Getting out of your consolation zone is nice for creativity. It not solely will get the center pumping however may also get the mind considering.
I’ve been working with a brand new shopper, who’s a incredible artistic herself and her transient was for ‘a riot of shade’ for Mardi Gras costume items. My shopper additionally appreciated the concept of utilizing paint. Initially, I stated let me suppose on it, because the considered throwing paint round in my studio was giving me coronary heart palpitations.
The setup
The extra I thought of it, the extra I used to be intrigued by the concept. Plastic-backed paper painters drop sheets might maintain the paint and create a clear white background. They’re additionally low cost and fairly giant. We used 4 9-by-12 foot sheets doubled in thickness and in addition had a big white bedsheet hanging behind and a big plastic drop fabric beneath on the bottom.
Eradicating every part from the studio that could possibly be harmed in the course of the shoot (garments racks and props) and overlaying every part left with extra drop cloths. Wrapped my speedlight (I often use it as a rim mild) in a plastic bag to maintain it protected. For the primary lights, I used two Bowen strobes, one with a 47.2-inch octabox and a 16.5-inch magnificence dish, safely out of hurt’s method.
The mannequin’s consolation zone
Let me simply say right here you want a mannequin who has a way of journey, and enjoyable and doesn’t thoughts getting messy. My longtime pal and mannequin Jess (Miss Fairy Floss), is simply that sort of particular person. I considered nobody else for this job and she or he jumped on the probability.
Jess’ outfit was easy and we stored it low cost, so we weren’t involved concerning the garments being ruined. A easy white tank high and shorts. We ordered rainbow knee-high socks and suspenders to match our theme and an excellent low cost white wig (which was then thrown out, because it couldn’t be saved!)
The paint
To maintain issues considerably managed we purchased paint in squeeze bottles and tubes, which we might artfully ‘throw’ at Jess and the background whereas conserving it on the backdrops. These additionally turn out to be extra props within the shoot. We used solely major and secondary colours and used acrylic paint for cleanup and security functions.
The shoot
Fortunately the day of the shoot was fairly sizzling, so getting messy after which cleansing up was not a problem for the mannequin. Certainly for the precise shoot, we had the air con on.
We first shot all of the headpieces in opposition to the plain white background after which added the paint. Then reshot the items, packed them up, added extra paint and actually let Jess have some enjoyable getting messy.
The cleanup
All in all of the cleanup didn’t take too lengthy. Wrapping up the drop sheets and put within the garbage. Jess hosed herself down in entrance of the studio to take away a lot of the paint after which showered and adjusted to do away with the remaining. The garments had been all soaked in chilly water, however by no means got here clear!
Behind the scenes
I put collectively a behind-the-scenes video on my YouTube channel for many who may be fascinated with somewhat sneak peek.
Tip: Need to know whenever you’re on the finish of the shoot? When all the colours have blended collectively and turned brown!
This photograph shoot was nowhere close to as unhealthy as I feared. It was a great deal of enjoyable and we captured some superb photos. So getting out of my consolation zone was nice — not solely creatively, however it offered a whole lot of enjoyable.
