Christmas Pinup Day 3

Xmas 2001

Christmas 2001 was a more modest shoot. We did a quick setup with some lingerie in front of the fireplace and grabbed a few shots, but as I recall that was a fairly eventful year and we had guests in the house most of that holiday season. That meant our private times for photography was limited to quick opportunities when the house was empty.

I do know that we didn't set up the studio lights for this shot and that is was primarily on-camera bounce flash with a bit of fill from a bounce card. I usually try to be more elaborate with my lighting, but as I said, it was a tough time for photography that season.

Nevertheless, I think I got a few decent images and this is the one I'd like to share. The eyes and smile make this image a winner for me.

Christmas Pinup Day 2

Xmas 2000

By 2000 we had finally gotten used to the Pacific Northwest winters - well, as used to them as any human can get - and had established the habit of having a nice warm fire in the evenings. The challenge was learning to light the model and still maintain the ambience of the fire. That, of course, required dragging the shutter and balancing the flash with the fire.

As always, Wanda loved posing by the fireplace because she loves the warmth and the flames. If she had her way, we'd have a fire every night (and sometimes it seems like we do).

Over the intervening years we've done several fireplace shoots, but those Christmas session have always been special - and I look forward to a few more in the years to come.

Christmas Countdown

Xmas 1999

There's just a few more days left until Christmas and I've gone back through my archives and picked some favorite images from Christmases past to accomodate a countdown to Christmas day. With any luck, I'll be able to get a new photo this year (there was no sexy photo from last year - I think we were just too busy with family).

The first image is from 1999. This was shot as a friend's house and was our first time using studio lights for a holiday shoot. We had a lot of fun with this set up and there are many variations and poses from this shoot. This is one of my favorites.

I've used the cape for a few more shoots over the years, but I think this was the only time that I used it to shoot a Christmas series with Wanda.  Don't forget to check out the belly button ornament.

There will be a new photo every day until Christmas Day, so don't forget to check back from time to time.