This week I booked a camera to use in the studio for my first studio test shoot. I used two models who I styled in black to ensure the focus was on their faces as I wanted to capture a sense of identity through portraiture. I experimented with shooting them both individually and together in simple and dynamic poses to see which worked best and got strong results. This photo shoot was highly useful as it has helped me to decipher a stronger visual identity for idem; I have realised I really like working in a minimalistic style. I also really like having a contrast of faces and so I will source more models to create further contrast, I could perhaps complete a shoot with 3+ models.
The image below shows the neutral colours which help to highlight the eyes, hair and lips due to the neutrality of the background and styling. I asked the model closest to the camera not to wear foundation as I wanted to capture her freckles, which I feel I have achieved successfully. I also asked both models to wear winged eyeliner to add lines to their faces and convey a sense of sharpness. The addition of the lines adds more structure to the images which I like as it elongates the face and draws the viewer’s eye to that of the model.
I wanted to capture one of my model’s tattoo that she has on her arm (Dawn by William-Adolphe Bouguereau) as it shows a classical form of femininity by capturing a brunette nymph rushing through water, smelling lilies, naked except for a drape. I will further explore the symbolism of tattoos and scars, and how they heavily tie into identity.
Below I have included two of my favourite images from this shoot after editing. The first I kept minimalistic and with the second I experimented with adding an edited background. Moving forward I want to experiment with photography outside of the studio and so I will plan a few shoots at various locations such as The Devil’s Dyke and in a home setting. Once I have completed these I feel that I will have a strong range of photography and I will have established a strong visual identity for idem.
