Using just a
domestic bath, a box of milk powder and three willing models I managed to
experiment with this surreal technique to explore alternative textures and the
impact of opacity. I set out to capture the natural shapes and colours
reflected in the human form.
The plain milk bath ensures that my subject is the main
focal point, but I also experimented with leaves and flowers to add some additional
texture and contrast. However, keeping the flowers where you want them can be
challenging; I had my subjects get into position in the bath and lay as still
as they can—even small movements can shift everything. Then I placed the
flowers and leaves carefully before I started shooting.
I used natural window light supplemented by softbox lighting
from above. I found the best shooting position was from directly above the
subject so I was balanced on a step ladder leaning over the bath. I used a flat
rather than dramatic light for this session as I wanted to avoid harsh shadows
and reflections in the water, which would ruin the aesthetic completely.
The equipment set up and selecting the poses were the most challenging
and time-consuming aspects of this session, particularly in a small enclosed
space. I also had to be careful to ensure that my models did not smear their
makeup during the early shots.
I love the opaque, creamy effect that using milk powder
gives an image, and the ethereal portraits that I captured. I enjoyed
experimenting with black-and-white photography and other parts of the body to
provide a contrast to the face shots.
If I were to
conduct another milk bath shoot, I would like to experiment with sheer
fabric clothing as I think this would lend a greater ethereal effect to the
photos.
Contact Sheets
No comments:
Post a Comment