It's been over a year since I dreamt up this project and I'm happy to say that it’s finally ready for you all to see. I met Michelle early last January at my first beauty portraiture shoot, and I immediately knew that she was the model for this project.
Concept:
My goal for this project was to create an image of an ethereal woman, quietly sitting by a lake, surrounded by beauty and nature.
Lighting:
My vision of this character is of a beautiful creature that only comes out at night. In a way, the night shelters her and protects from predators. Keeping these details in mind, I decided to create soft but directional moonlight, as well as adding in a rim light to help separate the model from the background. I used the plant props as gobo’s to help create interesting shadows and an extra layer of texture to the scene.
Location & Production Design:
Something that was important to me about this project was that I wanted to create images with a sense of depth. Because this shoot was done in studio rather than on location, we brought in extra props to create a foreground, middle ground, and background. The overall set was designed to create a frame around the model. I knew that I wanted hanging vines with purple flowers as well as a small walkway that would lead our eyes to our main subject.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography Preparation and assembly.
The set was built entirely using props that I have had for several years. One unforeseen challenge came when we started rigging up the flowers. Between all of the prep, I forgot about how to cover up the C-stands that were holding up the flowers from showing in the images. With some fast thinking, I remembered seeing two rolls of unused brown craft paper stored away, and quickly put them to good use by wrapping them around the C-stands, thus creating the illusion of a tree.
Ultimately, I wanted the set design to evoke a feeling of a nature filled space, and provide a foreground design that would give the images a sense of the viewer peeking into the life of this beautiful creature.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography Anything to get that shot! Photo Credit: Susana Blair
Wardrobe:
I have always loved Greek Mythology. I originally imagined this character as a nymph, but after shooting the project, I didn’t feel that I had anything that insinuated that mythological being. Instead, I decided to make the character a goddess.
I found many images of inspiration through Instagram pages like Dreamers of Decadence. Their site featured paintings by artists William Arthur Breakspeare and Emile Vernon. Their work served as excellent references to the type of styling I wanted. I wanted my character to be adorned in fine gold and silver jewelry as well as luxurious cream colored fabrics similar to the ones featured in my mood board below.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography Nymph mood board. I found myself completely drawn to the soft and delicate quality of the fabrics in these paintings. It still amazes me to think that someone made these by hand. These artists are true masters of their craft.
Make Up & Hair:
As always, I specifically design my makeup and hair styling to help accentuate the natural beauty of my models. In this case, my model has very symmetrical and fine features which made the design process even easier. Stylistically, I wanted Michelle to look regal, delicate, elegant, and ethereal. In other words, exquisite. I decided on minimal make up that featured blue color tones with silver accents.
Post Production:
Apart from skin retouching, my post production for this project was left to a minimum. By working more on production design, I was able to introduce more textures through the use of props and their materials rather than relying on the use of texture overlays in photo shop.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography Nymph photo shoot color palette.
Final Execution:
As always, my mother outdoes herself with her production design. I really feel like I was able to create a sense of depth and balanced beauty through her placement of the props. My mother also takes the styling credit for this piece. The delicate yet exotic jewelry really added to this timeless creature that is reminiscent of Greek mythology and their use of fashion.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography A close up of one of the final images.
Dream Team:
Retoucher: Alicia Blair
Production Design: Susana & Alicia Blair
Styling: Susana & Alicia Blair
Hair & Make- Up: Susana Blair & Michelle Berardesco
To view the final series, please click on the link below.
http://www.aliciamblairphotography.com/nymph-dreams
Ciao for now!
Alicia M. Blair