The crown
This was an image from a series that my team and I are working on. The model was body painted by renowned Hawaii makeup artist Kecia Littman. The crown was desi...
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This was an image from a series that my team and I are working on. The model was body painted by renowned Hawaii makeup artist Kecia Littman. The crown was designed by Tiere Thomas by placing bunches of fresh pink and purple flowers intertwined with large amethyst crystals.
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Oct, 2015Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Surreal Fashion Photo Contest
Member Selection Award
Featured
Contest Finalist in People And Flowers Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Couture Photo Contest
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Love it
All Star
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in my studio at the Chinatown Artists Lofts in Honolulu.Time
It was in studio but I believe the photo was taken in the late morning or early afternoon. I remember that because we all ordered lunch and didn't see much of the sun that day :)Lighting
I used a single light source for this image that was above the model. I believe it was the White Lightning 3200 on a boom with a 4 foot scrimmed umbrella. The side light (from the back) was created by opening the blinds slightly on the window next to the backdrop. I really liked that soft and subtle glow it created. The key element in this shot was making sure the custom built headdress was cleanly lit.Equipment
Probably a Canon 5D of some sort, but I will have to check the metadata and get back to you on this one...Inspiration
This photo was a creative collaboration between myself, celebrity makeup artist Kecia Littman, Stylist Tiare Thomas and the model... We were creating a Crown Chakra themed photoshoot based on the colors, gems, and other things associated with it. Our crew for this shoot all work professionally in the field as MUA, Stylists, and in commercial photography, so when we can all get together to come up with something creative and fun...we get amazing shots. The beauty makeup and intricate body painting was done by Kecia Littman and Tiare built the cascading crown by wiring up crystals, flowers, and other hidden clips and clamps to hold it all in place. Creative collaborations usually provide great results for photographers. When everybody contributes what they are good at, it gives more character and depth to the photograph. So to answer the question...My team inspires me and we inspire each other.Editing
Yes of course. Photoshop is my second home :) There was minimal photoshop and retouching needed on this one. As with almost every model/beauty shot I start by cleaning up any skin blemishes, marks, and dust spots. Then I move on to the hair and tidy that up before any more complicated adjustments such as smoothing skin. I prefer to do all my editing by hand rather than with actions and presets. For this image it was only a few additional touchups to the body paint and wardrobe; and then adding a layer of clouds over the black background.In my camera bag
Not much, and actually the least amount possible. Usually I have my camera (5D Mark II) with a 24-105mm, and 1 alternate lens. Sometimes a flash, memory card, and extra battery if i need it :)Feedback
Collaborating with others is key for photographers especially in the commercial, model, and fashion field. As a photographer your images are the final outcome of the whole production and all the work that goes into it. So the more you learn to work with others to create a common vision, the more those common goals can become your creative vision. Other than that push your own boundaries with lighting, get out of comfort zones, and just keep shooting!
