A Tradition Unlike Any Other - Hooters Swimsuit Contest (Slide Show Added)

[tlbradford]

Not the Masters...just my local Hooters Bikini Contest.  Third year I have taken photos trying to learn my camera under horrible lighting conditions.  I'll post a link when I get done with editing, but here is a little preview.

90% shot handheld with Canon 50D, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, iso 1600, and edited in Lightroom 3.

***Please no dirty comments*** but critique on my photos is welcomed.

[Wazukie]

I think its actually a pretty good photo.  I like the shadows, I think they actually enhance the contours. Great job.

[Hornseeker]

yeah... contours.... thats it.... contours....

Considering lighting conditions, I think you done real good TBrad....

[JimmyHoffa]

Yeah, what they said.  I think catching the reflected purple light off the hair was a good call.  Need an assistant 

[boonerboy]

more?........you know......so we can critique your photos.   

[rasbo]

very good looks like she might be married

[runamuk]

As someone who likes the female figure as a subject for painting and sketching I like how you capture light and shadow and shapes under what really are not very good conditions.  I actually find most of your photos inspiring....truth is the girls are wearing far too many clothes for what I typically paint or sketch    I think one thing you could do to really expand is to go to black and white for the artistic representation ...black and white nude photography is artistically my absolute favorite genre of photography.  there how is that

[tlbradford]

I have a lot of photos that I will process in B and W that had a harsh spotlight almost directly overhead.  I hope you like them, when you see them.  I can't afford the child support to do nude photos.  ;-)

[runamuk]

I have a lot of photos that I will process in B and W that had a harsh spotlight almost directly overhead.  I hope you like them, when you see them.  I can't afford the child support to do nude photos.  ;-)

well cant wait to see the black and white even if they are wearing clothes  and from an art standpoint there is a difference between porn and nudes but there are lots of people who will never get it  totally understand...and like I said I really look forward to the black and white I like your past photos....

[PlateauNDN]

Very nice picture! That's a tradition worth passing down to the next generation!

[millertime89]

i know a couple of the girls that work out there.. I had a nice front and center table last year but i didn't make it out for this years contest.. it was definitely an educational  experience I didn't realize a Hunt-WA member was one of the photographers!

And like you said, the lighting in there is atrocious to say the least.. 

[tlbradford]

David, last year was a lot better in my opinion.  The girls had a little cute outfits or dresses, then did the bikini thing.  This year they changed bikinis and just kept marching them out there.  I think the girls had more attitude last year as well, and had fun more fun with it.  So, you didn't miss much.

[Decker]

What setting was this shot taken on AV, M, Program, etc? What f/stop? It appears your metering-mode is set to evaluative, as the back-ground is exposed properly, which really helps the colors on the models hair to pop. In this type of light setting (which is what I specialize in shooting) I often use partial and spot metering - both of which will take center of the frame into account for exposure, to make sure the subject receives the emphasis for proper exposure. This being said, the background would most likely get under-exposed a touch.

If I was processing this shot in Lightroom I would consider lowering the 'Lights' slider - Directly below the Tone Curve (not talking about the model's) Graph. This would help bring the brighter portions of the shot into line with the rest of the properly exposed areas. If you aren't shooting in RAW format, I would suggest starting immediately as you have Lightroom to process RAW photos. The exposure/blacks/color range you have to manipulate in a RAW photo is SO much broader, it's rediculous.

If you have any questions about any of these terms, let me know, not sure what your experience entails.

All that being said, I really like the composition and focus. If you want to see some of my low light shots, you can visit my business page at www.theTAGurit.com. Be sure to click on the photos tab on the left, then all photos, and pick an album from one of the many night clubs I shoot - MarQuee Lounge, Northern Quest, etc.

Working in the field I do, I really respect your stance on the nude photography. I have to really watch what's on my camera when I come home and show my wife what work was like. A+ work, both on the photo and the respect for your wife.

[tlbradford]

Thanks Decker.  I will check the settings and your site when I get back to the computer.  I used Av and M, but most were Av because they walked through a huge variety of light.  F-stop was usually 1.4 but I tried some at 2.0 to see if they would be a little sharper.  I haven't compared them
Yet.  Metering was spot and partial.  I used an outer focus point, if that makes a difference?

Everything was shot in Raw, and I would love to email you some files to see how you would process if you wouldn't mind.  Your pp is awesome and very artistic. 

[tlbradford]

On the metering?  Will it meter the center focus area, even if an outer focus point is used?  And if yes, is there a way to change that.  At the end of the runway there was a downlight that hit their stomach (center of the focus screen) and their face would be in shadow (my outer focus point).  This would explain a lot of underexposed faces I ended up with.