Thanks... I didn't shoot them, my wife did... We had a boudoir session for valentine's day and most of our clients were close friends, so she said she'd be shooting and editing, without me seeing any pictures. But she has zero editing knowledge so it was a little white lie, lol. Needless to say, it's been strange (in a good way, lol) to be around them since seeing them like that, especially when they're around their hubby's. She used the basic 18-105mm lens that came with the D7000, even though I had the 35mm 1.8 but she didn't want to switch out.

I have more at *Link Removed* (sorry if that's a plug, when really I don't think it would be as I doubt anyone here is around my location).

Nice!

That isn't boudoir...

THIS is Boudoir...

AF 60mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor

AF 60mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor

AF Nikkor 14mm f/2.8D

This thread gets a double facepalm award

studio460 said:
I doubt we'll see any from the OP since the whole thread was a joke. I can post a sample when I get home from work.

Way too subtle for me, I was straight in with the 'double entendres' but then thought it was serious and so backed off thinking I was lucky not to have suffered the wrath of the NicoDoby.....

JorPet said:
I would definitely think that barrel distortion would be a bad thing in this situation.

So the 10.5mm is out of the question :(

On a more serious note I would say get a 50mm (for the d50) or the 85mm for a FF...

I honestly would say the D50 isn't the best handler in low light but the D3x is a bit ambitious (and bulky if you aren't used to large gear) I recommend renting a D300s or D700 as the transition is a bit easier.

studio460 said:
I would generally shoot this type of photography with either a 50mm, 60mm, 85mm, or 105mm lens (DX or FX). I would want some foreshortening, but no exaggerated perspective, and no noticable barrel distortion

I would definitely think that barrel distortion would be a bad thing in this situation.

casperwb said:
Now that the day is past, how did the pictures look, any hope of a sample?

I doubt we'll see any from the OP since the whole thread was a joke. I can post a sample when I get home from work.

I love this thread, can you keep it up a little longer? cute Treckie.

Now that the day is past, how did the pictures look, any hope of a sample?

Treckie said:
I love this thread, can you keep it up a little longer? (I mean the the great advice)

If you're asking this question in earnest, I'll reply in kind:

I would generally shoot this type of photography with either a 50mm, 60mm, 85mm, or 105mm lens (DX or FX). I would want some foreshortening, but no exaggerated perspective, and no noticable barrel distortion (note that a 35mm lens on a DX body will still exhibit some barrel distortion, just as a 50mm lens on an FX body would). The main thing that will determine your longest usable focal length is the maximum subject-to-camera distance your shooting space allows. Determine which lens still allows you to frame a head-to-toe within the constraints of your space.

If you're including the space (e.g., a bedroom) as a significant part of the composition, where your subject's scale is half- to one-quarter of the frame, then you could go wider: 35mm, or even 24mm (FX). As long as you're far enough away, and your subject is nearer the center of the frame, and not near the edges, they should look fine.

As for lighting, you could go hard or soft. The convention, of course, is soft. The softer the better. I think almost everything looks better back- or three-quarter lit. A soft three-quarter back "key" with a lower-level (half- to full-stop) soft fill always looks nice. However, there's nothing wrong with hard three-quarter kicks or backs either. Another option is to light with practicals only (e.g., table lamp, candles, etc.), or with practicals and some bounced, umbrella-ed, or softboxed strobe for fill.

Super Shooter said:
But It's a very small apartment and she's a big girl -in all the right places- so I was thinking of the 14-24mm.

Go with the AF Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G fisheye instead. It'll make her "right places" really stand out! Try to shoot wide-open at f/2.8 for optimal bokeh (also, don't forget to check other threads for relevant DxO data on this lens).

I love this thread, can you keep it up a little longer? (I mean the the great advice)

JorPet said:
I think you should go with using your own body. Your girlfriend might not be as comfortable with the whole set up if you start bringing a body you aren't familiar with into such an intimate setting.

I love this.

Good luck, Super Shooter.

You should tear down at least one bedroom wall (probably, two) to accommodate optimal subject-to-camera distance. Some Home Depots stay open late, so you still have time to buy a Sawzall and a sledgehammer.

so you have a d700 and a 24-70 now? that's a very good setup.

go into the menu
shooting menu
iso sensitivity settings
iso sensitivity auto control (make this on)
set max sensitivity to 1600.

then shoot manual at f/2.8 - 4.0 and adjust your shutter speed to keep the iso nice and low, but not so slow you get camera shake.

if you have flashes turn auto iso off. set iso to 200. bounce the flash.

I think you should go with using your own body. Your girlfriend might not be as comfortable with the whole set up if you start bringing a body you aren't familiar with into such an intimate setting.

@ aslightdelay Don't worry I know how to use it.

@ proudgeek What do you mean? Is there a better forum then this one?

The only lens they had for the Phase One and Aptus II 12 wasn't wide enough. The guy behind the counter recommended I rent a D700 and 24-70mm lens instead. I'm all set now for tonight!

the only problem with the 18-55 is it is a bit slow. the 24-70 might be a better choice. or a 35 1.8 or 24 1.4. again, it takes practise to get good shots on a new lens.

don't rent any bodies! use the one you have to the best advantage.

I think you posted this question to the wrong forum.

Super Shooter said:

How many lights should I use? I've got the 18-55 kit lens but I don't think that's enough to impress her. Which zooms do you recommend?

You know the old expression about the size not mattering, that it's how you use it that counts? Applies here, too. Used correctly -- especially in conjunction with some of the great suggestions already mentioned -- you should be able to get shots that'll knock her socks -- erm, stockings -- off. If you can deliver the goods, she won't notice the size of the lens.

(Get your mind out of the gutter. You know who you are. ;) )

I have to agree with some of the others. Unless you have worked with the lens, body flash before dont try it now. If this is for experimentation then go ahead but she's not going to be impressed with the coolest camera around if you just take bad photos(not saying your going to) I never use important events to practice new gear on. Use what your happy with and know and you will get much better photos.
Also,
I agree alot of boudoir shoots are done with available light or very diffused light. Its all about getting the model looking "soft" you dont see alot of hard light in these kinds of shoots, but maybe you will be the photographer that starts that fad.
Good luck and have fun...
~Cheers

Gareth said:</
you want to bounce off the roof most likely

Of course! But first I must focus on photographing her for the boudoir session.

Gareth said:
i also recommend candles for some natural light shots.

Great idea! I'm putting candles on my list.

Mike Gunter said:
This is one time that a two-flash system (or more) pays off.

Use a couple of small zooms

How many lights should I use? I've got the 18-55 kit lens but I don't think that's enough to impress her. Which zooms do you recommend?

Michael DeRose said:
i hope we get to see the final products.

Actually I was hoping to see lots of example shots in this thread. Seems like a lot of you have done this before.

I've called the camera stores and the D3xes have all been rented out. Apparently bourdoir photography is quite popular on Valentine's. One place did say they have a Phase One camera with an Aptus II 12 back. I'm heading over there right now to check it out.

i hope we get to see the final products. We are all friends here right? :p. Have fun! It seems everyone else has said, what i would have suggested.

the good ol 17-50/55 F2.8 would be best..