Madison Martin: Spring Fashion

As springtime rolls around, in southwest Missouri, the lovely, Madison, dropped by to update her modeling portfolio with some seasonal fashion looks.

I’ve been fortunate to work with Madison, many times. She is a very nice individual, as well as a well-prepared, professional individual. Madison never fails to light up the room with her engaging smile. Conversely, a smoldering gaze is equally up her alley.





PREPARATION
I invest a lot of time preparing for every session I conduct. On the day of a shoot, I always have, at the ready, a printed shot list as well as a binder book of visual inspiration, tailor made for the particular shoot.

Since our session was to be fashion-oriented, I browsed my reference, pulling inspiration that felt appropriate for the backgrounds and lighting, I had in mind, as well as what I felt was appropriate for Madison’s look. She was nice enough to send me photos of the outfits she would bring, which helped me narrow my vision, further.




With the fashion look, of the shoot, I decided to keep the backgrounds simple, bringing focus to the outfits. There is also a fine art feel that comes from a figure on a simple background, that I enjoy.

Since it was such a nice day, her casual spring ensemble would be perfect for some outdoor looks. So, I added that to my shot list.






THE SHOOT

My lighting setups included:
- 1 bare bulb strobe, no modifier, for crisp lines and shadows
- 1 strobe with 7-inch silver reflector dish, pointing into a 60-inch bounce umbrella
- Natural light for the outdoor sequences

Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D
- In the studio, I used a Canon EF 24–105mm f/4.0L IS USM lens. My settings ranged between f/5.6–7.0, in order to maintain crisp focus over the depth of the figure; ISO 100; and shutter speed of 1/125.
- Outside, my lens changed to a Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM, in order to utilize the shallow depth of field. Aperture ranged from f/1.2–2.8; ISO 100; shutter speed between 1/250–1250, as lighting warranted.

One thing I’m known for, among those who work with me, is my posing. I have a fairly strong vision and direction, when it comes to posing. So, I regularly guide my subjects to help create beautiful, flattering lines, shapes, and accentuate their natural body language, with fashion flair. I pose right along with those I work with, which sometimes creates a chuckle or two. I know this teamwork is also much appreciated by those I work with. The mutual goal is always gorgeous images. This teamwork lets us do our best to achieve that goal.






My sincerest thanks, again, to the lovely, Madison, for a terrific spring fashion session.

Credits:
photographer: Allan Burch (www.facebook.com/abartistry)
model: Madison Martin (www.facebook.com/MadisonMartinsPhotos)

ONE MORE THING…
Are you a Springfield/Branson-area model looking to start or update your portfolio? Are you a traveling model, in the area? Drop me a line. Let me help you create beautiful images and provide you a memorable and fun experience!

Allan Burch is a published glamour, boudoir, and portrait photographer, serving the Springfield and Branson Missouri area, and beyond.
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Mother and Daughter Session: Mary and Melodie

Melodie has grown in front of the camera with me. In 2009, I placed a search for models to help with my illustration work. Neither of us knew what we were doing, photographically, but she was game to go along with any idea I wanted to try with my camera -- four-mile hikes at dawn, nighttime jaunts through a crowded neighborhood, and an epic six-hour illustration session complete with theatrical period costumes and props, to name a few.

In return, I had the good fortune of photographing many milestones in her life, from opening night with her band to her wedding and new baby.

Now, I'm very excited to be including photography to my creative services. When the time came to add the Mother/Daughter session to my repertoire, I knew she needed to be involved.

As you can see, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Melodie's mother, Mary, was a bit apprehensive, having never truly spent time in front of the camera, but she was an absolute natural. Most importantly, the beauty of this relationship beams in their images. It's the documentation of a very special bond, unlike any other, and one I'd love every mother and daughter to experience.




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www.allanburch.com

Lynda in the City

This is Lynda, an aspiring model whom I had the pleasure of photographing, recently.

I go into shoots with goals. Posing was at the top of my goals list on this day. It can be the single biggest difference between a flattering and unflattering photograph, in my view. A bend of the front knee, a chin forward and down (with thanks to Sue Bryce), and a hand placed around the hip instead of smack against one's side, can elongate, slim, and make anyone look significantly better. Who doesn't want to look good in front of the camera?

The everyday person usually does not know how to pose or look flattering in front of the camera; nor should they. It's not their job. It's my job, and I love it. It's my mission to make everyone who steps in front of my camera look and feel like a model.

Here is a sampling from Lynda.







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www.allanburch.com