Karly: High Flyer

So as I've fully documented, I just picked up some new lights. Late last week I was looking for a model other than your truly to get in front of my lens so I threw an ad up on the ever trusty list. You know, the one run by that Craig guy.

One of the first responses I received was from Karly, a stunning young woman and Division 1 high jumper to boot (she was modest about it, but I think the 2012 Canadian Olympic team isn't completely out of the question for this Vancouver native.) In my fully non-expert opinion that is.

I also have to ad that I did not whiten her eyes in post-production. They actually look like that in person. I don't know what Karly's secret is, but being the photo-dork that I am, when she said, "Hi, I'm Karly," my brain went, "Wow, so eye retouching is out, got it."

Sunday, while K shot a boudoir marathon at the ritzy Onyx Hotel downtown (I think she's going to blog some soon), I headed over to the MKD estates to shoot with M. He shot some video with his new D90 (even though he cut just before I smashed my head into the ceiling.) Man where's my bucket when I need it?

To say that Karly was a willing participant in some of my mayhem would be an understatement. I didn't hear one complaint as we shot in the snow for almost 40 minutes, with her only in workout clothes and sneakers.

Now you're probably looking at the images above and saying, "Doug, um, there are no snow photos..."

I know, sometimes even the best laid plans freeze up (pun intended). The snow photos just weren't up to my standards, so what you're seeing are some of the portraits we shot after we retreated indoors for hot chocolate and studio fun. Further proof that while I think it's great to have a plan, it's only a jumping off point. You can't be afraid to scrap it if it's not working and go in an entirely new direction.

For a final note on the snow though, I will say that the ol' D700 and Alien Bee and Vagabond II were totally up to working in the snow (albeit the Vagabond was aided by a generous helping of Glad bags). I probably spent 20 minutes with the camera laying in the snow, with the camera getting wet and my gloves covered in snow and the camera just kept truckin'.

Karly, thank you so much, and best of luck with flying, er, jumping, we expect to see you on ESPN shortly!

-Doug Levy - Boston headshot photographer -