Shooting different styles with Natalia Taylor
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Beauty From Around The World: Portraits

I teamed up with Natalia Taylor to shoot six different locations, outfits, and styles.

854
Beauty From Around The World: Portraits
Michael Neal

In this article, I'm going to talk about the shots that went behind Natalia Taylor's newest video (Viewable here)

I'll share some additional images that went into each region we wanted to shoot and explain the techniques I employed for this shoot. Let's begin with Japan:

Japan - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Japan - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Japan - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

For this outfit, the emphasis was on cute poses. I wanted to emphasize the subject, so I used a small amount of vignette on the shots, and when touching up colors for the garden area, I wanted to keep the exposure bright and playful by keeping the highlights relatively hot.

Next, we have the United Kingdom:

United Kingdom - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

United Kingdom - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

United Kingdom - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

For the UK, we wanted to portray sophistication. I also focused on the framing to emphasize the old bus in addition to contrasting with Natalia's outfit. Lighting direction was particularly important in the top shot, and the side lighting created a nice dramatic outline on Natalia's silhouette. I also used a slight dodge gradient filter in post to emphasize the lighting to create a more dramatic shot.

Next up is Russia:

Michael NealRussia - Natalia Taylor

Michael NealRussia - Natalia Taylor

Michael NealRussia - Natalia Taylor

For the Russia shots, we wanted everything to be traditional and fierce. Positioning was important here because our location was relatively tight and the lighting (being indoor) offered a little less to work with. Positioning helped to shield elements that didn't fit the aesthetic we wanted (such as a candy machine in a couple of shots.) Additionally, in post, I converted to grayscale to help bring out contrast and separation between the model and the setting, and I metered for the backlight when shooting to avoid blowing the white and highlights and detracting from the model.

Next up is Brazil:

Brazil - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Brazil - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Brazil - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

For Brazil, I think: Color and contrast. The black staircase we chose really help to set off the red accent pieces and red dress. The lighting added dramatic flair, and movement captured helped to add an additional element to the shots. We took a two-tone approach by shooting some images against a colored wall, and also contrasting with a simpler setting against the black stairs and gold accent pieces to tie everything together.

Next up is Australia:

Australia- Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Australia- Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Australia- Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

For Australia we wanted elegance. Shot against a simple gray wall, the shots allowed the colors to tie in nicely with the flowing blue dress and the golden blonde hair. In the landscape orientation shot, I wanted to leave room for copy in case that would be added later, and for the other two shots, I focused on movements, using a fast shutter speed and proper metering to capture poses that would draw the viewer's eye and attention to the subject.

Lastly, United States:

United States - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

United States - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

United States - Natalia TaylorMichael Neal

Reaching the end of the day, we wanted to utilize the golden hour for these shots, and I cut the sun's reflection from a building window across the street in several of the shots. Here I wanted to focus on that zone of lighting while also capturing poses and quick movements that would fit the more laid back style of the denim downtown.

This shoot was a ton of fun and a great challenge in shooting so much content in different styles. Be sure to check out the video linked in the intro to see more about the shoot, and the thoughts that went behind it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58975
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38069
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959570
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196016
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments