A few weeks ago I was privileged to be a part of a "Dark Waters" photo shoot that was creatively designed and arranged by Jennifer Palumbo.
She had created the concept, made/provided the head pieces, and provided the models for about 10 different photographers. She also provided a fog machine (which, honestly, gave me a bit of trouble) and a couple photogs provided dry ice which provided awesome effects.
These first two shots are my test shots of beautiful Sandra Sandii.
The lighting and bokeh were amazing, so I had to included them.
I shot six of the models and, even though I got very ill and had to leave early, I got some amazing shots and learned so much. As usual, talking/directing the models is my weakness, but I did do it a bit more in this shoot.
Since I ended up with almost a hundred shots that I really like, I'm going to separate the post into parts by models. We'll continue with the Queen of the Enchanted Forest as I called her in my head during the shoot since I didn't know her name at the time.
It totally fits.
The lighting effects (dark water/background) were supposed to be achieved by camera settings as it was late afternoon/early evening during the shoot. I was able to achieve moderate success with camera settings and post-production.
For instance these photos were taken all around the same time at the beginning of the shoot.
The reason I love this shot is because of the softness and the elegance of her elbow with the water drops on it. lol Sandra is a great model!
I love this one, but the edit to get the black background gave me trouble around the face.
I might need to redo it. This is one of the first photos I edited and, after playing around with the many photos, I found some other methods that provided a more seamless result.
The dry ice was amazing! I love the way the wisps of steam clung to her and swirled around her.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
The next model is the Creative Director, Jennifer Palumbo. She looked amazing and her headdress was very cool! But! She was very close to the fog machine and I just didn't get very many good shots because my camera had trouble focusing through the fog.
There were some photos where Jennifer looked so ethereal and gorgeous, but I just couldn't get the edit to work to a presentable photo. So these are my best.
I love this photo with model Cathi Hall in the background. It looks like a misty grotto inhabited by nymphs.
And last for this post is Rachel Boyd. I called her the Lady Demon during the shoot. haha
She was also near the fog machine and I got even fewer usable photos of her.
I did a somewhat harsh, low-key edit on this first one but I really like it.
Damn! I love this photo except I could not edit the hand in the water right! I may need to go back and do this one again too.
Well, that's it for this edition of Dark Waters! Next episode you will meet even more beautiful, fantasy creatures!
Creative Director: Jennifer Palumbo
MUAs: Shane Scott/Jennifer Palumbo
xoxo
