In the interest of time, I had set up three different backgrounds, a gray one, a black one, and pure white. Justine's features worked in all three settings, so I moved her around quickly. I shot her in soft lighting against the white and gray backgrounds and more dramatical lighting against black.
Justine wasn't completely at home in front of the camera, but she was relaxed and enthusiastic, and I was able to direct her easily. Véronique had done a beautiful job with the hair and makeup.
About twenty minutes into the shoot, I brought the ladies over for a quick review session. I showed them the images that we had captured thus far and asked them for ideas on poses or expressions that they might like to try. We shot a series with her backlit and then had fun with facial expressions using a Paramount setup.
"Justine, what outfits did you bring today?" I asked. We didn't have a lot of time, but I wanted to see if she had brought something that could showcase a certain style or mood.
"I have a mini-skirt and a white blouse."
Véronique and I looked at each other. "We'd like to try that."
Justine emerged a minute later wearing the outfit. Véronique restyled her quickly and added some accessories. We shot against the white backdrop, which brought out an edgy punk look. I asked Justine to make oversized movements and expressive faces. It was hit or miss, but some worked well.
"Could we do it with the blouse more open a bit to expose what you're wearing underneath?" I asked. It was edgy and sensual, suitable for a fashion spread. This was solid material, and she was capturing the mood perfectly.
Véronique has never been bashful. "Do you have something more sexy?" she asked.
"I have a powder blue negligée," Justine acknowledged, "but I wasn't sure if I should wear it. It's sheer."
"Let me see," Véronique demanded.
Justine pulled the top out of her large bag. Véronique held it up and nodded with approval. "It's very nice!"
"I didn't know if it was too much," Justine said.
Véronique encouraged her. "Look at the walls."
I had shots from previous sessions hanging around the edges of the studio, all shot in boudoir-style, sensual but tasteful. They get a lot of compliments.
"You are more beautiful than any of these girls," Véronique assured her. "You wear this, and you will look amazing."
"Okay." Justine went back to change. Véronique's glance said it all - you've got a winner here, my friend. Don't let her down.
Justine was stunning in the see-through top with the matching powder blue thong. The outfit worked best against the white background, but we tried all three for variety. She maintained a sensual, pouty look throughout.
"Does the outfit have a matching bra," I asked.
"Yeah." Justine started to walk toward her bag.
"Okay, I'd like to shoot the full set, but first let's get a few shots without the top."
Without a second thought, Justine slipped out of the sheer top and tossed it to the side and continued to pose. She had invested her trust in us, and we were able to create some fabulous images.
"Okay, Justine, I'd like you to turn away from me and look toward the side of the room. Chin down just a little. Lips parted. Perfect!"
That was a killer shot.
"Okay, turn fully away and play with the hair. Nice! Hold that for a second."
Another great shot.
"Okay, turn to the side please. Maybe cross your arms across your bust. That's it."
Véronique stood right beside me and said nothing. If the results hadn't been up to her expectations, she would have been interrupting me.
"Okay, relax your left arm and touch your face with your right. Hips back slightly. Great, Justine, that's perfect."
By the time we were finished, we had an amazing collection. Justine was fabulous and gave us a remarkable session. The management of Allegro would be idiots if they passed on this girl.
"You were amazing, Justine."
"Yes!" said Véronique. She even started clapping.
"Thank you," said Justine shyly.
"Go ahead and get yourself changed."
Justine and Véronique were acting like school chums, giggling and chatting. Véronique gave Justine her card and told her to contact her at La Reine for a complimentary cut and styling session. Justine looked like a kid who'd just opened an amazing Christmas present.
I thanked both women and wished them well as they left. I transferred the files onto two separate drives, burned a copy to an optical drive, and put the original memory cards in the gun locker. These were images that I did not want to lose.
The downtown bus was slow, but I got to Courthouse Square in plenty of time. I sat outside on a bench for a few minutes and let my attention wander. It would have been a great day to grab shots of people on the street, but after this morning's session, I was content to relax and watch the pigeons squabble over dropped crumbs. The mind has to rest sometime.
I entered the offices of the Gaming Commission and asked for Inspector Wentworth. Two gentlemen in their late 40's walked into the lobby. Wentworth and Carson were the occupants of the blue Chevy.
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