THE GOOD
I recently did a test shoot and a test video with model Annemiek Den Boer and photographer Susann T Daljord to see how they both worked and how each turned out on camera and on video. It went really well, Susann is a flawless retoucher and Annemiek looks great on camera, and is also really good at moving and manipulating her body.
I played with baby oil on pigment and needed to see if the shine from the oil would pay off on camera without looking too shiny or creating a glare. I also wanted to see how stretching cling film across the models face would manipulate the photo and weather or not this would actually work. This was important to do because I really want to have as much creative control of the outcome of the shoots as possible so it was imperative to see if my ideas actually worked on camera.
My concept for this shoot was the connection between identity and the skin, and how our inner identity meshes with out outer identity. The test shoots are below.
I am in love with the techniques that have been created and Susann played a huge role in making this work with her photography and retouching skills. She has agreed to take on the main role as head photographer and videographer for this project and I'll be working very closely with her though out the shoots. I have also called back Annemiek to be part of the project as I'm really happy with how she portrays herself on screen.
THE BAD AND THE UGLY
I wanted to test using a flashlight to create an aurora of light around the models head. Using a slow shutter speed and a torch waved behind the model we tried different ways to get this technique but it just did not want to work. Here are the unedited images of this:
The lighting had to be turned down to pick up the light from the torch so the lighting is too dark. The torch didn't have the desired effect (I wanted a sort of flare of light behind her) but instead it was a harsh stream of light that was impossible to line up, and because we had to work with the shutter speed being so low, Annemiek had trouble staying perfectly still for long enough while we took the picture and you can see my arm in the photo as I crouch behind her to attempt to flare the light source!
Its for this reason that I am so glad that we tested camera techniques. This lighting technique isn't something that is essential in my project and therefore I've decided to scrap it and focus on the ones that did work.
WHAT NEXT
My next tests will to be to test some hair and makeup ideas with the two other backup photographers that I have just in case something happens and Susann has to back out. I want to make sure that I have all options covered as well as plan B's to ensure that everything runs as smooth as possible if we encounter any problems.
I have also sourced three other models (one male) and a MUA assistant to help out. Multiple models will keep the interest of the audience and attract a wider target. So far I'm really happy, I will keep testing and confirm the team within the next few weeks.
