As a photographer, sometimes you want to “stretch your legs” and get some practice in photography you don’t typically do.  And the area of photography I seem to do least professionally is the area which most professional photographers do the most work in – shooting people.

This summer I’ve been watching a few episodes of DOUBLE EXPOSURE on the Bravo Channel – a show about two very successful and famous fashion photographers named Markus and Indrani.  If you’re a photographer, it’s a fun “reality” TV show, and gives a lot of insight into the craft of these amazing photographers.  It inspired me to grab one of the guys I know from the gym where I work out, and head out to Cox Arboretum for a photo shoot.

The experience was really great for me and quite enjoyable as a change of pace.  I used my Canon 5D Mark II, 580EX flash gun, and my EF-24-105L along with my 100mm macro prime (great portrait lens).  Post processing was done in Photoshop CS5, with some added effects from OnOne’s Plug-In Suite 5.  Remember to click on the photos for a larger view.

Very little post-photo processing was done on this photo so as to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings.

I decided to do this shot in b&w – does the pose work for you?

In these shots, I was going for more of a “senior portrait” look.

With this shot, I was going for more of that artsy, “fashion magazine” look.

This photo was done with more of a “glamor” style:

Another more natural photo:

Please do let me know what you think of these shots.