Shirt Tales: Experimenting with Self

In the transition from 2007 to 2008, I have been experimenting with styling and posture. The "self-portraits" above were taken for the purpose of playing with and understanding the effect of posture and colour styling on an image. They are not self-conscious "portraits" where I am trying to say something about myself, but rather like sketches from a photographic sketchbook that help me work out ideas I have for Shirt Tales.

Other than learning about the formal aspects of photography, this process of "self-portraiture" is teaching me something very interesting about myself: that I have trouble asking for help. I would like to photograph other people who are into being directed and playing dress-up for the camera so that I may develop my photography, yet I am reluctant to ask. Its amazing how following your passion helps you uncover those vulnerabilities that need tending to. I am fiercely independent, something I would like to change. What would happen if I invited someone over to take images and my shit wasn't together, as in, with the help of the other person I/we would have to learn on the fly? It would be magic. If only I would let it.

Clearly, my lesson for 2008 has begun early : )

HAPPY NEW YEAR friends!

May you call magic into your life this year!

Shirt Tales: Wardrobe Set-Up

I had the opportunity to assist in a photo shoot for a soul/jazz artist named Sacha Williamson that took place last week. Although the concept was thought through beforehand by the art director, Nep Siddhu, the shoot itself was a team effort with three photographers (including myself), an art director, a make-up artist (off-site) and the model. I set-up a temporary studio in my place with lighting and backdrop and we shot all day. It was a fantastic experience. It gave me some insight into the work involved in creating a spread for a fashion magazine or an album cover image. I will see if I can post some images from that shoot up soon.

In the meantime, I took the images above to illustrate what a wardrobe set-up for Shirt Tales (the photo project I plan to undertake) would look like. Before I work with any models, I plan to experiment with my own clothing and accessories using studio lights and various backdrops. This will make the sessions with each model that much smoother as many of the wrinkles will be ironed out, so to speak ;). While this is exciting, it is also overwhelming as in this experimental "self-portrait" stage of the project, I play all roles: art director, photographer, make-up artist, hair stylist and model. I will set up the lighting, get dressed, set my camera up on a tripod and timer release and then run into the frame. It is an arduous task indeed and all in the name of fashion (photography)! Oh and by the way, the bling and pistol above are fake! Too bad! JK!