Christmas. The end of the year is approaching, so a time for reflection.

I’ve just been looking back through all the photographs I’ve taken this year. Not as many as I would have liked, but I’m pleased with what I have done. Quality over quantity? I’d like to think so.

Do you ever look through your photos and find that you keep coming back to one in particular? For me, it’s this one of glamour model Natalia Forrest, so I’ve crowned it my favourite Photo of the Year 2016.

The photo was taken in Natalia’s home studio. It was the first outing for my new Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. I shot this at f/8. I really like the lens – very heavy, but superb image quality.

Nude except for her shoes

Natalia is completely nude except for her shoes. The position of the legs means that nothing is on show, and that’s one of the things I like about it, coupled with the look on her face. I absolutely love the way she can work the camera.

The lighting is as simple as it can get. Just one Elinchrom studio flash unit angled upwards to bounce light off the ceiling. Bouncing light like this makes for a very soft, even light, which I thought suited the quite neutral range of tones throughout the photo.

Click on the photo to see it bigger, and please feel free to comment.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Natalia - Favourite Photo of the Year - by Paul Jones

Natalia - Lighting Diagram - by Paul Jones

2 Responses so far.

  1. Phil Jones says:

    Hi Paul.
    Totally agree! That was my favourite photo of yours this year too, just beating the Melissa homage to Jane Russell into second place.
    It’s been great to see you get your mojo back this year;you’ve taken some outstanding photos plus you’re always there to give well thought out help and advice, not just to me but anyone who asks for it. You’re truly an inspiration!
    Have a great 2017. I look forward to seeing what you’ve got in store on your blogs.
    Regards,
    Phil.

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