The Bar method – A Potential Portfolio Piece
The challenge of having full creative freedom without any guidelines, besides “make it good,” turned out to be more pressure than I expected. This shoot was for Matt’s lighting final last quarter, and while we had spent a lot of time practicing basic techniques, having complete freedom was a lot of pressure. I wanted to create something that was portfolio-worthy and had put a lot of time and thought into it.
Mood Board
To tackle this project, I decided to get inspiration from the vibrant aesthetic of the 60s and give it a modern twist. I spent hours looking at old photos and magazines to gather inspiration, and it took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and how to execute it. One of the key elements I incorporated into the shoot was a wig. Drawing from my experience in cosplay and with the help of my friend who used to be a hair stylist, along with Brad Mondo’s guidance, we were able to bring this rough $25 wig to life.
Inspiration
I also had the perfect dress that had never been worn, so it finally got its moment to shine in this project. But it didn’t stop there. I had to hunt down the right tights, shoes, glasses, gloves, and accessories to complete the overall look. This was definitely the most meticulously planned and expensive shoot I’ve ever put together, but I am incredibly happy with the final results. The makeup and posing by my model were on point.
Results
This shoot marked a turning point for me. It was the first time I invested so much time and effort into a project, and I’m truly proud of the set of images I produced. It also helped me realize my style, preferred colors, and overall editing style. It represents a shift in my artistic journey and has motivated me to continue improving and working towards establishing a clear aesthetic in my work. I’m excited to see where this path takes me.