Platinum

LiquidcanvasStudios

Model: Melissa Troutt

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 800 Shutter 1/40 Focal Length 32/1

location

Rockville, Maryland, US

upload_date

Oct, 2024

Views

Likes

+11

Awards

Featured

Peer Award

+42

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I met a dear friend and professional art model staying at the Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ. The Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern luxury and local inspiration, reflecting Marriott’s commitment to design excellence and innovation. The suites are thoughtfully designed with natural materials like smoked walnut and dark oak, complemented by accents of deep burgundy and soft pink, reminiscent of the region's cherry blossoms. Rounded walls and curved furnishings create a serene and fluid environment, enhancing the sense of relaxation.

Time

The photo was taken in the evening around 6:30pm.

Lighting

The lighting was limited to the light fixture in the room shot in manual mode with EF 24-105 F/4L, ISO 800, 1/100 sec. The contemporary chandelier functions as both a decorative piece and an integrated lighting system which serves as the main light source. The overhead globes create a dramatic multi-point lighting effect which illuminates Melissa's body contours while making the lower part of the frame disappear into darkness. The combination of light and dark elements in this setup reveals body shape and muscle definition while keeping some aspects of the image abstract. The practical lighting elements within the scene create an intimate atmosphere and realistic feel while producing a surreal theatrical effect. The photograph demonstrates how strobes and modifiers are not essential for fine art photography because intentional placement of light sources combined with compelling subjects and storytelling through light creates effective results.

Equipment

Canon 5D Mark III and EF 24-105 F/4L. I rely on a Manfrotto Befree GT PRO tripod.

Inspiration

The photograph emerged from our fascination with how light and form create tension through body movements that replicate or fight against or blend with environmental elements. The light fixture displayed sculptural qualities which led me to envision a visual conversation between its structured design and human body. The powerful and graceful presence of Melissa Troutt transformed the concept into a celestial experience where she floated through space toward the illumination. The process shifted from controlled posing into a complete surrender of body shape and shadow and energetic movement. Melissa Troutt is a professional fine art nude model based in Charlotte, NC, with a national presence as a traveling muse for photographers, painters, and artists alike. Known for her expressive posing, natural grace, and intuitive connection to movement and light, Melissa has built a strong reputation within the fine art community for her professionalism and creative versatility. With years of experience and a passion for empowering artistic expression, she brings depth, emotion, and authenticity to every collaboration—transforming each frame into a living work of art.

Editing

Very basic color correction, coverted to B/W with noise reduction, added a deeper shadow toward the bottom to ensure it aligns with community standards on social platforms and cropping in Lightroom RAW before exporting as a JPG.

In my camera bag

When it comes to gear, I like to stay flexible but prepared. My current primary setup centers around the Sony A7R IV, outfitted with a SmallRig cage, top handle, HDMI clamp, and side grip—an ideal configuration for both handheld stability and video versatility. My go-to lens is the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, but I also carry the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM for ultra-wide shots and a Sigma MC-11 converter to adapt my Canon glass to the Sony body. My Canon kit which was used in this photo still plays a strong backup role, especially the Canon 5D Mark III and lenses like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, EF 85mm f/1.8, EF 24-105 F/4L, and EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro. For lighting, I use a Canon 600EX II-RT with MagMod modifiers, two NEEWER MS60C COB RGBWW LED video lights, and a mobile studio setup with three AlienBees™ B800 flash units, complete with light stands and a 24" beauty dish for clean, professional lighting anywhere I go. I rely on a Manfrotto Befree GT PRO tripod and a Manfrotto 290 monopod, and carry various reflectors, ND filters, diffusers, and SmallRig shotgun mic and NP-F970 USB-C batteries for extended video sessions. It’s a hybrid kit built to deliver whether I’m shooting natural light portraits, full studio sessions, or cinematic video content.

Feedback

Study the way light interacts with space as well as structure and form in addition to your subject matter. The fixture functioned as both a prop and main light source in this situation. Let your subject move naturally when photographing someone as expressive as Melissa Troutt. Guide the mood instead of directing every body part. The most important thing to do is accept shadows. The story requires both light and shadows to be equally powerful.

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