Test Shoot
For the first shooting, I wanted to test out the lighting angle and composition of subject, I was lucky to have a friend volunteered for modelling this shoot, she is not a model who will be featuring in the final shoot, thus so styling and make up was not required for these shots. The location was at her house which is similar to the site I am planing to shoot for the final. I am going to use 85mm lens for the front cover and 50mm lens for double pages spread.
Firstly, I used one key light to the right of the subject, it well lit half of her face with a define shadow on another side, the background was grey looking very flat. So, I added a second source of light which is Godox speedlite, placed behind the subject bouncing light to the wall, creating separation between the subject and the background which make the model standout. I think these lighting set up is suitable for a small pop up studio where I plan to shoot for the final.
Landscaping is a preferred format for double pages spread, I changed for 50mm lens to achieve a wider angle because I wanted to include environment around the subject. I used two lighting, the main light attached with Octagonal softbox, and the second light for filling which added red gel colour to create dramatic looks.
Final shoot
For the second shoot, I decided to change some of my original ideas with an inside spreads, I like the model to dress up, keeping an elegant look while self isolating at home during lockdown, Stay positive, Open minded and use fashion to overcome the fear of disease by wearing the virus protection mixing with luxury accessories. She won't be sitting lonely at a dining table anymore but instead stay active, enjoyed dressing up, doing houseworks as a daily exercise, but still looking glamorous.
This shoot I changed from 50mm to 24-70mm lens because the location was small, a wilder angle lens is needed for full body shots. I was trying to add different colour gel but finally choose pink for fill light to create mood and liveliness to the scene and also complement the outfit. The last photo is my choice for Vice front covered, I really like a posture of her hand resting under her chin presenting her luxury accessories. I wish she had her make up on to complete an elegant look.
Inside spread
For an inside spread, the model looks more relax and comfortable in her kitchen and living room. She do housework washing, hoovering the floor as past of daily exercise during lockdown. She wears a full body suite, goggles, and gloves as a protective equipment as well as luxury items such as gold ring, necklace and bracelets. I liked both shots from a kitchen and living room but I will choose the washing up posed over the hoovering scene for Vice's double page spread because the composition was suitable for the magazine's layout, where focal point placed on the left, and texts are on the right.
Evaluation
Test Shoot - In my opinion, It was done badly, I didn't like any images from that shoot. The photos look too basic, lack of passion, energetic, and purpose. Some important elements such as outfit, styling, props need to improve. I was rushed organising it before the second lock down restriction were introduced, the model wasn't feeling well but willing to help with condition of not dressing up, so I could only test lighting and framing. I wish I could put more effort asking other model and arrange for better styling and props.
Final Shoot - Overall, I am pleased with an outcome, the model was professional showing exact attitude of elegant and powerful looking women. There are couple more components I wanted to improve such as hair and make up, her hair styling was not done properly appearing lots of messy hair, make up was not look elegant enough need attention to details. I could add more accessories such as big black belt, earrings and pin badges for luxury and high fashion. A body suit could be more creative by adding different colours and textures.
Difficulty - I need to have a connection with modelling agency for larger choice of models, a small circle of friend is not enough, they are eager to help but mostly unprofessional, and weren't match with the preference. Not only a modelling agency but also hair stylist, and make up artists that I need to contact and build relationship, to work together in the future. The whole experience of this project taught me to plan thoroughly before shooting, make sure an idea translated to the brief, and keep seeking for feedback from the tutors.
