Process
For this photoshoot I used this Aztec clay mask powder and created this layer on her face by adding water until I get this paste like consistency, so that it would dry and then achieve this cracked look.
However I did do some photos at the beginning without the face mask so I had to portraits that I could use later if I needed them. I thought I could try and experiment with editing the cracks onto the models face.
Once that was done because this photoshoot was done in a studio the set up was quite simple all I used was both a black and white backdrop. I also used a ring light for more of a dramatic spotlight.
Editing
For editing I started off in Lightroom where I turned the images black and white and then changed exposure, highlights etc… I found that lowering the highlights and increasing the shadows really helped get more definition of the cracks.
Once I was happy with that I started editing on photo shop using their stamp tool. This was helpful as there were some areas which were difficult to do with the makeup like under her eyes and some parts like under her nose just came off due to it being on for so long. This meant that I could use the stamp tool to replace the sparse areas.
Final images
Overall I am extremely happy with this photoshoot. I’ve found the harsher lighting has help extenuate the cracks on my models face. For this photoshoot I was inspired more by Lean Shamash and her aging doll project. I liked the way she had the close ups. It enabled you to actually see all the cracks the flakes etc…
From this photoshoot I think I’m only going to use one or two of the successful images and put it at the end of my photobook as the skin is a lot more dramatic than I was expecting. Which is fine however in order for it to work well within the “story” and sequencing wise it doesn’t make sense for it to go at the beginning like I had originally planned as I am hoping to be able to show the further into the book you get the more destroyed she becomes.
Hi Hannah
This is looking much better now, with clear direction, plans and outcomes…which you can adapt and refine as you move forward…
It may be worth looking at artists like Nick Knight too…plus Tim Walker (for whimsical, etheral ideas…)
Keep up the hard work and allow your photo-shoots to steer your project now