Burlesque Shoot
Model: Michelle R.
Makeup Artist: Nathaniel Marshall
I was aiming for an intimate portrait of my model as a burlesque dancer as if she was backstage about to go on or in her own world onstage. I set my model up in front of a wall, and told her to pose with her arms up and head forward and angled to the left in a relaxed way. I used a big experimental softbox to the front right to keep a focused yet soft light on her, as well as a small softbox to the back left of the model to create a catch-light on her jaw and shoulder.
Aside from fixing an ill-fitting corset, slight lighting and skin retouching was desired to make this shot work. I did this by cloning and liquifying the corset and bodice to make for a tailored fit, and then some transformation and cloning to extend the background. I used various layers to lighten and create contrast within the image, as well as the cloning and healing tools to create a smooth and even finish to her skin.
