Nouveau Chapitre
Producer / Art Director / Photographer / Editor
This was a personal project made to enter some international competitions.
During life, women go through different trials. Some are visible from the outside and others are invisible through others’ eyes. Either way, it can be difficult to feel good physically, mentally, and to love a body that seems foreign to you. This series evokes the search for a new sensuality and complete well-being. Colors and movements, getting out of the darkness, letting go of all frustrations. It is a "New Chapter" where we learn to love and rediscover ourselves.
Finalist, Grand Prix Picto de la Photographie de Mode, Paris, 2022.
Honorable mention, BIFA Budapest Photo Awards, Budapest, 2022.
I worked alone on this project and was looking for a more fine art/painting look where the model would completely separate from the background. As I wanted the focus on the model and colors of mexicain scarves I decided to go for a black background and only two lights (a direct and a supporting light). I used Pinterest and Mural to build my mood board.
Mood Board
I managed the budget to include the studio, studio equipment (lights, tripod, camera, lens, sofa, black backdrop), the model, Mexican scarves, and transportation. To find the correct model I wanted someone that had experienced physical and mental trauma willing to be vulnerable in front of the camera. I searched through agencies and friends to find the right fit, and through them, I connected with my ideal model.
I sat down with her and got to know more about her life traumas, building a trusting bond. On the day of the photoshoot, I asked her to arrive 2 hours before the actual session to have the time to talk and walk her through the whole process. I decided to work solo for her to feel more comfortable. I took the shots gradually, giving her directions on positions and how to move the scarves.
After the photoshoot, I did two rounds of selection using Lightroom to narrow it down to eight images. Using Photoshop I did the skin, hair, lighting, and color correction, dodge and burn, and I also added extra blur to exaggerate some of the scarves’ movements.
Before/after
