Spring is near. I photographed Lola in New York near the Opera House. We brain stormed about the fresh Spring look and came up with bold graphic designs on white. What is your Spring fashion statement?
While location-scouting for the shoot with Suzanna, I knew I wanted a green background to complement the bright yellow and red polka dots pants and a top chosen for her. I went over the photos I took with my cell phone of interesting locations, but nothing stood out. As the day of the shoot came near, I was now actively thinking about my location, but no inspired places emerged.
My luck changed however, when one night I boarded a ferry for Hoboken to pick up some photo equipment. As the boat arrived at the station, I was amazed at the elegant arches and the clock tower. Wow, and the building was green! I immediately contacted Suzanna, my model, to give her the details of the location for the shoot.
Preparation leads to a good execution. Suzanna wore the polka dots pants and top which really stood out against the green walls of Hoboken Terminal. We also used the "props" we were able to find in the area, like the big, also, green trash container on the side of the station.
We used the natural light because we wanted to have the freedom of moving around the area and most importantly, we wanted to have fun.
When I got my hands on an orange jumpsuit for my fashion shoot I really wanted to find a perfect location to execute it. I love color and I liked the idea of a model wearing a bright orange jumpsuit which would make her feel bold and powerful. And yes, I am often acting as my own stylist. I think it is because I know my own esthetic in terms of the final look of my photos. Living in NYC we are provided with an array of fantastic backdrops which makes shooting outdoors exciting. So the next step was location scouting. I personally love industrial scenes and I decided to explore Brooklyn to find the perfect location. I also read about where I could still find industrial sites that have not been recycled into new apartment buildings. Gowanus is located on the F train line and it is a photographer's paradise in my opinion. So take an advantage of it before it is gone forever.
After exploring the area I found two orange tractor trailers that fitted into the color scheme of the shoot. The idea was to focus on all aspects of the composition. I wanted to convey that we are part of our surroundings, just like in a painting, where all of the elements are important visually. I am also continuosly inspired by nature, where things seem to exist in visual harmony.
I conveyed my ideas to the model who was able to embrace and work with the surroundings.
I usually start my shoot with a solid concept in mind but during it those initial ideas are taken over by the creative process, which is more fluid and intuitive.
Author: Monika Pia
