What is the secret of taking photographs like that?

Question

I just saw what I considered to be a truly beautiful art nude of a woman's torso photographed through a wet bed sheet.

I have seen a similar photograph in a collection of works by someone famous whose name I have forgotten.

But my question remains:

What is involved in taking a photograph like that?

I have tried it several times and failed.

Is there a particular kind of cloth that the sheet has to be made out of?

How is the subject lighted? With what? Positioned How?

Could that be done effectively with available light?

I would like to hear from someone who has done this themselves successfully,but I would also appreciate helpful input from anyone who might have some to offer.

Answer 1

Why didn't you give a link to the photo? This is impossible to answer without seeing it!

So now I have to totally guess......

I take it that there is fabric between the model and the camera. If you see her as silhouette only, then strong light was behind her, furthest away from the camera.

If you can still see details, then there was (additional) light between her and the fabric, pointed at her.

You could do this with natural light if you place the model right in front of a window with strong sunlight outside.

As long as the fabric isn't totally opaque, it should work, although the outcome will vary greatly according to how sheer it is.

I possibly could have been much more specific if I had a photo to look at  :-(

Added after you emailed me and I saw the photo:

That setup is way simpler than I had imagined. You are right, the fabric is wet and it simply clings to her. White cloth tends to become transparent when it is wet.

As to the lighting. Done from the top left, reasonably indirect (as you can tell by the lack of harsh shadows below each crease etc). Then in photoshop, the levels/curves were pushed to blow the highlights and create a partial high key effect.