key light & HDR effect

[Sara Anderson]

Hi,

I am having a male model photoshoot who had asked me specifically to shoot a photo which should have the final result as this:
http://reflectionmedia.net/Image_0001.jpg

I think the photographer here has positioned the light on the side and have used either brush tool in PS to smoothen the skin or a light HDR effect.
Can someone assist plz?
Thanks a million

**Mod Edit**
Please don't post other peoples images for comment thanks

 

[TheDrift-]

I dont think any HDR was used, Looks more like they just used desaturation..

Its impossible to tell what method they used on the skin from this resolution, could have been one of many

 

[phil-t]

I can't help with the PP, but the lighting setup for that kind of shot is quite common.

The key light (looks like a rectangular softbox) is placed above the subject at 45 degrees or more angled down at them.. (slightly offset to one side) I'd guess it's only a foot or so away from his face, judging by the softness of light (I doubt too much PP is actually necessary)

The photographer stands on a chair or similar (or maybe get the model to sit down on a stool or the floor) and is shooting from above their head.

The model looks almost straight ahead, or slightly off to one side, and they look into the camera from that position..

Sorry if that wasn't what you where asking, I've just seen people do that shot without too much PP at all, since it's mainly lighting..