Light Play

Photography is a medium that continually offers new ways to express creativity. Recently, I had the pleasure of experimenting with colored paper sweeps and window light during a photoshoot, resulting in a captivating play of shadows and hues that transformed the entire session into a visual feast.

Setting the Stage

The idea behind this shoot was to explore how simple elements, such as colored paper and natural light, can dramatically alter the ambiance of a photograph. Armed with an array of vibrant paper rolls, known as sweeps, and a spacious room with large windows, I was ready to dive into this creative experiment.

Playing with Light and Color

Natural light has always been my go-to source for its softness and versatility. For this shoot, the large windows provided the perfect canvas. As the sunlight streamed in, I used the colored paper sweeps to manipulate and shape the light, creating striking backgrounds that set the mood for the session.

I began by positioning the models near the windows, allowing the natural light to fall on them. Then, I arranged the colored paper sweeps as backdrops, adjusting their angles and distances to cast beautiful gradients and colored highlights on the models and the background. The interplay between the direct sunlight and the vibrant colors of the paper resulted in an array of dynamic effects.

The Magic of Shadows

One of the most intriguing aspects of this experiment was the creation of shadows. The large, uncut rolls of paper created smooth, continuous backgrounds that allowed the shadows to play a significant role. These shadows added depth and dimension to the photos, turning simple portraits into complex, multi-layered compositions.

The shadows also introduced a sense of mystery and drama. The contrast between the brightly lit areas and the darker, shadowed sections created a visual tension that drew the viewer's eye and added an element of intrigue to the images.

Capturing the Moment

As I clicked away, I was constantly adjusting the paper sweeps, moving them closer or further from the light source, changing the angles, and experimenting with different colors. Each adjustment brought a new perspective, a new layer of creativity. The models, too, embraced the process, interacting with the light and shadows, their poses reflecting the mood of the moment.

In post-processing, I focused on enhancing the natural colors and contrasts, ensuring that the interplay of light and shadow remained the focal point of the images. The final results were a collection of photographs that were vibrant, textured, and full of life.

Reflecting on the Experience

This photoshoot was a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of photography. By incorporating simple materials like colored paper sweeps and utilizing the natural light from a window, I was able to create a series of visually stunning images that were both unique and evocative.

Experimenting with light and shadow is a journey of discovery, one that encourages you to think outside the box and embrace the unexpected. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, I encourage you to try this technique. You never know what amazing results you might achieve!

Have you ever experimented with colored paper sweeps and window light in your photography? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below – I'd love to see how you’ve embraced this creative challenge!

Makeup & Hair by Destiny Taylor

Dimond's are Forever

After another photoshoot, we found ourselves struck by a whimsical idea this evening: to turn my street into our next canvas. With a mix of clothes scavenged and a random blow-up mattress from my studio, we set out to capture something creative. Here's the result of our spontaneous night street session.

Model: Alaina Butler

Makeup & Hair: Bree Goodwin

REVIVAL

Hello! Thank you so much for taking interest in my most recent project REVIVAL.

How did this project start I think has been the most asked question so I will start there. On my personal coffee table I have Photography books that inspire me. One day I was looking through my favorite “The Best of Helmut Newton” gifted to me by one of my best friends for my birthday. As I licked my fingers to turn the pages I became overwhelmed with this feeling that I need to do more with my work. I often have this feeling, that more needs to come out of how I create art but this day I knew action needed to follow this feeling.

I am a woman that has experienced multiple forms of abuse in my life, just like many other women. I have been playing with an idea in my head for the past year wanting to photograph story’s, maybe reenacting, maybe changing the narrative, I wasn’t totally sure. While looking at this photography book I realized I can do more by telling the stories of women like me and women that are nothing like me. I asked one of my best friends who is a survivor of domestic abuse (pictured above) how do I photograph women and tell their stories in a beautiful way. Until now whenever I see a photo telling a story of trauma I see violence, pain, sadness, damage. She said why don’t you shoot them in away they see themselves now? I knew that was perfect and exactly want I wanted to show the world. Also, whenever I go to book stores or shop for photography books they are all a collection of the photographers work, or fashion spreads from Vogue made into a book. While this is beautiful and I truly enjoy looking at this type of work it doesn’t have much substance behind it other than the skills and talent of the designers, models and photographers. I wanted to create something with a story, something that every woman could relate to, something that would make everyone feel. I wanted to create something so beautiful that you display it on your coffee table, show it to your children, guests at dinner parties and you look at for inspiration.

I will be working on this book for the next year with a projected release date end of 2021. This is a collaborative effort with my friend Aliana Butler, who will be helping to tell the stories of these women through poetry and styling. My Makeup Artist friend Bree has also graciously invested her time to help create this dream of mine. My team and I will be traveling around the country to collect and photograph your stories. If you would like to be involved with the REVIVAL project please complete this FORM. With every sale from REVIVAL a donation will be made to charity (specific charity not decided yet). As much as you are able, please let me know a little about your story and how you see yourself today. If you where to see the perfect photograph that represented you what would that look like?

I’m really fucking excited to meet you and tell your story.

Golden Janiah

This beauty was packing up to move to LA on a Monday and during packing that Sunday she stopped and drove to my studio to get in some shots before she left Oregon for good. I did her hair, makeup and got in 4 looks during her 2 hour packing break. Check out the rest of the images from our shoot here: Janiah

Janiah is signed with Option Models and you can peep more of her work and life over on her Instagram

Mrs. Kiersten

Makeup & Hair by Destiny Taylor 

Missing Summer

I have this really bad habit of not picking up my camera unless I'm working. I'm trying to be better about taking my camera places and photographing my life. These are some photos I took of my foster kiddos playing outside. This was the Fourth of July and it's making me miss shorts, tan lines and the sun! 

Baby Aasen!

This was my first time ever shooting a birth announcement. I can't believe it! 

So a little back story. I met Chelsy when she was a model in Portland maybe 6 years ago? jezz maybe even 7 years now? She was one of the first models I tested with. I started shooting her for book updates, jewelry lines, then her and Dariens wedding, followed up with her bridal boudoir photos and now this. I think over time I have photographed her face over 15 times! Anyway, I thought I was showing up to photogrpah some cute Christmas Card photos but they surprised me! They are pregnant!!!! You guys, I cried! Watching this young woman grow has been so beautiful. Chelsy and Darien are so fun and loving, I am so happy for their blessing and can not wait for them to be parents. 

Blended Family

When I get to photograph families like the Alberti's it makes my heart full. Casey and Anthony have children from previous relationships and a child together. They are so centered as a couple and a family. I love seeing parents support each other and come together for the good of children. These four kiddos have a lot of love and joy around them because of the choices these parents have made. Congrats on the beautiful family! see ya next year for another round of holiday photos!