After several successful projects, it was inevitable a collaboration between photographer, Steven Carlier and muralist, Jolly Ellegeest was initiated once again. This story is about the creation of the template image, used for the awakening of a new piece of wall-art.
Creating the template image
The desired image needed to be a tribute to love, equally amongst human beings. Therefore we had an adorable couple agreeing to eternalize their love on camera. Initially we visioned a kiss to be portrayed. However, as we worked our way through the shoot, this genuine and sereen moment just happened in-between posing. At this point we knew we nailed it and abandoned the initial idea.
The studio was set-up along the driveway and my test model “Rudolph” assisted me with the lighting situation. Eventually, only the soft-box (with CTO) on camera right was used to add-in warm fill light, while the soft (overcast) ambient light was used as key light. The camera was set near the flash-sync speed at 1/250s, F4.5, ISO64 with a 90mm lens. In retrospect I could have stopped down to at least F5,6 or F8 in order to gain more depth-of-field and get both faces more in the same focal plain.
All technicalities aside, having the models feel comfortable is most critical for a successful shoot. Having someone on set they know and trust is a great advantage to have (Thanks Jolly). Further I’ve learned to let the models engage with the images taken, giving them more confidence along the way.
The Mural image
With the template image in hand, muralist Jolly Ellegeest started creating the mural. Several days went by before the end-result presented itself as a true piece of art, ready to be admired in the “Blekerijstraat” in “Ardooie” (Belgium).
This image -of the mural itself- was made moments after sunset and was shot handheld from an aerial platform.
Having a flat brick-wall allowed me to use a larger aperture (F5,6) to combat the shakiness of the bucket-truck at 1/100s using a 16-35mm at 16mm, ISO 125.
Next-up is developing the image in the editing suite. The place where most of the image comes truly alive. The (flat) RAW file was further processed and finalized in Lightroom cc, making it exactly the way I visualized the scene.
Final thoughts
Seeing one of my images as wall-art gives an additional sense of fulfillment and meaning to my work as a photographer. The way the template image was processed through the mind of the muralist, enhanced the message to be comprehended and shared.
Thank you for reading along!