Category: Modelling and Fashion

The Jennifer Gears Project, Part 2

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Today, one more image of Jennifer from what I am calling the Jennifer Gears project 🙂 Today’s image is one of the black and white film images I created. In addition of course to  Ashley ‘s amazing technical work, I think it is really important to highlight Jennifer’s contribution today: her intensity and expression were as critical as any other success factor for the shoot! There is always depth and complexity in her expressions, and that makes her a rewarding model to work with.

I think special mention should be made of how patient she was during the multi-hour make-up/FX application, as well as removal afterwards!

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Model: Jennifer Bettencourt

Special FX/Make-up Artist Ashley Vieira

(Nikon F3 35mm SLR, 85mm/1.8 Nikkor lens, Eastman Double-X film,

developed in HC-110 dilution B for 6.5 minutes @ 20 degrees C)

The Jennifer Gears Project, Part 1

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I have had the privilege of working with model/musician Jennifer Bettencourt on a number of occasions, so when she contacted me recently about a project I was naturally interested. A friend of hers named Ashley,  who is a new graduate of a program in special effects needed to document her final school project, and needed a model and photographer and I was lucky enough to get the call.

The project was steam punk themed, and involved the creation and application of many. many gears to Jennifer’s skin, and we aren’t talking just make-up; Ashley made the gears using moulds she made herself to create three-dimensional pieces applied like tattoos. Preparation took many hours (see a “behind the scenes” prep shot at the end of this post), but the results were worth it! It was also fascinating to watch the whoe process; I certainly learned a lot!.

I shot both colour digital and black and white film; I am starting off with a digital image to show the great colours; in my next post I will show one of the black and white film images.

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Model: Jennifer Bettencourt

Special FX/Make-up Artist Ashley Vieira

Here’s a behind the scenes image

Prepping for the shoot

More Than Looking Pretty

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I’ve mentioned on more that one occasion how I like working with actors, musicians and other performers, as well as models who understand that it’s not just about “looking pretty”. Young model Julia MacKenzie (who has also had some acting experience) gets it. During a sequence a photos we came up with a story/scenario, and Julia was immediately able to immerse herself in it. More than just looking pretty.

Left Alone

 

(Nikon F, 85mm/f1.8 Nkkor lens, Ilford Delta 400 developed in Microdol-X 1:1,
negative scanned and post-processed with Nik Efex)

Finding the Light

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Another image from my recent shoot with Jennifer at U of T. It was around 7 pm, so the sun was lower in the horizon. The sunlight was coming at an angle through trees, which made for some great lighting!

Jennifer at U of T

 

(Nikon F2, 85mm/1.8 lens, shot on Kodak Tri-X at box speed developed in Xtol 1+1 for 9 minutes)

The Landscape of Life

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Last week I made the following statement on Twitter:

“The human face is the landscape of life, and is infinitely more incredible than any geography on Earth”

I think this image I took of model Jennifer Santos Bettencourt last evening serves as a good illustration of what I was saying. What sets Jennifer apart from so many other models is the depth and subtle intensity of the facial expressions she creates. truly a landscape of life.

Jennifer at U of T

 

(Rolleicord IIIa Twin lens Reflex, 75mm/f3.5 Xenar lens, Tri-X developed in Xtol 1:1 for  minutes)

A Lighting Lesson

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Here is another image from the workshop yesterday. I found this workshop great, as I learned  that this kind of lighting is not as hard as I thought: one one side, a beauty dish with honeycomb grid, on the other side, a strip light, also with a grid to control the path of the light. I will be exploring this technique more in the future!

I should also mention the model Kaitlin’s skill as a dancer: her poise and grace came through in every image. 🙂

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A Chilly Day

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From a shoot yesterday afternoon. I really like the expression I managed to capture. before my fingers felt like they were too cold to operate the camera.

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By the Window

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This image is from a log cabin in Troy Historic Village in Troy, Michigan. I had a great shoot with amazing model/actress Nicole Guibord. Even with a fire going in the fireplace, and a space heater, it was a chilly room, but the natural light from the windows was amazing. The only issue was that it got a bit smoky towards the end, so I had to boost the contrast in post. For this image, I used my “Baby” Speed Graphic, with a roll film adapter, on a tripod.

Nicole by the Window

Wardrobe and Personality.

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I know I must drive some models crazy when they ask me about what to wear for a shoot. Unless I am planning a very specific concept, my suggestions tend be very vague. This is due in part to my abysmal fashion sense, but mainly with how I approach most shoots; I hope they pick clothes that bring out their personality and character, and model Hilary certainly did on a recent shoot. Her costume to me radiated a cheerful, whimsical playfulness, and that certainly came out in her poses and expressions.

Smiling

 

(Mamiya 645 Pro TL, 80mm/2.8 lens, Ilford Delta 400 exposed at E.I. 800, developed in HC-110, DIlution B for 10 minutes.)