“Lady” is a portrait that emerged during a photo session with Lourdes, a client who was looking to start her journey in the modeling world. Besides her interest in fashion, Lourdes is passionate about ballet and classical dance, which directly influenced the creation of this image. During the session, Lourdes brought along a ballerina tutu, which inspired me to create a style that fused the elegance of ballet with a touch of mystery and sophistication. Although the image wasn’t initially conceived for a competition, its strong visual and conceptual impact made it ideal for entry in several contests, where it was very well received.
The project was born from spontaneity and artistic inspiration and, over time, became a piece that reflected deep creativity and technical mastery. These types of works, where experimentation and connection with the model are essential, often stand out in competitions due to their originality and conceptual depth.
TITLE: “LADY”
Photography Technique
The image was captured using a Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon E70-200 mm f/2.8L USM lens at a focal length of 100mm. The camera settings included an aperture of f/13, a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds, and ISO 100. This setup was chosen to achieve a sharp image with sufficient depth of field to keep both the central figure and the details of the lace and tutu texture in focus.
Regarding lighting, I used Profoto flashes of varying power to gain total control over the shadows and light. The main light was directed at the face and the upper part of the tutu, bringing definition and clarity to the model’s features and the folds of the dress. Additionally, a 50×50 cm softbox with a honeycomb grid was placed at the model’s feet to soften the harsh shadows created by the overhead light.
On the right side of the model, a 100×100 cm softbox helped evenly illuminate her figure, ensuring both the dress and limbs were well exposed without losing detail. To create a separation effect between the model and the background, I positioned two 40×100 cm strip lights with honeycomb grids on either side and behind her, generating a rim light that added volume and highlighted the contours of her silhouette. A spot light subtly illuminated the background, adding depth and contrast that enhanced the figure’s presence in the composition.
Editing Process
I felt that this image would benefit from a neutral background, so I decided to keep it dark and minimalist. This allows all the focus to remain on the model without any visual distractions. Later, I used Photoshop to apply the Dodge and Burn technique, subtly re-illuminating the scene and enhancing specific areas of light and shadow to add more drama and depth.
Artistic Concept
The idea behind “Lady” was to capture the duality that exists in classical dance: on one side, the strength and discipline ballet requires, and on the other, the delicacy and grace projected by the dancer. The model is seated in a rigid posture but is en pointe, symbolizing the combination of power and fragility. The lace covering part of her body adds a layer of mystery and sophistication, moving the image away from traditional ballerina portraits and immersing it in a darker, more enigmatic atmosphere.
The pose, lighting, and styling were designed to convey a sense of royalty and authority. Although the dancer is not standing on stage as one might expect, her seated posture emits a dominant presence, as if she were on a throne. This combination of elements generates a visual narrative that invites the viewer to explore beyond the obvious.
The contrast between the delicacy of ballet and the intensity of the lace creates a balance that suggests vulnerability behind a carefully controlled appearance. The lace mask partially covering her face reinforces this idea, barely revealing her expression and increasing the mystery surrounding her identity. Through this approach, “Lady” not only captures a static pose but also tells the model’s implicit story—her art and her quest to stand out in a world full of demands and expectations.
Visual Impact and Composition
The dark background plays a fundamental role in the image, eliminating any possible distractions and placing all the attention on the model. This aesthetic decision reinforces the idea of isolation, as if the ballerina exists in a world of her own, beyond the reach of others. The emptiness around her helps create an atmosphere of introspection and emotional depth.
The black-and-white editing not only simplifies the visual palette but also adds a timeless quality to the photograph. Light and shadows become the main elements that play off each other, creating volume and definition in the central figure. Additionally, the choice of black-and-white removes any distractions that color might have caused, allowing the image to be even more powerful in its simplicity.
The composition is clearly designed to evoke a sense of reverence and admiration toward the ballerina. The carefully placed lighting accentuates the most important details: the pointe shoes, the lace of the dress, and the mask. The central figure appears slightly elevated, as if on a pedestal, which contributes to the feeling of power and control emanating from the model.
Conclusion
“Lady” is an image that goes beyond the simple representation of a ballerina. It is a work that explores the duality between strength and vulnerability, discipline and delicacy, mystery and elegance. Through a careful combination of lighting, pose, styling, and editing, the image invites the viewer to reflect on the complexity of ballet and the emotional depth that can lie behind a controlled appearance. The result is a photograph that not only captures external beauty but also the internal story of the model, her art, and her world.
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