![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rIUOxGcOex18RLZzTPSBfDsrs5fi5q8aX-HCzNYxT88RuyWo02l3RedHfW2jvxG5DCa00SSYquYiMcZ7K9FIBr77mxm-i3saZYhBIZIOlBOTX8vRYAexQl_t8ZRtpPlbO9wHv4VoV0I/s1600/DI-09-06926.jpg) |
Digital infrared original |
When I described the burnt forest to Vanessa, she immediately responded that it sounded like a great place to photograph - and off we went. The challenge of working in the location, of soot-covered trees and stark contrasts never materialized, as Vanessa immediately began to explore the space physically, suggesting poses and settings for images.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yANBoHVNZuPLL7qx57pFBEpCdcSNxgVBuh5ZFuiSuMQ3Q-ZJPqcPms4zOLh7yNEjKuBCOtH2ENZ7u0X5LFiuCpqkdmeValuTJp__pRHBhakzA4cgWp7kh_zZXy9m4ZNWfsE9f0pUQWs/s1600/DI-09-06933.jpg) |
Digital infrared original |
All through the site of the forest fire, I saw potential - dramatic
shapes set against the new growth on the forest floor.Towards the end of
the session I caught sight of a beautifully curved tree that was too
large to have Vanessa pose against. I realized, however, that by using
it in the background, I could mirror its lines in the model’s body. The
lovely, silky bokeh of the 85mm f/1.2 perfectly completed the image.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CcVtveZKJEipMR_yVbwLyU2pHuhs1pzqzZCEJDE0xx6MiwK93GxnMim6YK4FRSQ_5HGUOJdp_h1_PEQ09UrAtLrkOZGvn3W788Rbl5OD-V-gfQ5jhbi5FZXF3MH2dMWeZtBDTthltFk/s1600/DI-09-06936.jpg) |
Digital original |
I have had such success with infrared over the last couple of years that I frequently go entire sessions without making any really memorable images in colour. During this session however, I was frequently shifting back to colour, as the sky was a strong, rich blue, which was beautiful to set Vanessa's body against - especially with the out-of-focus trees behind her.