The week the subject or focus of discussion is "Big Glass". So let's start off by defining what it is. It is a loose definition of a physically large telephoto lens and corresponding aperture size but may equally apply to an exotic wide angle as well. Both the telephoto and wide angle big glass share common traits:

• Commonly used by professional photographers
• Sturdier construction and build. Usually it will built of both metal and plastic carbonate materials
•  Building a lens to these specifications usually means an increase in weight
• Weather sealing from the elements
•  Considerable increase in price

Here are some examples of Big Glass:

• The Nikon 14-24 2.8 wide angle zoom lens
• The Nikon 200 f2 lens
• The Nikon 400 f2.8 lens

The main reasons why photographers purchase this type of equipment is to enable usage in low light, to isolate the background and to limit your depth of field. The a wide angle zoom would have the inverse which would introduce more elements into your picture and increase your depth of field.

The next question an amateur photographer asks about these exotic pieces of glass is around the subject of price.  As a general rule of thumb big glass starts at $1500 and quickly escalates from there. Big glass is usually reserved for automotive sports racing, architectural photography, wedding and other specialty areas where the finished image must be of very high quality.

If you are an amateur photographer with requirements for big glass but cannot afford the price tag there are options. There are definitely trade offs when using these options; such as an decreased aperture size. There are also some positive aspects; such as decreased weight. In the table below I have laid out some options for the amateur photographer and a comparison to the appropriate level of pro equipment.

The Nikon consumer lens choices offer a reasonably level of performance, weight and aperture size. If you have a consumer budget you might want to purchase one of these. But only if you intended to use it quite a bit over the long term. Otherwise, the recommendation would be to rent the appropriate lens as required. The images below were all shot with Nikon consumer glass which confirms that you can can get some very good shots with this equipment.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

This part two of the series about latex fashion and costume play. Modelling the latex fashions and cosplay outfits we have a return of Christine who is an experienced and latex and fetish model. Latex fashions for this were provided by Adala Clothing.

Gallery Links

Costume Play

Slytherin

Original Latex Set

Lets look at the cosplay world in more detail. 

Cosplay short for "costume play", which is a type of performance art in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction. The work of fiction could be derived from anime cartoons or television shows, characters in science fiction shows/movies or action adventure heroes. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered on role play. Most people have their first exposure to cosplay when they see a feature on their local news about a Star Trek convention where devoted followers will often dress up in their favorite character.

This week we have something completely different. A glimpse into the world of fetish fashion.  Primarily latex apparel was first worn for protective purposes by hazardous chemical workers and other trades. The use of latex first surfaced in early 1900 as a garment intended to help a woman lose weight and in 1940 Playtex introduced a girdle. Both attempts to move into the fashion world slowly faded away. It is thought that the transition of latex clothing into popular culture was made in the 1960s-1970s by experimental fashion designers who worked with different kinds of material in their designs. The early punk movement in the 1970's adopted the use of leather and latex in their stage costumes. There is some evidence to indicate that latex were used in fetish sex in the 1970's. 

By the 80's the use of alternative materials for popular fashion was actively used and evidenced in many music videos of the day. Fetish wear was still underground but starting to surface and this early time in latex fashion was referenced in Eric Kroll's Fetish Girls through early photographs and eventually published in 1994. Over in Europe fashion was taking bigger risks than sedate America, which gave rise to the formation of << O >> magazine. Certainly not to be confused with the pedestrian magazine called O; published by Oprah Winfrey. << O >> magazine was first published in 1988 and this art, fetish and fashion magazine helped drive up sales of alternative fashions. In the post 2000 world, the use of alternative fashion and latex materials is easily visible in music and Hollywood movies. Today we can find latex clothing available for sale in many boutiques and major specialty clothing chains.

In this set we have Kassandra Love who is a very experienced model in this genre and Vaeda Girl. To see the images from the set see the gallery LatexDuo.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

Slytherin is one of the Four Houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Home to many students who exhibit traits as cunning, resourcefulness and ambition led to Slytherin house developing a negative reputation. To help change the negative image of Slytherin House we have Christine, who is an experienced latex and fetish fashion model. She will be back later on in the month when she models cosplay outfits Squirtle, Captain America and Anti-Hello-Kitty. Until then; enjoy the best of Slytherin House.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

This year spring has definitely made a late arrival. This week we have Lacey who brings out the sweetness of spring. The scent of flowers fresh in bloom coupled with the smell of a mountain meadow. OK, enough of the advertising fluff that is reminiscent of an air freshener commercial. Lacey is an international runway model who recently returned from an extended modelling gig in Japan. Lacey is definitely a model that I would like to see in the studio again to explore some different fashion concepts.

In the set of images of Lacey I departed from my usual shooting technique and switched it up a bit. In the set you will see a variety of processing and exposure techniques by shooting hand held at 1-2 seconds to get a dreamlike look.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

This week we have Lauren Orosz an experienced model with striking facial features. Also she kicks ass as you can see by her cover picture. Some of the images were shot on a rooftop with rain starting to come down, but our model kept her cool and nailed all of the poses in record time. I think you will find that hits all the marks and certainly a model I would love to shoot again. Here is Lauren's gallery.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

This week we have J Gwen, who is a local Toronto model with experience in glamour, fitness and catalog work. To prompt the arrival of spring, Gwen is modeling a sheer chiffon red dress. To compliment this we give Gwen red angel wings to wear. Although the red angel wings are a bit of a cliche, it is still acceptable to fulfill a woman's fantasy. To further complement her looks and blonde hair, Gwen shows us a different look by showing us that silver can be a stunning color. For this set I have deviated from the norm with a little of post-processing experimentation. Click here for the gallery. 

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.

This week we walk over to the romantic side with lingerie modeled by Angelina who was a previous Model Mayhem Newbie of the year. Angelina brings significant experience in modeling, runway, and fashion work to the set. 

Lingerie can trace its early roots back to the ancient world where Egyptians, Romans and Greek citizens wore undergarments like tunics to shape or form their lower bodies. Modern lingerie can trace its origins back to Victorian times where corsets were widely used. The next major evolution was the invention of the bra by Mary Phelps-Jacobs. After that the fashion world took it further step by step. Today lingerie is a 50 billion dollar industry with major players in North America like Victorias Secret and Fredericks of Hollywood. 

Couture lingerie is dominated by small design houses and major players such as Aubade, Agent Provocoteur and La Perla. Pieces from these collections can fetch several hundred dollars but this is something that only the wealthy can afford or those that that appreciate the fine quality, fabrics and workmanship.

For those on a budget and the every day woman, there is cheap chic from Target, middle of the road from La Senza and the high end market from Victorias Secret. This photo set may provide you with the inspirational thought to buy your lover, girlfriend, mistress or wife a surprise present. All of the lingerie featured in the photo set is from Victorias Secret and available today.

Click to see the gallery. Lingerie

After a little bit of a winter hiatus things are in full swing again. This week, the theme is "Rock Star" with the beautiful Ashley Carnegie. You will recognize Ashley from America's Next Top Model, Toronto fashion week and many trips down the runway. Drum roll please, here she is:

Rock Star

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.