Joe Models on a Beach

Digital infrared original, 2 frame exposure blend

Joe’s second session during his visit to Halifax (and our first chance to work together in almost 5 years) was at sunset; the sky was wonderful, with the perfect clouds to permit me to use them as compositional elements. An old driftwood log half-buried on the beach presented Joe with the perfect place to pose.

Digital infrared original, 5 frame exposure blend

When working outdoors with the nude, I am often seeking elements in the environment to contrast or reflect the model; in this case, the slight rise in the grass on the dune mirrored well the rise of Joe's shoulder, and helped make the image work compositionally. It took a five-frame exposure blend to keep full detail in the sky above Joe, due t the sun being in the composition.

Digital infrared original, 2 frame stitch

Towards the end of the session, the sky, which had started out with some scattered clouds, became much more overcast, and filled itself with a rich, subtle pattern. I immediately asked show if he could find a way to work on the dunes that orientated him to the evening sky. The results exceeded my expectation, and created my favourite image from the session.