Flash and thin cloth

[Bluelens]

So I have been curious about this...

I'm am sure by now that most people have seen the Alexandra Kerry's picture from Canne. You know, the one where it appears the dress she is wearing istransparent?

Well, here is my question...

Is there a combination of flash and fabric that would cause something like this? A dress or outfit that in regular circumstances nothing is "see-able" but under the right angle and flash you get different results.

I have been talking to non-photographers and they say it is impossible, while I have a hard time believeing that. I think the picture is a result of the fabric and flash and not necessarily a see-thru dress. My thinking, outside of the photography end of the answer, is that were she to be wearing a a see-thru dress whouldn't there be more pictures of her flaoting around from that night?

If there is a proper combination, then I think it could make for an interesting photoshoot that I would then have to try out :)

So, experts, what do you think?

[RichardtheSane]

Well I have a theory....

Fabric, naturally, has gaps between the fibres. They might have a tech term, but I don't care.

Alexandra Kerry's skin is fairly pale.

The photographer has over exposed the image a bit with the flash, as her face and arms seem very washed out. So the extra flash power combined with the material has caused some of the flash output to be reflected back off her skin underneath the dress.... giveing a see through impression.

I am not posting examples but I have reproduced a similar effect just now with the help of my fiancee and only model.

Did that make sense?

[Bluelens]

Well I have a theory....

Fabric, naturally, has gaps between the fibres. They might have a tech term, but I don't care.

Alexandra Kerry's skin is fairly pale.

The photographer has over exposed the image a bit with the flash, as her face and arms seem very washed out. So the extra flash power combined with the material has caused some of the flash output to be reflected back off her skin underneath the dress.... giveing a see through impression.

I am not posting examples but I have reproduced a similar effect just now with the help of my fiancee and only model.

Did that make sense?

Made sense to me.

BTW, could you please describe how you were able to recreate the effect in detail, I am interested in giving it a shot. PM's are fine with me. And no I'm not looking for nudie pics, there are plenty of them all over the 'net. I'm just looking for more info. 8)