New portraits

Aaron asked me to do a portrait for his website profile.

I decided to light for a greyed out background on the infinity curve.

The idea was to only use two lights. A softbox for main light positioned to the side and a beauty dish behind for a little bit of back lighting.

In the end I used four lights on Az to try and get a more rounded light effect without quite so much shadow.

As Adam was around while I was setting up I asked him to pop in for a quick test shot.

This in turn turned into the other shot from the day.

As  it was earlier the lighting is darker than in Az's final shot but I really like the end result. Adam face even though quite blank expresses a lot of character.

I want to find some more subjects to shoot in this style as I really like the effect.

Further inspiration

I've been looking at more images that have given me ideas for theme and lighting on my Self neg.

Again each image has a certain feel to it that I would like to emulate within my own work not necessarily be a direct influence.

Dazed and confused shoot

To me this image has the feel of a still life, an effect I am trying to achieve. Very static poses and the "props" add to the feel of the piece rather than become a distraction.

Rachel De Joode

Again another "still life portrait", this one in a much more classic sense as the subject is adopting an almost sculptured pose. The photographer has created a piece of pop art while being inspired by classic art.

Self Neg update

I've finally managed to get started on the practical aspect of the final self neg project of this course. 

As it's for exhibition I've decided to go all out with my idea so as to try and produce a really strong series that will gain some attention.

It's not however, without it's problems.

First and foremost: cost. Obtaining materials etc has been quite a drain on my resources but fortunately after a bit of indecision on how to go about making the sets I'm using some relatively cheap mdf board. 

For my first shoot I decided to paint it quite a striking blue and then light to emphasise it.

Leicester's Next Top Model Rose on test shoot. 

After doing a quick test shoot with Rose on Friday, I decided to go for my first shoot on Monday. The test shoot helped with getting the composition and an early idea for how I was planning to light the set.

Leonora kindly agreed to be my first subject as she had the look that would suit the imagery I'm trying to achieve.

Lara the make up artist I have recently begun to work with also offered to work on the project to help achieve a more professional feel.

The shoot went well and I'm really happy with the results and have two images that will definitely fit in the series. The decision now is obviously which one to choose.