I normally don’t photograph models but when I heard about the opportunity to shoot this gorgeous beauty, I jumped at the chance. This was exciting!
Those art directors always like exotic locations for their photo shoots.
We had decided on an outdoor shoot to give it a more natural and fresh feel. All the agencies seem to going for that look this year.
Last week we finally found a day to organize the photo shoot. After some cooler weather, we had a bright sun that warmed things up to -10 C (14 F) – it was time to do it.
I drove out to the secluded location we had chosen. We’ve had a lot more snow than usual this year so there was a beautiful blanket covering everything, including the road I was driving on.
When I arrived, I was pleased to see my model was already there – no prima dona here. At first glance I was bit surprised at what she had done with her hair but I pretended not to notice. I knew from experience models can be a bit touchy about their looks so I also decided not to say anything about her facial hair.
She seemed a bit fidgety at the beginning of the shoot and was pretending to hide behind branches. To a trained professional, her nervousness came through in the photos.
I used my extensive training in interpersonal skills to build on my natural charm and we were soon engaged in friendly conversation. She even laughed occasionally.
The breathy look.
As she got more comfortable, she relaxed and started giving me these wonderful poses with hardly any direction from me.
The coy look.
The evening light highlighted her natural beauty and wonderful features.
Time certainly flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, I had the photos and my model was mysteriously disappearing into the darkness.
I’m convinced she’s the hottest model for this season!
Krahnpix 
Adoorei seu Blog! 😀
Segue também: http://www.biabritofotografias.wordpress.com
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Thank you.
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I loved this tale of the shy model and intrepid photographer capturing her prickly essence. Very cute as are the photos!! Fun and thanks.
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Yes I certainly had a little fun with that post. Glad you liked it.
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I would agree, the hottest model on the scene! I have a new like of porcupines thanks to you. And after driving passed an eagle eating in a field today, which flew off the second I stopped my car, I find your photos that much more amazing because of all the time it takes to get these perfect shots!
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It’s funny because I just discovered my appreciation for porcupines with the two I found this year.
Photographing wildlife sometimes takes more patience than I have and a little luck certainly doesn’t hurt. After putting in the time and missing a lot of opportunities, it sure is satisfying to get something. I guess that’s what gets me through all the times when the wild creatures take off right away.
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i love your commentary. and your model; what a beauty!
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Thanks. Let’s just say she was inspirational.
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This post is hilarious. She knows she’s a hot mama! I’m insanely jealous of your location.
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Always glad to hear that someone shares my sense of humour! I had fun putting this together. Your jealously comment is unusual for me since I’m jealous of other locations. Go figure.
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I had no idea Porcupines climbed trees! Superb shots. I found your site through Mike Powells site…:-))
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Mike’s a great guy.
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That he is.. I’ll be back, I have a few Canadian blogs I check out..:-))
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Very great captures!
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Thanks so much. I was fortunate to find the porcupine.
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LOL!!! I absolutely *LOVE* this post! Fantastic photographer/model cooperation!!
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So glad you enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun putting it together.
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You two work well together. Can I assume there’ll be further collaborations coming? Wonderful stuff, Lyle.
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Thanks. These models can be a bit temperamental so you never know what the future holds.
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Amazing creature – I got to see a pair at a local zoo – seeing them in nature like this is just stunning.
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Seeing wildlife in nature is a special experience and this certainly fit that description. I guess that’s why I keep going back to get that high.
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It is amazing how a real pro model can totally enhance photos and give them that extra something special.
From what I understand, that frosted hair look is all the rage in Paris these days.
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I’ll need to check on my models more often to find the latest trends! I knew you would know what’s hot in Paris.
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So cute!
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I’ve come to appreciate the cute factor in porcupines though I didn’t at first.
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Great post and awesome captures.
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Thank you. It’s nice when other people like the same think I do.
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I’ve never seen one in real life…. That FACE! What fascinating creatures. You really captured such a lovely portrait of her.
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It is a most unusual face. I think that’s what fascinates me about the porcupine. It really is a chance encounter that makes it all possible.
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What a beautiful model! Great commentary as well.
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Thanks. It’s fun to try to create some commentary that works with the photo.
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We’re fast becoming porcupine fans in our household due to your photographs. After such a heavy week, this post really lightened my heart – thanks!
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So glad to help lighten your heart. Humor is a wonderful friend. As for the porcupines, I think I’m becoming a fan too after seeing two in the month and not many more the rest of my life.
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Beautiful clicks!!!
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I appreciate that.
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It’s a strange sensation when you simultaneously feel awe and laughter. I am in awe of the photos. You managed to capture the delicate beauty of a porcupine (did I say delicate and porcupine in the same phrase?) in a way that most of us will never experience. Your humorous narrative helped to frame the wonderful images, drawing us in without unduly distracting us. I loved the entire posting.
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If you keep coming up with such thotful comments, I am going to have to dramatically improve my game just to keep up! If I did all that it’s wonderful and I had a great time doing it. Thanks Mike.
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I think I’d have travelled a few miles too 😀
Wonderful shots!
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Thanks. It was well worth the drive though ironically I was looking for bucks or snowy owls and didn’t find any of them.
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Lucky you… Great shot!
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I was very fortunate. I wish there was a fool proof way to find them.
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What distance have you been from your model? Looks pretty close.
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I was driving along the road that I showed in the post and encountered some bush right beside the road. The porcupine was about eye level in the tree right beside the road.
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Wonderful!
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Fantastic shots of this lovely creature. The story was almost as cute as the model. 😉
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That’s a high standard! Thanks so much for the comments. It was fun to write.
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Brilliant photos, Lyle. Stunning creature. I’ve never seen one close-up. Thank you for enhancing my world with your wonderful photos. Sending blessings for a joy-filled Christmas season.
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Thanks – it is a stunning creature. The strange thing is that before this past month, I think I’ve only taken one photo of a porcupine and it ended up behind a blur of branches. Thanks for the blessings and I hope you also have a great Christmas and wonderful new year.
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Awesome!
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Thanks
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Again, not sure what I enjoy more, the pictures or your sense of humor and playfulness.
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I’m glad you like them both! Humor and playfulness or fun is really only satisfying when others enjoy it. And I had a lot of fun with this one.
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Lyle,
These are great! Wonderful story, too: a porcupine portrait session! 🙂
I never knew they were capable of so many different expressions.
Very fun. 🙂
RPRT Photo
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It was fun, I was surprised at the expressions so of course it had to turn into a story. I have to say the porcupine lost interest in the photo session before I did.
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I like the first shot of the model the best. The snow on top of the head :-). Nice direction and commentary.
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Happy you liked it. I had fun writing it. I was disciplined enough not to run over and brush the snow off its head for artistic reason not because of the quills!!!
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She looks awfully nervous for someone completely covered in spiky quills! Great photos.
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Thanks. Those quills certainly add up to a lot of protection. It doesn’t look so bad from a distance but I think I involuntarily wince every time I zoom in on a photo.
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Absolutely gorgeous!
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Thank you so much.
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