Creating evocative photographs that connect you to your beauty and glamour.
Austin, San Antonio, Houston Boudoir-Glamour-Fashion Photographer
Thank you for visiting with me. This blog chronicles my journey as a professional glamour, boudoir and fashion photographer as well as my continuing adventures around the world.
Glamour In Venice, Fashion Shoot At Palazzo Ca Zen Part 1
Return To Venice...Our second visit to the enchanting La Serenissima.
After our successful 2015 shoot, Von Trapp Photography planned and scheduled a return to the enchanting city of Venice Italy. As in 2015 we choose to use the Palazzo Ca Zen as our set location and accommodation, this time taking two models and shooting at additional outdoor locations around the city as well as in the palazzo.
Models/HMU: Kat Alexis Model Mayhem #246496 & Classic Kim Model Mayhem #791448
Arousing Reflection v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2017A sexy moment at the kitchen window. Venice fashion shoot at the Palazzo Ca Zen.
As with all of our photo shoots extensive planning was involved. We found two wonderful west coast based models, one in Portland the other in Tacoma who accompanied us to Venice for the week long stay at the palazzo. Once there we shot each model for three days using every room of the palazzo, and at several locations around Venice during both daytime and at night.
This trip was scheduled for mid-March which allowed for a different light and less visitors to the city over what we had in September 2015. But it also required our models to work in the colder nighttime temperatures and sprinkles of rain during the daytime. None the less their professionalism saw them through it all and we created wonderful art.
Tazza di caffè? v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2017Morning coffee with model Classic Kim, a beauty that captures the Italian feel for this fashion image in palazzo Ca Zen. Fashion Glamour photo shoot in Venice.
As I blogged about in our 2015 shoot here I noted that this centuries old palazzo belonged to a noble family, and now has been subdivided into several huge apartments.
The Ladies of Palazzo Ca Zen by Von Trapp Photography 2017Kat and Kim in the main bedroom of Ca Zen prior to their shoot.
The above behind the scenes video of Kim and Kat is created in the grand bedroom with its French-Doored balcony and 2 sets of huge windows overlooking the Rio de Santa Caterina.
This patina rich and stately apartment is located in the Cannaregio neighborhood on the North side of the island. It offers an American photographer numerous, unique and interesting elements not easily found nor accessed in the states.
The crowning jewel is undoubtedly the frescoed living room with its grand windows that overlook a small piazza. The following two images showcase this room and its windows.
When we prepare for a shoot our per-production planning is extensive. Location(s), model(s), styling and wardrobe, and possible poses will be considered in great detail. This preparation will often be started 4 to 6 months prior to a possible shoot date being picked. All in the hope of being the most efficient once on set and to be better prepared to react to possible unexpected events and still "get the shot"!
Follow this link to see an impressive work of video artwork on You Tube.
Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Budapest Adventure | Fashion shoot in one Europe's most beautiful cities.
Enchanting Budapest, Beauty, Grace and Glamour Part 1.
The first time I traveled to Budapest Hungary was almost 21 years ago as a member of the lead elements of the 1st Armor Division enroute to the war-torn Balkins to implement the Dayton Peace Accords. That was mid-December of 1995 while on a military train ladened with our gear, vehicles and troops starting a year long mission in Bosnia. My experience of the city then was only that of a glimpse from the train. This time I had the memorable chance to experience this lovely and elegant city under very different circumstances.
Traveling from San Antonio to Budapest via Munich, I arrivied refreshed and ready to start confirming my planned locations with the scouting of what I selected from map and satellite images. The shoot was planned in great detail over the prior 6 months; now I was finally there and excited to see and shoot in this most enchanting place.
What a gem of a city! Budapest has a charm and elegance that is seen everywhere. The architecture in the city center is superb and the people are lovely.
I chose to stay is three different locations, which would allow me to easily access different parts of Buda, and give me two different indoor shoot locations. The first area was in and around Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya), Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) and Vienna Gate (Bécsi kapu).
I met with my first model Adrienn in front of the Burg Hotel, where I was staying, and we strode off to shoot in the streets.
Adrienn Dubay Model/HMU: #2172368
Our hour and a half together now over, I bid Adrienn goodby as she went off to warm up. It was now time for breakfast and more location scouting.
Return here to see part two featuring Vivian during our glamour/fashion shooing in the lovely Budapest.
Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Prague Fashion Shoot Part 2 | San Antonio Photographer Shoots on Location
Five Fabulous Days in Prague Part 2...A crazy full day of shooting.
Shoot Day #2
In part 1 you visited with us as we photographed our first Playboy model Diana. Here in part 2, which took place the next day, we shot two more models at two different locations. The weather caused our nighttime city lingerie shoot with TerryZ, originally scheduled for two nights prior, to be delayed due to the threat of rain. So our planned activities for day #1 and #3 were combined into this day for one marathon-long shooting day lasting over 16 hours for the crew.
It started with a hotel change from the Old City Center to the Franciscan Garden area. Strolling the 1.5Km to our new location was easy, dispite the nearly 230lbs of photo gear in 5 bags, and made for a very lovely morning tour of the area.
After meeting with the property manger and a trip to a nearby local market for some food and drink to have on set for the crew, we welcomed our hair and make up artist (HMUA) Linda and our first of two models to set.
HMUA: Linda Chudomelová Model Mayhem #2841941
Model: Coxy Dominika Model Mayhem #1932887
Model: TerryZ Model Mayhem #3765368
Homage to Ellen & Elle v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2016Recreating Ellen von Unwerth's image of Elle Macpherson. Model: Dominika Jandlova (Coxy)HMUA: Linda Chudomelová.
BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTO
Terry & Coxy take #1 by Von Trapp Photography 2016We shot this image from two levels starting with this downward looking position. This and the next image has not been processed fully and are "out of camera" captures. Note the highly polished and artistic styling to the prior final image.
Terry & Coxy take #2 by Von Trapp Photography 2016After trying this high angel position, we shot it from about the model's eye level which became the final image capture decided upon seen above.
The Conclave by Von Trapp Photography 2016Prague Fashion/Glamour ShootReviewing an image capture with HMUA Linda, models TerryZ and Coxy at the Franciscan Garden Apartments, Prague Czech Republic.
Your Drink Mademoiselle by Von Trapp Photography 2016.Fashion Photo in PragueTerryZ is tended to by Coxy in this Prague fashion shoot image.
HMUA: Linda Chudomelová.
Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Venice Fashion Shoot Final Segment | San Antonio Glamour
Fashion and Glamour in Venice....San Antonio photographer shoots on location. Final Segment
We traveled to Venice Italy to a palazzo located in the eastern part of the Cannaregio district. This palazzo, now subdivided into several grand apartments, was once the nobel palace of the Gradenigo family which produced several leaders of Venice known as the Doge.
In this last installment to our series about shooting fashion and glamour in Venice, you will see many of the final images from our 4 days of living and working in one of the world's most incredible cities.
To see more about our incredible time there see the following links to my other blogs about our travel from San Antonio Texas to the iconicity romantic city of Venice.
Venice Ally by Von Trapp Photogrphy 2015Fashion Image taken in Venice Italy.
Stilettos and Red Silk by Von Trapp Photography 2015Sexy Fashion Nude. This image, taken in the grand living room of the Palazzo Ca Zen in Venice, captures the sensual light that is falling upon our model, her wardrobe, the frescoed walls and mosaic floor.
Nicole Thong Bodysuit by Von Trapp Photography 2015Nicole turns heads in Venice as she models on the allyways of Venice during Von Trapp Photography's fashion shoot.
Intensity v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015Emotive Fashion Glamour
Model Nicole smolders in Agent Provocateur lingerie. This intensely beautiful fashion image was glamorously created at the Palazzo Ca Zeno in northern Venice. This is but one in a series of fashion images created by Von Trapp Photography durning our fashion shoot in this stunning location.
Model: uNicoleorn
Read more about our glamour shoot here. Part #1
Nude In Venice Palazzo v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015Fashion Nude. The dining room of a Venetian palazzo is the setting for this fashion nude. Our model is holding a handmade Venetian mask called a Colombina which covers only half of the face, and in this version is attached to a wooden baton.
Nicole At The Door by Von Trapp Photography 2015Fashion shoot at the Palazzo Ca Zen in Venice Italy. This Palazzo is the once nobel palace of one of Venice's leading families which produced several heads of state of the republic known as the Doge.
Sexy Back by Von Trapp Photography 2015Sexy fashion shot taken in Venice near the Palazzo Zen.
Living and Shooting in Splendor.
San Antonio fashion-glamour photographer on location in Italy Part 2.
Fashion Shoot in Venice...A Dream Location Part 3.
Follow this link to see a YouTube video of this lovely city.
Follow this link to see our return visit in 2017 to shoot in Venice.
Open your mind and heart, travel and become a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Glamour Shoot in Germany Part 2
Glamour Shoot in Munich Germany Part 2...Texas Fashion Photographer on location.
In Part 1 we took you to the grounds of the Schleissheim Palace outside of München where we shot some lingerie fashion images. We traveled there from Venice after shooting at the Palazzo Ca Zen on in Italy where we photographed Nicole in the Palazzo Ca Zen. This is one of those images taken in Venice just days before. (Image below)
Fashion Completes Me by Von Trapp Photography 2015Fashion Editorial Nude. The dining room fireplace in the Palazzo Ca Zen with its grand gilded mirror is a striking backdrop for this editorial nude of Nicole.
We made our way to the northwest side of Munich, to the grounds of the Lustheim and Scheissheim Palaces, where we created these lingerie-glamour fashion images and the ones seen in Part 1.
Von Trapp Photography is a couture, glamour, boudoir and fashion photo artistry service. We create fashion inspired images that are beautiful, dramatic, emotive works of art.
Love life enough to be adventurous, love your country enough to travel, grow and become a better person. Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Prague Fashion Shoot Part 1 | Austin Photographer Shoots on Location
Five Fabulous Days in Prague Part 1...Fashion Photo Shoot on Location.
Our most recent location shoot took Von Trapp Photography to the fabulous European city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Prague is an absolutely lovely city with stunning architecture and has a vibrantly young feeling.
This trip started, as every location shoot does, with considerable pre-production planning and coordination. We found 5 perfect models and a wonderful hair and makeup artist (HMUA), each talented and as we found out, fabulous to work with.
Location scouting started in advance with online resources to include satellite imagery to find possible outdoor spots to shoot, which were later confirmed once we were on the ground in Prague. We also booked a very popular 4th floor apartment next to the Franciscan Gardens which had an all glass, 180 degree view of the city.
Shoot Day #1
The plan for this day, which was to be the second day of shooting, was to start with Diana (a published Playboy model) doing a daytime fashion shoot in the castle district in clothing and lingerie. I met her at a nearby streetcar stop just 150 meters away from our first selected location (the stairs seen below). After going over the shoot and our inspiration boards with her, Diana changed into this first outfit using a robe she brought for this very reason.
The temperature was in the low 70's, nice in the sun but cool (Certainly for us coming from the mid 90's of a Texas May) in the shade. None the less this Czech beauty was undaunted moving from pose to pose and location to location; effortlessly changing from one outfit to the next, dresses to lingerie.
In the above pose, Diana makes it seem effortless as she perches upon a rough brick wall in a minidress and 4 inch Mary Jane pumps. Regardless if you are a seasoned pro, or the first time amateur to modeling, believe me it is a true workout! In Italian, Sprezzatura refers to the "art that conceals". It refers to the effort made to make something appear--effortless! She certainly did just that for every pose.
Diana at the Wall by Von Trapp Photography 2016The beautiful Diana poses at the entrance to a child's playground (sign in Czech "Playground")
Diana Standing in the Doorway by Von Trapp Photography 2016Prague Fashion Shoot.
This lovely location in the doorway of a stone and masonry wall was found in the Castle District of Prague. The sunlight was used to rim light Diana whilst the main light was provided by a Profoto D1 Strobe with battery pack. Diana's great edgy hair inspired me to style this image to have an overall sharpness to which I gave this color styling during post processing.
We moved from the above location to the cobbled back streets in a neighboring area to shoot some glamorously sexy lingerie photos.
Diana Cobbeled Street by Von Trapp Photography 2016Diana disrupts traffic with a sexy glamour pose.
Although we did not make a "big footprint" durning this shoot, we did have some obvious equipment on site in the form of Profoto D1 studio strobes and a 24lb. battery with the power cables. For this shoot I chose not to use any light modifiers on the strobes, like a beauty dish, but instead just went "bare bulb" for overall ease durning the shoot.
Diana Red Facade by Von Trapp Photography 2016Diana strikes a lovely pose on a Prague street. I just love shooting in Europe! The gorgeous curves of the architecture paired with that of the lines of a woman's body...so perfect.
Leggy Doorway by Von Trapp Photography 2016The lovely and leggy Diana graces a doorway along a Prague street.
Diana by Von Trapp Photography 2016Playboy model Diana smolders in her ivory lingerie on a Prague street.
During our two hours together we created striking images at 6 locations amoung the stone facades and cobbled streets. Working with Diana Jelinkova , aka. Diane DeeDee, was such a perfect start to our day's shooting in Prague.
Come back for Part 2 to meet our incredible makeup artist and our next two lovely models during our Five Fabulous Days in Prague, Part 2.
Take a moment to view this well done video of this lovely city on Youtube.
Evocative & Glamorous Fine Art | Connecting you to your Beauty
How You Can Become a Work of Art.
Glamour is best described as anything that possesses beauty, grace, mystery and has transcendence. I use this very elegant definition to inspire and guide me in the creation of my photographic art. It can certainly also be applied to a variety of subjects and is not just limited to the imagery of women. However, I am primarily a woman's photo artist, so that is the vast majority of what I create.
Lady in a Stream by Von Trapp Photography 2014 | Texas Glamour-BoudoirFine Art Glamour image using studio strobes to create the unique lighting of this scene. Its transcndent nature is atributited to the quality of light, and by the highlights and shadows; their creation made at the time of the capture, and in post-process.
Lady In A Stream Fine art project to create a unique look to a well known location below the Canyon Lake Dam on the Guadalupe River.
The transcendent quality of the above capture is attributed to the light seen in the photo. The mid-afternoon light is being augmented by 3 powerful studio strobes, which were carefully placed to create a precise look. Then in post-production meticulous steps were taken to "paint" in each and every shadow and highlight seen in the final image.
Professional photo artists shoot in a format called RAW. A pro grade camera with high quality "glass" (the lens) will record everything in the image that can be "captured" but the capture will need to be "developed". This image will not even be able to be viewed without custom software to process the data that was recorded, and then make it viewable to the photographer on the camera's LCD screen on the back. But this is only a low resolution image for viewing at that moment. If the camera is not set or able to record anything other than JPEG, the captured image will be from the start of a lower quality compared to one in the RAW format. This form of capture (RAW) insures the very highest quality of data recording at the time of exposure.
Now that the image has been artfully planned and crafted on set, and captured to the camera's memory, it is time to continue the magic of the photo artist "developing" the image. The RAW image will now be viewed on a high grade large screen monitor that is frequently color calibrated with special soft and hardware to insure stunning results in the final print. Again, special software is used to be able to see the photo for further artistic work.
In contrast - a snapshot that is taken in the normal JPEG format can be a good looking image. But it can never match the brilliance, sharpness and quality of an artfully processed and styled creation made from a RAW capture.
The RAW image at this point looks drab and somewhat boring. It is not ready for printing or viewing as a finished photo; it must be creatively developed into its potential beauty.
Intensity (RAW "Out of Camera" image) by Von Trapp Photography
This is a RAW image file. Note the dull look to the image, this is normal for a RAW file. It is unedited, not retouched, and not corrected in any way. Nor has its look, coloring, or mood been styled in any way. It is, by most standards, a very good image as it is, professionally well crafted and lit to make the beginning of an outstanding image. The original size of this file is a whopping 52.3 MB, which was made possible by the top of the line Canon EOS 5DS.
Now aided by a graphic pen tablet, such as a Wacom, the image is skillfully and ever painstakingly made. The artist will use a pen-like device called a surface pen, to literarily "paint with light" as he manipulates the RAW image's data to show, or not, varying degrees of light, dark, highlights, shadows, contrast, color and so very much more.
Final, fully-edited and styled image from our fashion shoot at the Palazzo Ca Zen in Venice Italy. Canon EOS 5DS with 24-70 f2.8L lens. The size of this file when it was converted from RAW to a Photoshop File for editing was 845.8MB! That's a lot of data to work with to create beauty and glamour.
The great value to having invested in, as of June 2015, the world's largest megapixel SLR camera, is the ability to capture incredibly tack-sharp images that can than be enlarged to here-before unheard of sizes for a full frame 35mm SLR. Even if I am not making billboard size images, having so much data on a file capture allows me to enlarge and crop an image without loss of image quality.
Intensity III by Von Trapp PhotographyEmotive Fashion Glamour.
This intensely beautiful fashion image was glamorously created at the Palazzo Ca Zen in northern Venice. This is but one in a series of fashion images created by Von Trapp Photography durning our fashion shoot in this stunning location.
Lady In A Stream (RAW "Out of Camera" image)Here you see my RAW capture of what went on to be a stunning art piece.
The RAW capture of the above image. Note the orange power cord entering the water at left, and exiting on the right where it goes to a Profoto D1, 1000w strobe mounted on a light stand with a beauty dish (upper left corner of photo). The light stand has been weighted down with sandbags, and the power cord had been prepared/protected for its immersion into the river. Again note the dull look to the unedited image. Canon EOS 5D MkII with 24-70 f2.8L lens.
To create just one image that I will provide to a client or use in my portfolio, I will spend more than three hours crafting it. This is after the three or more hours that it took to download, catalog, cull, rate, select, and do initial editing that includes cropping, basic exposure and other early steps; just to get to the point of selecting the very best captures for the final artistic rendition.
The price of your investment constitutes this time and effort plus the education, training, experience, equipment, and talent of the artist when you commission a project or purchase a photograph. What you are really investing in is a work of art, crafted with precision and passion.
By choosing Von Trapp Photography, you will be teaming up with a photographer who seeks to find the glamour in the people, places, and objects that surround us. Investing in a quality piece of fine art that has you as the subject will give you immeasurable joy and satisfaction. Call us today and start your journey.
Glamour Shoot in Munich Part #1 | Austin Houston Glamour Photography
Fashion and Glamour Shoot in Germany Part #1...Texas Fashion Photographer on location.
On a recent trip to Germany, I created some fashion and lingerie-glamour images at the Schleissheim Palace in Northwest München in the state of Bayern (Bavaria). We traveled to the village of Lustheim and our hotel Zum Kurfürst, which is only meters away from the NE gate to the grounds.
The grounds are the site for three palaces, the Old and New Schleissheim Palace and the Lustheim Palace. Like most former royal residences in Germany, the grounds are open and free to the public to enjoy. Always serene locations and perfect for a stroll, quiet read, or jog, they are also favorite locations for photographs and photographers. On this day, a bride and groom were having their formal pictures taken on the steps of the Schloß (palace) at the other end of the gardens.
We shot these images at the Northeast side of the expansive garden near the Pavilion, which was once a grand horse stable in its day. You can see this location on the map below on the upper right and marked as Pavilion, with the building being depicted as a red colored rectangle. And the bridge Monique is posed upon is on the map as well, and can be found under the letter "u" in the word "Beautiful Stable".
This capture above is the primer image for my series "Cum See What I'm Wearing Under My Coat", which continues in future shoots with other models and at different locations.
In the gardens of Schloß Schleißheim
For these captures, I used der Pavillon der Schlossanlage (the palace complex pavilion) as an element for the background. It once was the stables on the grounds of Schloß Schleißheim
.
I always love to shoot on location in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The stately and glamorous architecture has such a draw for me and provides an incredible degree of inspiration, and I go back as often as possible.
A major part of my photograph style is shooting on location and using studio strobe(s) and light shaping tools. I choose the challenges that come with using a location over a studio so that I may capture the textures, light and feel of a location; while using studio strobe(s) to further shape or create light that has a special quality about it. When shooting overseas, this will always mean lots of luggage. Which will also contain props and wardrobe for the model(s).
On occasion, I will use the lingerie, shoes or clothing that a model might have. But since I plan each shot months in advance, I prefer to have the wardrobe on hand so that I can visualize what the image could look like.
Schleissheim PalacePalace Grounds and location for Von Trapp Photography's lingerie shoot.
Exposure Ready v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: "Cum See What I'm Wearing Under My Coat")
Our curvey temptress prepares to give us a look at what she has on under her trench coat. Created in Germany at the Schloß Lustheim (Lustheim Palace) near München (Munich).
Model: Monique
Dark Exposure v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: "Cum See What I'm Wearing Under My Coat")
Our curvey temptress allures us with a look at what she has on under her trench coat. Created in Germany at the Schloß Lustheim (Lustheim Palace) near München (Munich).
Model: Monique
All of the above images were taken at or near the pavilion or the nearby bridge that spans the canal. The next two captures, however, are on the west facing terrace of the Palace Lustheim (see map above). Despite being taken near sunset, you can see the Schleissheim Palace in the distance of the second image beyond Monique.
Finally, Monique wants you to see just what she is wearing under her coat. She trusts that you will enthusiastically approve. "Are you you ready for a peek?"
Ready For a Peek? v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: "Cum See What I'm Wearing Under My Coat")
Monique strikes a pose in preparation to show us just what she's wearing under her coat. Sexy photoshoot in Germany on the grounds of Schloss Schleißheim near München.
Model: Monique
A Flash Of Beauty by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: "Cum See What I'm Wearing Under My Coat")
Our dark beauty answers the question of what is she wearing under her coat by offering us this tantalizing glimpse. Made even more delightful because she has left her knickers off! Instead, showing off her garter belt and off black stockings.
Model: Monique
Click here to read part 2 from this shoot in Germany.
In the spring of 2016 we will travel to Prague to work with some of the Czech Republic's wonderful models. Follow us here to see what we create in this fantastic city.
Von Trapp Fashion Glamour Boudoir Photography.Von Trapp Photography is a couture photo-artisty service creating evocative fashion magazine inspired beauty and glamour images.
Love life enough to be adventurous, love your country enough to travel, grow and become a better person.
Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Living a Dream in Venice Part 3 | Fashion and Glamour Photo Shoot
Fashion Photo Shoot in Venice...A Dream Location. Part 3
Who would not consider a chance to model and shoot in Venice as a extraordinary opportunity? Add to that having a grand apartment in a Palazzo as your set location and you have a dream come true. This was my dream for some time, and in September 2015 it came to pass. The marble, stone and frescos that adorned the rooms with their fine Venetian chandeliers and stately furniture created a elegant setting for a fashion photo shoot.
Amongst the Frescos is the title of this fashion image. Aptly named since every wall of this living room, with its 16 foot tall celling, was adorned with the incredible art.
Photo artist and model setting up for the shot.
Woman At The Palazzo Window Here Nicole is captured in a beautiful light that is created by the open shade of the courtyard. She is photographed from an adjacent window across the way from another room of the apartment.
A Best Foot Forward This fashion nude is of our model wearing champagne colored strappy heels and was shot in the living-dinning room doorway of the Palazzo.
Von Trapp Photography and crew traveled to Europe from Texas with all of our camera and studio lighting equipment, wardrobe, props and Las Vegas based model uNicoleorn.
Read more about the planning for this shoot and our first day (Part 1), and see more of the images created at this dream location (Part 2). And return here for the final blog segment (Part 4) and images from our Venice adventure.
Follow this link to view a lovely video of Venice on You Tube.
Open your mind and heart, travel and become a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Glamour In Venice Part 2 | Fashion Photo Shoot on Location
San Antonio fashion-glamour photographer on location in Italy. Part 2
A location shoot can be both exciting and worrisome for a photographer, especially when the location is seven time zones away from home. Alot of money and people's time are riding on getting the images, and despite all the extensive prior planning and detailed preparation, it can be very hard to shake the worry that you missed something.
As I wrote in my previous blog about this shoot, Living and Shooting in Splendor..., the amount of time spent on preparation for the shoot was the key and we created excellent work. Working with a quality group of people will always help make a project more successful and enjoyable. Here is a look at some of the image captures we were able to create.
Taken on the bedroom balcony.
We arrived at this location by water taxi the evening prior, being dropped off at our door on the canal seen here. Anyone who has visited Venice knows how everything moves around the city by boat or by foot. Choosing to ride in style right to our door was both a glamorous introduction to the city's lights and so much easier considering all of the equipment and wardrobe we had with us.
The alleyways became our set locations.
Nicole Venice Fashion Shoot by Von Trapp Photography.Shot on a canal bridge in Venice Italy.
Striking a pose on a canal bridge.
Nicole in a sexy fashion pose.
Evening sun by Von Trapp Photography 2015The setting sun created a lovely light for this fashion photograph in Venice Italy.
Evening approaches as Nicole poses on the bedroom balcony.
Please have a look at part #1 about the planning and preparation for this shoot and the start of shooting on the first day, and more images in part 3.
Picking Your Boudoir or Glamour Photographer | Austin Houston San Antonio
Selecting your Boudoir or Glamour Photographer...What differences should you consider.
Boudoir and Glamour are truly separate genera of photography and although boudoir can be created to have glamour or with a glamorously emotive styling, they are different from each other. I specialize in shooting both glamour and boudoir, bringing a high degree of fashion-magazine inspiration to the look of each.
Classic Boudoir
Fashion-Glamour
Fashion/Lingerie-Glamour
Fashion/Lingerie-Glamour
Implicit Delight v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2013.Sexy glamour image of the divine Ms. Gianna.
Implied Nude Glamour/Boudoir
Most talented boudoir photographers are natural light shooters. They create lovely and often artful images that have a wonderful connection of the subject to the camera. The natural light used to create their images produces a soft look to the photos that is flattering and attractive.
In contrast to the look of most photographers, my images have a crisp fashion-magazine inspired look. Often they are also created with a cinematic styling that is more dramatic and arty as well. This look can only be achieved through the use of special lighting equipment such as strobes and continuous lighting, often in consort with lighting modifiers such as a beauty dish, umbrella, soft box, and a host of other specialty items.
Fashion-Glamour, Old Hollywood style Glamour
Behind the scenes of a glamour shoot in Las Vegas. The look that was being created for the shoot was in the old hollywood style. Here model Nicole and Make-Up Artist Samiha look at a series of image captures between sets.
The question then at this point is "how do I want to see myself?" But answer this as well - have you considered seeing yourself differently? Most people initially have a difficulty seeing themselves beyond the usual; a different person from that which has been looking back at them from the mirror daily. This quite understandable way of thinking will hold many people back from realizing the possibility of being photographed in a whole new way which is glamorous and transcends their normal.
When you look at fashion magazines, and I know you do...possibly lots of them, you see images that are beautiful and glamorous unlike anything around you or that which is part of your normal daily life. What you are likely to see are perfect examples of my favorite definition of glamour, anything that has beauty, grace, mystery and is transcendent.
To exceed the limits of our ordinary experience is to be transcendent. Having yourself photographed gives you the perfict oppertunity to become part of a work of art, and to be transcendent as well. But first you must realize the difference between a beautiful portrait and what it means to be a transcendent work of art.
Go to Pinterest and search "Glamour Photography" and you will see a verity or examples of fine photography. Some created with soft, flattering, romantic available light, others with edgy available light. While others which were crafter with studio strobe, speed lights or continuous lighting. All are very good examples of fine glamour photography, but they each have their own feeling and message.
Next search "Nautral light portrait" and you will see lovely examples of flatering light. But as you continue to look over the images, note how the quality of light is not different or unusual to what we might see at any given time during our day. They are, infact, what we have come to expect from the natural light of our world, and as such are fimular and comfortable to us.
Now lets search "Glamour Photography femme fatale". Here you will see a distinct difference to the feeling of the photographs created by the lighting, the highly quafted hair and impecable make-up not withstanding. This is the style of glamor-legends, images that are distinctly glamorous. These images have a "magazine" quality about them and are more likley to possess the transcendentance that I speak of.
Finally have a look at one of my favorite artists, Annie Leibovitz who is a master of lighting and with her cinematic style has created countless masterpieces of photographic art for Vouge, Disney, Vantiy Fair and more. She along with other talented and highly skilled artists are known for creating transcendent images that capture our attention and full our imagination.
Boudoir photograph created with the use of studio strobes and a beauty dish. The inspiration for this image was the dramatic styling used in the "Old Hollywood" style of glamour images.
When you search for your glamour or boudoir photographer, consider having yourself photographed in the similar manner that creates some of the most iconicity glamorous images. Select an artist that has the creative skill and ability to make a work of art with you as the subject. Select not just an excellent photographer, but a photo-artist.
We at Von Trapp Photography will connect you to your glamour and create a work of art for you that will thrill for you for a lifetime. Follow me on Facebook.
Becoming a Calendar Girl | Glamour Photo Shoot for Hubby
Ms. G's Glamour Calendar Shoot...Creating a glamour calendar for her husband
When Ms.G was considering what she wanted to give her loving husband for their anniversary, she decided to make it a sexy glamour calendar of thirteen fabulous images for him to look at every day. Her profession keeps her on the road several days a month and this would be a way to be with him in his office everyday.
She stated that she knew what she wanted the look and feel to be like and set off on an extensive search for the right artist to make it a reality for her and her husband. With the help of a very good friend, they came upon Von Trapp Photography and contacted us and we met to discuss her project.
I was taken by her concept and by her personality. We listened to each other's thoughts for almost two hours. I wanted to hear as much detail as possible and to give her ideas about what we could bring to the party in the way of design, concept, technique and artistry. Ms. G. had a chance to see additional examples of our work and to get all of her questions asked and concerns and fears addressed.
At the start of this project in August her anniversary was not for another seven months; however, we would need to get started quickly in order to fully design the shoot, plan the logistics, and capture the images. All would need to occur before the end of September to take advantage of the weather, since some of her desired images included a beach shoot, an outdoor cowgirl theme and a boudoir shoot. We used Pinterest to facilitate the gathering of inspiration and thoroughly collaborated with her to insure our creative vision satisfied hers for this 18x24 inch, 13-page work of art.
One of 13 image created for her glamour calendar that will be a present to her beloved husband. This one has been selected as one of the images to be used for one of the summer months.
Ms. G's project necessitated that she contract us for our commissioned shoot since it was really several different shoots which were needed to create enough variety of images for a calendar. Also, at this price point she benefited by her ability to have a great deal of planning and post-processing included in the price. As of this writing, we have completed all stages of preparation, shooting and post-processing, and have sent the images to print.
Ms. G has expressed her great joy over the results, and has shared the delighted comments of close girlfriends about her experience, and the artistic results of her experience with us at Von Trapp Photography.
Thank you to Ms. G for trusting us at Von Trapp Photography to create her dream calendar and to bring it to fruition, and for allowing us to post this image from her shoot. We really enjoyed working with her and connecting her to her glamour. Contact us today and let us connect you to yours.
Living Like a Resident of Venice | Glamour Shoot in Italy
Living and Shooting in Splendor...My days as a resident of Venice. But first must come the work. Part 1
We just returned from Europe where Von Trapp Photography spent 4 incredible days and nights shooting and living in the Ca Zeno Palazzo, of Venice Italy. I have visited Venice many times in the 80's and 90's, but even on extended visits I never got the chance to feel like I lived there. A hotel room, even the nicest ones, can only offer to one the experience of Venice as a visitor.
Ca Zeno belongs to the direct descendant of the noble family Gradenigo which produced several leaders of Venice, the Doge, starting with Pietro Gradenigo in the late 13th century. His namesake is the current owner today. The residence is a grand apartment in the building of the once palace, located in the Cannaregio Quarter of Northern Venice.
The crew and I arrived at the Palazzo via water taxi in the early evening. The ride to the residence afforded everyone the chance to view the glamour of the Grand Cannal after sunset, with all its stately facades beautifully illuminated . Upon entering the residence the grandeur of our surroundings struck me deeply, and despite my fatigue after nearly 20 hours of travel I roamed the residence slack-jawed gazing upon the frescos, marble and stone of the various rooms. I then mustered a final surge of energy to unpack the 3 large bags of photo equipment, wardrobe, and props that we brought, and after giving a final briefing to everyone about tomorrow's shoot, I wandered off to my palatial bedroom to pass out.
Corner of the dining room in the noble Venetian palazzo Ca Zen.
The next morning started early near sunrise. I awoke, like in all cities, to the sounds of the streets comming alive with the activity of another day. In this case, of course, the streets were canals, and the sounds were that of boats moving along the waterway below our balconied windows instead of automobiles. As my eyes came into focus I gazed upon the frescoed ceiling some 16 feet above my bed. A hint of the cool blue light of morning peeked in around the shutters of the tall windows and french doors of my room. I heard the sound of a woman's heels upon the stone of the walkway just outside. A man's voice, speaking Italian, echoed through the narrow passage ways of the canals. Then, I detected it! The marvelous aroma of Italian coffee floating upon the gentle breeze being blown down the hall with the aid of some morning wind coming in through an open window of the kitchen.
Production Assistant Pat, always an early riser, was tasked to put together breakfast for what will be a early and long day of shooting. "What a wonderful life" I thought.
The ubiquitous Italian coffee pot. I love mine which has journeyed with me in my rucksack during my Green Beret years when the mission allowed, despite adding to the already 100 pounds of "lightweight gear" of essential kit.
It was a quick colazione (breakfast) and coffee for model Nicole and I prior to setting off for the first two shot setups of the morning. During our time in Venice we had planned to create several different images of fashion, art nude, lingerie glamour and fashion editorial. Sadly for her, she only indulged in a very light amount of food since her first two setups were to be fashion nudes.
We started off shooting at the entranceway and staircase to the apartments. The available light was stunning in many of the shooting locations and this entranceway was no exception.
All the while back at the apartment, wardrobe and props were being organized by the crew for the rest of that day's shooting. Photos here at the entrance completed, we returned to the kitchen for a real breakfast using that time to also do hair and makeup.
The rest of this day, lasting up to sunset was filled with wardrobe, jewelry, hair, and makeup changes, changes of set location throughout the palazzo and outside in the local area. All under the unrelenting pressure of the clock.
Planning The Shoot...Put on another pot of coffee! "Maybe I will have tea this time".
We came to Italy with an ambitious plan which was laid out in painstaking detail back home in Texas over the preceeding months. Concept and mood boards were created, just like we do for all of our client shoots, except this project was larger in its scope and to be completed seven time zones away.
Like any large project that is professionally conducted planning was the key. I thought I was back on an Special Forces "A team" planning an infiltration into some part of the world. In fact we were sort of doing just that.
Photo Artist Richard pulling together details of the shoot, creating a "story board" and shot list to mach up with the written description of each planned image. The next two photos are the result of the left sketch (#1A and 1B) above.
Getting four people to one location in Europe coming from three widely separate locations in the states was the easy part. Despite several airline schedule changes over the months prior, and potential hurricane development from socking in departures from Houston or Ft Lauderdale, that part proved not to be a problem.
What was given great consideration was first the overall concept, theme, feel, mood and look of the desired images to be created. Whatever was decided upon would have to fit the look of our model, the location and time of year, what wardrobe and props could be sourced, the time available and so much more. Even such things as meteorological and astrological variables were researched and considered, both historical and currently forecasted. Sunrise and sunset along with the forecasted positions and angle of the sun at a given time of the day were factored into where we would shoot and when. I used satellite imagery to help me see where the sun would be in the sky, and to help me decide what the light would likely be in a given room or location at a given time of the day.
We had images of most of the rooms of the Palazzo which were of great help in planning each shot. But having never seen it in person many questions and potential problems still loomed. But the largest and most nagging spector to materialize and follow me all the way through this process, right up to the completion of shooting, was that of time! Would I have enough time to complete all of my desired and meticulously planned shots?
As I found inspiration I selected locations for each shot or designed the shot to fit each site. Wardrobe and accessories were sourced and selected, hair and make up were considered. Countless revisions and culling of ideas were conducted as different issues came to light. Finally enough planning was conducted that it was possible to detail each shot, and we created both a written description list and either a sketch or photo inspiration of each image to be created. I had already ruthlessly culled some 15 images from the total in the eleventh hour so that I could proceed to this final step of sketching, which can be seen in the photo above. But I was hard pressed to do so, I loved these 15 ideas! Once I did, however, the proverbial weight was lessened from my mind. My spector still remained, however, now quietly whispering instead of yelling, "time, you will not have enough time".
Mirrored Glamour by Von Trapp Photography 2015Mirrored Glamour, Beauty Reflected.
This capture was made in a grand bedroom of a nobel residence in Venice Italy. The period furniture, 20 foot frescoed celling and French doored balcony, overlooking a canal, created an inspirational location for this evocative lingerie glamour photograph.
As it turned out we did indeed have enough time. The planning and estimating of what it might take for each set-up, shot, location/wardrobe change and resetting of the lighting was satisfyingly close to what it finally turned out to be on set. The dedicated work of my photography assistant and production assistant, along with the endurance of our model to push through a challenging schedule made it all happen. But it started with a dream, a vision and a solid plan.
With day one finished, each of us went on, after a short rest, to go shopping for food at a local market and bring our delicacies back to the apartment for that night and the next day. We decided to "visit" the main tourist side of the city, wandering through the alleyways to St Mark's Square some 20 minutes away. I casually lead the group...making a turn here...stopping at an interesting location there, seeming as if I knew where I was at all times. In fact it was 1999 when I last visited from my military posting in Germany. But it all came back to me despite some moments of frantically trying to recall my previous adventures here, but most in the group were none the wiser.
My sincere appreciation to everyone involved in this project. I hope that you the reader will return to view the results of this undertaking in the weeks to come as I work through the next step in the creative process, that of post processing and artistic styling of the images.
Cheers,
Richard
Follow this link to a romantic video of this most lovely city.
Open your mind and heart, travel and know the joy of becoming a citizen of the world.
One's life can be comprised of many things...perhaps the most important of which is learning and growing.
RvT
Crafting the Light | Don't Settle for Selfies
Making a Difference with Strobes…How strobes and light modifiers can aid in creating extraordinary fashion, glamour and boudoir photographs.
Whether I am shooting in a studio, on location in central Texas, or elsewhere in the world, I will always strongly consider using some form of strobe and lighting modifiers. Natural and ambient light are great, often providing a regionally unique look that is found only in that part of the world. (This is a perfect excuse for any photographer or painter to travel.) Anyone who has traveled widely can attest to how different the light is at one given location over another. The warm golden colors of Rome, the intense spring colors of Europe, or vibrant colors of the Caribbean are but a few examples.
The overriding problem with available light, however, is that there is always an uncertainty of what you will have at the time the photograph is taken. Even then, it will be changing from moment to moment. Photographers know well the concept of chasing the light, or may be heard muttering that they are losing the light.
This brings me to artificial light - any source other than the sun, moon and stars. It can be available light such as street lighting, candlelight, city lights, etc. But in its most controllable form, the kind used by movie makers and skilled photographers, it can be counted upon to make the exact kind of light the artist is envisioning. There are two main forms of artificial light used in cinema and photography. They are classified as continuous lighting and strobes (commonly called flash). Two examples of strobes are studio strobe and speed light.
I presently use strobes and speed lights with a variety of devices to change and shape the light. This shaping of the light is accomplished with light modifiers. Light modifiers are any device that is used around, in front of, or on the light source to provide control such as softening, directing, or intensifying the light. When used in consort with accessories that include light stands, colored gels, battery packs and more, they afford the artist immense creative ability to construct and shape the very look of the light.
Lady in Orange v.2a by Von Trapp Fashion Photography 2014.Fashion, lighting, and styling were carefully considered and crafted in the creation of this glamour photograph. This mysterious image was created in San Antonio just as a rain started to fall.
This image was created using two 1000 watt Profoto D1 Air studio strobes. The first strobe is fitted with a beauty dish attached to a boom above the model and to camera left. The second strobe is placed 25 feet away and aimed up along this narrow walkway to illuminate the model's lower body, and highlight her pumps to really pop their great color. The camera is 40 feet away and fitted with a Canon 200mm f2L IS lens on a 5D MkII body with a radio trigger. My lens choice, along with the strobes, allowed me to drop the background out of focus and into darkness, thus keeping the viewer's attention on the subject.
In this edgy image of our client, Austin Author/Publisher J.M. Buckler, the sun was used a rim-light her from behind, while a single 1000w strobe provided the main light.
For our shoot with Samiha in the Las Vegas desert, we once again used the sun to rim-light the model. Two 1000w strobes were this time placed high and to the sides of Samiha.
Joyful Breeze v.3 by Von Trapp Photography 2018.(From the series: Joyful Nymph on the Knoll)
A lovely breeze blows across this knoll and Joy's body in Naarden.
Mode/HMU: Joy Draiki
M.M. #2798173.
Photo assistant Emanuele.
Hosted by local photographer Rob Polder
This capture of Joy used only one 500w strobe as a main light, with the the sun backlighting her lovely hair.
In contrast to the other images this capture of Palmer on Peacock Ally in San Antonio was created on a partly cloudy afternoon with the sun behind the camera. To add additional punch to the light we used a strobe just right of camera.
Here with rain looming and reduced sunlight, the strobe was used to create this punchy and dramatic light.
Using high powered strobes allow the photo-artist to overpower the ambient light such as in the images above. In the very top image a strobe appears to be the only light source when in fact the photo was taken at 9am, albeit on a lightly cloudy day. It could, however, easily be done on a brighter day by increasing the strobe's power of output and adjusting the exposure settings to use the fastest shutter possible. (Note: In such a case a camera that can flash synch at a higher shutter speed than 1:200 is optimal)
Day at the Beach by Von Trapp Photography 2014.Behind the Scenes of a beach glamour shoot in Port Aransas Texas.
The Profoto Air units can also be individually turned on and off, their power increased or decreased or a modeling light activated all from behind the camera with a radio trigger. This creative power, however, comes at a price. Top of the line units with an external power source and accessories as, seen above, will amount to the equivalent of 5 to 6 months of house payments in many parts of the country.
At a considerably lower price point are speed lights, which will give similar control but with much less power when compared to the studio strobes listed above. Being more portable they will be the better choice for some projects and I keept three for such jobs. It is possible to buy the necessary gear, in order to pair two or more speed lights for use in one light modifier, such as a soft box or umbrella, to gain more light output for those sunny locations. You will get more light output by using multiple units in this way, the smaller components will be easier to transport, and there is no need for a large battery pack or AC power as with studio strobes. But three mid-grade speed lights for one soft box with triggers for each will start to approach the cost of one of my studio heads listed above. Thus speed lights do offer great results when used in most situations not needing to overpower the ambient light which can be seen in the following 6 captures.
For the next 5 images I used two speed lights with radio triggers.
I used one speed light and trigger in a 24x24in folding soft box with the front defusing panel removed to create a crisper (harsher) light for a more edgier mood. A second unit fitted only with a colored gel and trigger is placed some 80 feet away at the end of the corridor facing the camera's position. I used a tripod to give me the control needed to make slight adjustments in the camera's position to get the light just above the model's shoulder. A star filter was not used.
Sheer & Blue Lace v.2a by Von Trapp Photography 2013.
A above and following captures were a similar setup as above except we kept the front defusing panel to create a a lovely soft light, and no colored gel was used.
Let Me Get You A Drink v.2a by Von Trapp Photography 2013.
Flick of Red v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2014. | Fashion Glamour Photography
Artistic lighting that is edgy or the dramatic will require two and three strobe/speed light locations, sometime more to develop the look. In order to creatively place your light sources in a number of possible locations away from the camera's position you will also need a triggering system. There are two kinds of cordless triggers, Infra red (IR) and radio. The IR system has the inherent disadvantage of not working well in bright sunlight, and are line of sight only. Presuming your creative juices will on occasion have you shooting in daylight (overpowering the sun) you will not be able to always count on the IR triggering included on many upper tiered speed light units. So you will need a radio trigger for each strobe/speed light head and for the camera. Radio systems have the added value of allowing you to place units around corners, most up to 200 to 300 feet away.
Canon strobe on a telescoping pool with a mini soft-box and fired by a radio tigger.
So if you are a natural/available light photographer possibly looking for a new creative twist for your work, give controllable-artificial light a try. If your budget is such as to limit your lust, consider an inexpensive speed light with a guide number as close to or over 100 as possible. Several simple radio triggers are ever more affordable now. Depending on brand, an entry level investment of $230 to $450 will get you a speed light and triggering system consisting of a transmitter and receiver. Additional speed lights and receivers generally run another $160 to $350. Start with two speed lights and then add light modifiers as your budget allows.
Flash unites at these price points do not, however, have the through the lens (TTL) capability of pricer units. The TTL function allows the flash and camera's metering system to communicate to create a "correct" exposure at the moment of taking the picture. This feature is great when working with quickly changing scenes and subjects such as sporting events, some street photography, news events etc. But when creating an image with an artfully planned concept, you are best served to set the flash power manually and calculate the settings using a hand held light meter. One that works with flash is referred to as a flash meter.
A hand held (flash) light meter will be the best bit of photographic kit that will take you to a new creative level, both when shooting with strobe and any other light source. A hand held light meter is so worth the $180 to $600 price tag to get such incredible ability to "get it right". I am presently using a Sekonic L-478D flash meter and I just love it.
If, however, you wish to "do it old school" you can use a chart that gives you the f-stop for a given ISO for a given strobe's power (Guide Number) at a designated distance of flash to subject. It is quite simple and accurate. You can learn more about this method online at www.creativelive.com. Look up the segment under: Catalog, Category: Photo & Video, Topic: Lighting, and find the lesson titled "Crazy Stupid Light" with Scott Robert Lim. The cost of the course at $129 will be well worth it and can change your world. Or, you can put this money towards a flash meter - both options will yield great possibilities. All you need do is try/use them.
If you are a creative I hope you will value my essay in some small way. If, however, you are not a photographer, please read on.
If you are someone looking for a photographer, consider the look you want for your final image. You will be investing some $300 to $900 for most average good quality work. Now further consider the opportunity to have something out of the norm. Your investment just became more sound when your images are a work of art. Conduct an online image search for glamour, beauty, and boudoir photography.
Look at the quantity and similarity of available light photos. With the considerable cost in terms of lighting equipment, training, and experience it is no wonder that so many professionals are shooting with available light. However, although gorgeous, you may wish to have images more unique; ones that cannot be created by just any photographer.
If you want an image that is styled more like what is seen in fashion magazines, or perhaps cinematic like as seen in movies, you are going to need to find an artist who is doing that kind of work. I urge you to consider stepping away from the pack and seek something special for yourself. Now that you have some idea of what is possible, look past what is normal.
The saying amongst professional photographers is that everyone today is a photographer. With the advent of the camera phone that may seem to be true. However, I submit that a high megapixel phone camera, with its tiny sensor which is incapable of producing high quality images in the first place, does not an artist make. Only a creative mind, trained and experience with an artful eye, and yes, often a considerable amount of expensive gear, makes a photo-artist.
Sexy Cowgirl by Von Trapp Photography 2014.Cowgirl Inspired Glamour Shoot
This is one of the several images created for out client who commissioned Von Trapp Photography to create a series of sexy and evocative country inspired images.
See behind the scenes photos from this shoot and others.
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Bhean bòidhchead v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2019.(Title: Lady of Beauty in Scots Gaelic).
Our lovely model graces a beach in Scotland below Greenan Castle on a cold October day to create this image. Von Trapp Photography traveled to the Highlands of Scotland and Lake Distric of England for two weeks of shooting which yielded numerous wonderful captures of fine art.
Model/HMU: Kristy.
Photo Production Assistants: Steve, Mina Smith
Reflections of Beauty by Von Trapp Photography 2015.Emotive Boudoir Photography
This evocatively glamorous image of Signe was created by Von Trapp Photography at the SLS Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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Don't settle for the "selfies", ladies. Invest in a quality professional photographer, be they a natural/available light shooter or otherwise. You deserve to see and feel your glamour in pictures.
Connecting you to your glamour.
USS Alabama Pinup Shoot | Austin, Houston Photography
Retro Inspired Glamour...Pin-Up Photo Shoot Aboard The USS Alabama. Austin, Houston, San Antonio Glamour/Boudoir Photographer On Location.
With a desire to expand the depth of my education and skill as a woman's photographer, I am venturing into the study of the pin-up, and have started exploring the genre. My first steps into this art form have been into the iconic World War II era. Although not the true beginning of the genre, it was an influential period with a large market interest for the all American sweetheart used to "help with the war effort".
So I packed up my gear and traveled to Mobile Bay, home to the World War II battleship USS Alabama, and submarine, USS Drum. We planned a retro-inspired shoot aimed at capturing the feel of a WWII pinup whilst shooting on location at these iconic vessels.
Hot Day at the Beach v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup)
Dottie points her...hmm…um camera at her hot subject, and can feel herself growing more hot and randy by the second. Pinup inspired beach glamour shoot.
Model: Dorothy
You were half a word away, but if you were a lucky guy, your sweetheart might have some "special" photos created for her to send to you. Otherwise, if not, you could always count on finding a suitable image in a magazine to help keep your "spirits" up.
Shipshape v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the Dorothy goes to sea series, homage to the WWII pinup.)
Pinup Glamour Shoot Aboard The U.S.S. Alabama.
With inspiration from countless WWII pin-ups in mind, Von Trapp Photography set out to do homage to a loved genre of photography from that era.
This capture was made aboard the battleship USS Alabama anchored in Mobile Bay. It shows one of the battle stations within a 16 inch main gun turret. Our model, wearing vintage inspired lingerie, has struck one of the iconic styled pin-up poses that went to sea and war with countless sailors.
I used two speed lights to create this image. One high and behind Dorthy to rim light her, the other at camera and high right. With the dim lighting inside the turret I chose to shoot with as small an f/stop as possible to compensate for the possibility that I may be off on my focus.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
I'm Going to Get Some v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup)
Pinup Glamour Shoot Aboard The U.S.S. Drum.
With inspiration from countless WWII pin-ups in mind, Von Trapp Photography set out to do homage to a loved genre of photography from that era.
Her watch now done, Dorothy is anxious to hot-cot with you and get some satisfying rack time. She finds it titillating when she is in the sack with such a thick, long and powerful one under her. Created if the forward torpedo room of the USS Drum.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Throughout the war, sexy and evocative works of pin-up art were painted on the nose of combat aircraft, as well as carried and posted by service members around the world. They included women who were fully clothed showing some stocking top and garter or in shorts with a cropped top, to women in bathing suits, lingerie, and occasionally nude or implied nude. These images became iconic of an era, however, the pin-up dates back to the 1800s in one form or another.
Quoting from an article in the Huffington Post Art & Culture by Priscilla Frank, "She's risqué but never explicit. She's flirtatious but fiercely independent. She's erotic but always safe for work...".
My images from the Alabama shoot do not faithfully represent the war years, the wardrobe is more correct for the early/mid 1950s. However, I feel the retro-inspired look of these shots do indeed honor the countless images that went to war.
"OH! Hi Chief" by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup.)
Pinup Glamour Shoot Aboard The U.S.S. Alabama.
With inspiration from countless WWII pin-ups in mind, Von Trapp Photography set out to do homage to a loved genre of photography from that era.
Dotty gets caught "out of uniform" whilst picking up her dungarees from the laundry. One is left to wonder what "extra duty" she will be given by the Chief.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Giving it to the Scerws by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup)
With inspiration from countless WWII pin-ups in mind, Von Trapp Photography set out to do homage to a loved genre of photography from that era.
Dottie loves to be in control, the Main Control of this WWII submarine in this case. Here, she deftly uses her hands to affect how much power is given to each shaft, thereby controlling how much torque she is going to get. She finds it satisfying to be in control like this, determining if she is going to get it short and fast, or slow and long (a submariner understands). You will note from the fine fit of her uniform and cut of her jib that she is a skilled operator and always ready to go down.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
For the submariners and enthusiasts, the USS Drum is equipped with a Westinghouse main control cubicle, seen here.
It is said that the three most popular pin-up images of WWII are of Betty Grable in her one-piece bathing suit, Rita Hayworth wearing a form-fitting négligée and Jane Russell leaning against a haystack, her bodice at the breaking point. Although these images were originally photographs that were made into posters and often reproduced as drawings and paintings, most pin-up art was some form of drawing or painting.
Out of Uniform v.2a by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the Dorothy Goes to sea series, homage to the WWII pinup.)
Caught out of uniform at the ship's pressing shop, DeeDee will now have to explain where her dungarees are. But really, don't you think the Chief should give her a pass this time? Sexy retro-inspired shoot on the USS Alabama.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Hot Rack Time v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup.)
With a fine rack of her own and now having finished her watch, this bombshell is all set to heat things up and satisfy her hunger. Located in the enlisted billet aboard the USS Alabama Battleship.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Showing Off Her Twins v.3 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the Dorothy goes to sea series, homage to the WWII pinup.)
Pinup Glamour Shoot Aboard The U.S.S. Alabama.
With inspiration from countless WWII pin-ups in mind, Von Trapp Photography set out to do homage to a loved genre of photography from that era.
One of the USS Alabama's aft twin 40mm monut is the setting for Dorthy to show off her luscious gams and her own set of twins. Her 32 DD's that is, which are fully readied for action, having been loaded in her bullet bra.
Our dish is wearing back-seam Cuban heel stockings with a garter belt, a period inspired dress, and a period correct bullet bra.
The bra molds her already delectable bosom into an eye-popping silhouette
which would make any sailor hard...pressed not to stand up and take notice of her.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Awaiting Chow v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup.)
"What a Dish!" The luscious "Dottie" recreates the 1940's Pinup. Located in the Enlisted Mess, port side stern, aboard the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama, model Dorothy sits oppisite the round barbette of the number three 16-inch gun turret. Model/HMU: Dorothy
Lovely and Luscious v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the Dorothy goes to sea series, homage to the WWII pinup)
Intoxicating and seductive, our model is as fascinating and intelligent as she is delightfully curvaceous. Here she channels her inner bombshell to pay homage to that iconic femme fatale of the pin-up era. Hopefully now in the millennium one can be appreciated for both their intellect and alluring sexuality.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
Domestic Duties v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Dorothy goes to sea, homage to the WWII pinup.)
Working in the ship's loundry of the USS Alabama would have been more enjoyable under these conditions.
Model/HMU: Dorothy
So, go ahead, give her bottom a little tap on your way to your battle station. If you are a confident enough, let your buddies have a chance to do the same to her as well. And anyway...you could always charge them if you need to.
Come back to see other pinup inspired work of mine.
There were other photographs of lovely women that were available to service members as pin-ups. Among them were images published in the weekly Yank Magazine.
For more info about the evolution of the pin-up visit the sites below, and for your own chance to become a modern pin-up contact us at Von Trapp Photography. Connecting you to your glamour.
Pin-up queens! The REAL women behind saucy 1950s 'cheesecake' paintings
The Glamorous History Of Pin-Up, From Kitsch To Commercial To Fine Art
Zoë Mozert was the most famous female pinup artist of her day
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