Identity: Post 5
I adopted the style of Euphoria by incorporating similar lighting and compositional techniques into this set of photos. These 33 images are primarily separated into two categories: medium/waist shots and closeups.
For the medium shots, I used a combination of white and blue/purple light to create a sharp contrast, then added filtered and patterned lights to add complexity to the composition. These patterns sometimes permeate the borders between the model and the background, which makes the two components seem to interact more. For medium shots particularly, I tried to demonstrate emotions in a more concrete manner, showing raw feelings through the model’s movements, reflections in the mirror, contrast in textures and colors, etc.
On the other hand, for the closeups, I tried to demonstrate emotion in a more abstract manner. Due to the low exposure of these images (seen mostly at the bottom), there is a blurred texture to them as well. This means that the bright and dark splotches melt together in a more cohesive fashion, and the borderline of the subject against the dark background is unclear. With such features, the emotions of sadness, hopelessness, yearning, and loss are exposed in a less explicit way. It seems more like the general atmosphere of the images that are telling the story.
Some important components that I want to note in order for future photoshoots include:
- The use of a mirror. I really liked how the addition of a reflective surface added complexity and intrigue to the photos. It is as if it made the feelings exuding from the subject more difficult to interpret, as if we are looking at a person’s thoughts through a veil. Of course, it also offers countless interesting angles to shoot from.
- Lighting. We primarily shot using two types of lights: colored lights and the usual warm/cool-toned white lights. For many of the closeups, I turned off the white lights completely, resulting in the blurry texture and the extremely fierce presence of blue lighting on the side of the model’s face. For most of the waist shots, however, I used a combination of colored and white lights, which made the depiction of the scene clearer and the two halves of the image more balanced.
- Patterned/filtered lights. I used two types of filters for the waist shots: scattered dots and more uniform ones. I think the former emits more of a sense of chaos, unsureness, and raw emotion, whereas the latter is harsher, and in a way even more sad. Either way, I will keep this tool in my photoshoot for the final set.