Christmas Pinup Day 4

Xmas 2002

Look what I found under the tree in 2002.  We went with a real tree that year instead of the very large artificial tree we normally use.  I don't think we used as much exterior decorations that year, and as I recall it was more of a subdued holiday season for us. Nevertheless, we had a good Christmas and managed to pull off a few shots around the tree.

We bought this outfit specifically for our Christmas shoot and I still have it in my collection of photography costumes. Who knows, maybe we'll get to use it again sometime for another holiday shoot.

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.