers, and dancers, I am used to photographing. Here you have a model that doesn't have that type of background and training, so you can't rely on complex and extreme athletic or artistic poses to make an interesting picture.
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF 110mm F2 R WR 1/160sec at f/2.0 ISO 100 - 110mm
First, you have to quickly build a relationship with your model based on trust. She has to feel comfortable with you and the setting. You have to quickly know where you can take your model and what you can ask them to do (Remember, no crazy splits, backbends, and jumps on this one).
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF 110mm F2 R WR 1/125sec at f/2.0 ISO 100 - 110mm
Plus it is also important you are also comfortable during these types of sessions because of the theme... Please, don't be creepy, respect your model.
Usually, Boudoir sessions are set up in a bedroom in an apartment or hôtel room. Unless there is a huge budget involved you won't have a lot of space to work with. I almost abandoned the idea of using a flash (not enough room) I just used it for a little fill or to add a little kick.
So you guessed, I decided to use heavily the biggest window available in the room as the main light.
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF 110mm F2 R WR 1/125sec at f/2.8 ISO 100 - 110mm
I am working with the Fujifilm GFX50s the Gf 110mm F2 and 32-64mm F4 once again, I am starting to love this camera.
This is a first for me (really), I learned so much during this session, I changed my approach, simplified my shots, and took my time to make each one of them... having less gear involved helps a lot.
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF 110mm F2 R WR 1/125sec at f/4.0 ISO 100 - 110mm
Being in a situation you have never been in before is scary, facing problems you have never faced before too... but the experience, the struggle, the mistakes you are going to make will help you learn faster... Trust me you will remember those mistakes and never make them again.
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR 1/1000sec at f/4.0 ISO 100 - 60mm
So I really recommend you do the same. You are not a landscape photographer? Go out there and photograph landscapes. You never shoot portraits? Setup your first portrait shoot next week. Make it simple, shoot outdoors, use only the available light and enjoy the process of starting from scratch.
Make it fun but it still has to be professional... When was the last time you challenged yourself, do you often get out of your comfort zone? Tell us in the comments below! Share your experience.
Fujifilm GFX 50s GF 110mm F2 R WR 1/125sec at f/2.0 ISO 125 - 110mm
Part II is just a click away: Challenge yourself – Boudoir/ Glamour photoshoot (Part II)