As a photographer, revisiting past projects can be both rewarding and sometimes painful, looking back on work allows you to see what you would do differently if you shot it now. One of my favourite series to look back on is a fashion photography project I shot in late 2020, which was directly inspired by the music that shaped me and one of my best friends growing up. From classic hits to contemporary tracks that still resonate with me today, the series was an exploration of personal memories and musical influences, portrayed through fashion and portraiture.
The Concept: Music Meets Fashion
The concept for this fashion photography series was simple but powerful: to create portraits that visually represented the songs and albums I cherished growing up and continue to listen to today. Music has always been an integral part of my creative process, and I wanted to merge my love for both photography and music in a way that felt deeply personal.
The shoot was an exciting collaboration, as I worked with one of my best friends to plan outfits that directly aligned with the tracks we were drawn to. For example, for one look, we channelled the energy of Fall Out Boy’s Save Rock and Roll album, with bold styling choices and dramatic lighting. In contrast, another shoot drew inspiration from Harry Styles’ Fine Line Album, incorporating softer hues and more delicate, flowing textures. Every aspect of the styling, from the wardrobe to the lighting and poses, was carefully chosen to reflect the essence of the music.
The Challenge: In-Camera Colour and Lighting
What made this shoot particularly exciting was the challenge of achieving all of the colour and lighting effects in-camera. There was no post-production manipulation; every image was a direct result of how we lit and coloured the scene. This forced me to think on my feet and get creative with lighting setups, gels, and props to create the perfect environment for each track. The result was a vibrant, raw look that could not be replicated in post-production.
As much as I love the digital editing process, this restriction pushed me to focus more on the technical and artistic elements in the moment. The challenge made the process more rewarding, as it demanded precision and intent with every shot.
The Shoot: Adapting to COVID-19
This series was shot in two parts, adhering to the strict COVID-19 regulations at the time. Despite the necessary precautions, the energy between myself and the model was unaffected, and the shoot was fun to complete.Â
We had an incredible time bringing this vision to life, and the project quickly became a favourite of mine. The atmosphere on set was full of creative spontaneity, and it was inspiring to see how we could overcome the limitations of the pandemic and still produce something that felt both personal and powerful.
The Outcome: A Fashion Photography Series
The series was later awarded runner-up in the Fashion Series category at my University awards, which was a huge honour. Looking back, this project is still a milestone in my journey as a photographer. Not only did it allow me to explore new creative territories, but it also solidified my belief in the power of combining different art forms, such as music, fashion and photography, to tell a unique visual story.
If you're inspired by this series and want to create your unique photoshoot, whether it's fashion-inspired, music-themed, or anything in between, get in touch with me!Â
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