FROM THE VAULT: ABSTRACT PORTRAIT

sometimes when i'm doing client work i'm able to squeeze some personal work to play within my creative space and enhance my portfolio.  for this particular shoot, our model Vanessa was hired to create an ancient far east theme to the shoot where she would wear traditional robes accessorized with a replica samurai sword. and although it may be cliche to put these elements together, with the right hair and makeup it helped create some dramatic images that weren't so tongue in cheek.

photo credit: me

for this photo, i wanted to create an abstract which demonstrated the dramatic effects lighting, exposure and composition can have when showcasing images side by side.  a thematic play of dark and light with eyes closed and open help create the mood and balance which is absent when the photos are shown individually. choosing to display the images in black and white only intensifies the shadows - especially when the sword is being utilized this way.  i tried to give this ancient look a modern twist by giving it high contrast between the dark and the light and using mirrored symmetry as the focal point.

client photography often times restricts my creativity to certain conditions and expectations.  no complaints from me - after all, i am hired to perform a certain task and obtain certain images at the client's request.  but never lose sight of your creative side and try and work within your client's parameters to see something that you could take away as well.  this work allowed me to compose an image i enjoy - it may not serve a specific purpose or be used for a magazine ad, but it's a creative space that i was able to explore and produce an abstract portrait i might have not otherwise been able to.

de jesus. photography is art. no debate. out.