Creativity sure takes us different places doesn’t it? The last venture I had with Self Portraits was this:
The Crow
Shane Mahoney, a fellow yinzer and Photographer from Pittsburgh helped me with that set. I still use them today for certain profiles. It was so fun walking around Pittsburgh dressed up like that. I sure do miss him and my friends in the Burgh’.
It took awhile for me to be interested in self portraits like this again.
You just have to ask the right people.
The Interest.
As the son of a professional model and talented Rockstar, I’ve had an affinity for music and fashion as long as I can remember. Halloween just felt like a normal day when my Dad was often dressed up like Monty Python that went galivanting to a death metal concert. Or my Mothers curated 80’s hair and designer laden outfits published worldwide in Photographs.
So now that I have curated a network of peers that understand my musical background and my fashion sense, it was time to consider the options for a new photoshoot theme.
Being back in Charlotte meant that most of my connections were still based here expanding their creative business. One of the people I knew I had to ask was a close friend of mine, who has seen me change appearances countless times and understood my style as a musician and photographer.
Two Taylors Are Better Than One
Taylor has been in the Cosmetology field for over a decade, worked throughout some of the most well known Salons throughout Charlotte and she’s still stuck to it while Bartending. When I asked her to take creative liberty, she was ecstatic to participate and contribute even after a long work shift.
A 10 Tier Chest Stocked Full With Makeup
Everything was there. It was intimidating not knowing really what most of it was, and just how much was there.
Did that mean she’s going to use all that?
Do I need all that? What’s happening?
As Taylor sorts through her supply curating a pallet based on the look of Ville Valo from Goth Rock band HIM. I started getting my things together for what we would need for Photos. I had about 5 outfits picked and knew I’d do at least two. All the while eating 2 pizzas from Dominos. Pan style, always and forever.
I See Shades of Pink, Eyeshadow Too.
There were shades of purple and pink, with lots of heavy blacks. As she applied the first look with gentle and subtle tones, about 10 minutes into it, I realized I was getting that emo pinkish Gerard Way look of My Chemical Romance. I saw the vision.
The Mirror.
My jaw dropped at just how different my eyes looked. I have goldish green eyes. These shades of pinks, neutrals and blacks popped my eyes like crazy.
As a Photographer, I can appreciate that. I’ve seen how makeup changes the subject as a photographer, but never saw how it would change my appearance.
Pinks are cosmetologists little best kept secrets to bring out eyes. I would’ve never thought I’d understand the use of pink makeup on my skin.
We wanted to play with the idea of masculinity as far as the Baseball Jersey and death metal attire, and juxtapose it with the makeup and jewelry. This is so different than the last one with my face covered in a latex crow skull.
How We Set This Up
Lighting, Camera and Lens
As far as photography gear goes, I had the Lumix GH4, 19mm Sigma lens, and a speedlight. I set the cameras settings to adjust for proper lighting to camera left and pre exposed several frames. Some areas were hot lit but that’s okay, it added some nice dramatic lighting I think. This was later at night and available lighting was minimal.
Taylor had a lot of fun using a camera again and we both were excited to find some frames that we liked. We didn’t stop here though.
Naturally, I Dial It Up A Notch.
We expanded the palette and upped the use of pinks, purples, shimmery browns, matte lipstick and even a couple little stars. I threw on a death metal hoodie and an 18th century tailcoat over top. If you’re curious where I get some of my clothing, check out Indiemerchstore.
Camera settings pretty much stayed the same for these self portraits at f/2.8 and around ISO 400. I could’ve and should’ve wardrobe swapped more and brought a reflector for smoother lighting.
To Do Something Original
That’s often how I approach new projects. Which is something Taylor understood. She went for a emo rocker look, and not the typical corpse paint or heavy black makeup that I would’ve asked for by default. So when she took it the next level, I was still pleasantly surprised with her application.
Always Learning Something New
It was tons of fun and I found it really rewarding and wholesome to share this experience with a close friend. She wished more heterosexual men would seek out makeup in general to better understand it and appreciate it. It’s something I’ve always found interesting. I learned a lot about makeup application from Taylor, as I asked a bunch of questions throughout the process.
I’ll continue to stay open minded, and offer creative freedom for those that share a love for what they do.
Maybe even someday I’ll expand my Photography skills further and benefit from being my own make up artist if need be.
I wonder what the next self portraits will be? I’ve had a really cool idea involving my beekeeping suit, smoker, black light, and some light painting.