Arny Freytag article in Pop. Photog Mag.

[BayAreaPhotog]

There is a really interesting article in the July issue of Popular Photography magazine titled, "So you want to be a Playboy photographer". This is probably the most behind the scenes of Playboy that I have seen discussed. One part was a little over my head and I was hoping that you pros can explain it to me. Arny talks about renting a 6 x 8cm camera that has the benefit of a tilting lensboard. He is quoted as saying,

"I often want to blur the background, so I shoot at or near maximum aperture with a
very narrow zone of focus. Tilting the lensboard lets me position that zone
precisely enough, so that if the model moves a bit, she's still in focus."

So guys, What is a "tilting lensboard . . . is it available on a 35mm format or digital? Is this the answer to my question I posted here before about how they get the shallow depth of field on a head to toe shot without being 50 yards away from the model?

I enjoyed it all except, I am a bit tired of Playboy constantly pushing the "we do very little touch up - only in emergencies". Granted, he's a top notch photographer, they have great lighting crews, unlimited sets and money and they start with very attractive models, but come on . . . I did like to hear Arny talk about working with "amature" models as opposed to the pros that many glamour photogs work with . . . The picture of the set and equipment list was also great. Overall, very enjoyable and interesting. If you've read the article, any other thoughts on it?

[Andy_T]

What he talks about is a view camera that allows you to tilt and shift the image plane so the image plane can be parallel to the subject.

Definitely not something you can do easily on a 35 mm camera, but I think it can be approximated with a tilt/shift lens.

Best regards,
Andy

[PhotosGuy]

Andy's right. You need a lens that will at least cover the next larger format, otherwise you'll get cut off on the sensor when you shift it. BE AWARE that larger format lenses aren't made as sharp as 35 mm lenses! They don't have to be as the blow-up factor is smaller.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tu...ovements.shtml
http://www.imagedancer.com/view_camera_movements.htm

[EricKonieczny]

I don't believe a word he says about not much retouching.

One of my best freinds is a professional retoucher at a digital studio in South Beach. He touches up model shots every day along with large advertsising campaigns. He is a very well established photographer himself, and he is the national photo editor for the largest nightlife entertainment company in the US.


Check out these examples of before and after "airbrushing"


http://homepage.mac.com/gapodaca/digital/digital.html

[BayAreaPhotog]

Eric,

I agree with you about their "retouching denial" . . . I have seen that website before. It is amazing what can be done.

[BrandonSi]

You guys read the article??!!

[schmoelzel]

Originally Posted by EricKonieczny

I don't believe a word he says about not much retouching.

One of my best freinds is a professional retoucher at a digital studio in South Beach. He touches up model shots every day along with large advertsising campaigns. He is a very well established photographer himself, and he is the national photo editor for the largest nightlife entertainment company in the US.


Check out these examples of before and after "airbrushing"


http://homepage.mac.com/gapodaca/digital/digital.html

Really interesting website. Is it just me or do all the models look like plastic? But I guess in print you have a harder time telling..........it's sad that people want to look at ideals rather than the real thing.