I was pretty sure you would understand.

Now let's see if the O.P. gets the messages in the subtext.

Maybe I will reveal how the scene ends then. ;-)

-Mike

I too think you should go with a white bg, anything but black.

Now, about the girl. She needs to spend the afternoon with Oprah for a makeover. First and foremost, she needs make up! Did someone punch her in the eye? What's with that shiner? put something on the lips too. And how about that gnarly tatoo! Very distracting, even in the dark. Also, her arms look gigantic, gotta figure a way to shrink them down with your light, perhaps harden it a bit? Lastly, wardrobe, is that supposed to be a swim suit? It looks more like underwear dug out from the bottom of bargain bin at K-Mart. Take charge of that model, even her posture is off, she pregnant?

You can try using dulling spray to kill some of the flo reflection on the motor.

I'm sure no one here will object if you post a few more pics of her...for lighting evaluation of course.

Also need to add a big manufacture logo on the engine. Something that will stand out against the black paint on the engine. I'm sure the client would appreciate that suggestion. :)

I do believe Mike has "hit the nail on the head" here... a good lesson in quoting most any shoot I do believe!

My first impression was a VERY "un-tan" model on a BLACK background, with a BLACK "product"... very tough to get a "good" result under those conditions.

If you can't "sell" the beach, which might be tough <wink>, how about at least a park, Kart track with a "pit" background (out of focus of course), or something a bit more interesting and less contrast-y... maybe put the model in one of those denim mechanic suits, zipped appropriately in the front... still gets the job done, with a bit of subtlety...

FWIW, reminded me of R/C airplane and car mags - you might want to get a couple for 'research" and ideas before the next client meeting - you'll both be meeting the marketing demographic and simplifying your task.