In the Studio: Vesper

Drawing inspiration from historical photographers known for their light painting techniques, I created this experimental series with model and dancer, Zoey Schorsch. 

This is done by opening up the shutter of the camera for an extended amount of time in a dark space, and manually exposing all or parts of the subject with light in different forms. In this case, I used colored model lights as well as a small flashlight to “paint” the light into the frame.

Originally practiced as early as the 1880s, this avant-garde approach was reflected in the works of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, Man Ray, Barbara Morgan and Gjon Mili’s collaboration with Pablo Picasso. 

The majority of my day to day work in the fast paced fashion world requires more traditional lighting setups. I am typically capturing models under far more simple and controlled circumstances, and often executing a shoot in much faster time frame. Therefore, I relish in the opportunity to slow down and practice more thoughtful and alternative techniques. She also enjoys the unpredictability of this sort of work.