Despite all the reverie, work (and learning) that goes into planning a photoshoot, sometimes the results are better and more organic than originally planned. Such was the case with this photo session.
There is so much to say about this photo study. I’m so thankful for the energy and time the model spent with me. I approach photoshoots and the creative touches studiously. Much went into planning this event: Matching a dress from one end of the world to a backdrop from across the US that was a perfect marriage; studying classic asian beauty ideals; coordinating makeup and hair; building an 8 ft backdrop, and working with new 1000W Halogen lights.
The images below utilize the self-made presentation backdrop. I built it with 6 yards of fabric, four 32 x 40 presentation boards taped together, and adhered fabric to the board with the “Barbara K” stapler tool John gave me as a Christmas present years ago. With these images, I also completely began my post-work from the Camera Raw settings to define color differences, sharpness and detail. Without using Camera Raw (CR), detail was lost in the hair. An extreme setting in CR gave it this edgier look. And, yes, I realize now that Camera Raw has the lens vignetting I was doing by hand in photoshop before. Takes mere seconds now.
Another backdrop:
As I’m learning, I experience a different side to people when photographing them–which is magical. Everything gets magnified–whether it’s his or her vunerabilities, or as in the case of this model–strength, beauty and openness. All in all, my visual assumptions about what and how to photograph people take on a new form in the actual photoshoot–a form better, different, and more authentic than I could’ve imagine–until I tried.
omg…these are gorgeous!! love them.
i absolutely love these photos. especially the first three. i wish you were close enough to take some photos of me for all this press i’m (gladly) enduring!