Every year I launch a special Halloween photoshoot package for my clients. This year I was really struggling for an idea and as I trawled the internet looking for inspiration I landed upon some images I have never seen before and I instantly fell in love. The images were captured by the fabulous Franz Szony. I had come across his images of Dita Von Teese before but had never really explored his work fully. These particular shots were of Vanessa Hudgens as the Black Widow.
There was quite literally just 90 minutes between seeing these images and shooting my own, as I really needed to get Halloween launched ASAP.
First I had to build the set. I already had a red back drop at the studio and I got to work on creating a giant spiderweb using some black wool stretched between two spare light stands. The process was surprisingly easy. I then set up my studio lights and very quickly threw myself into the hair and makeup chair. I had a client coming in, in just one hour so really needed to be speedy and have enough time spare to get changed and take the makeup off at the end.
I do love a challenge!
Once made over I grabbed one of my all time favourite dresses from the studio wardrobe. A black velvet, off the shoulder number from Collectif Clothing (if you love reproduction vintage clothes, definitely go check them out!)
I added a few spider brooches, an old headdress I made several years ago and some lengths of wool to my arms to look like strands of the web.
When shooting self portraits I usually opt to use the Imaging Edge app, which allows me to view and control my Sony camera using my phone. I find this the quickest way to get successful self portraits, as I set the timer, get my pose perfect as I check the frame view and press the shutter button on my phone. The self timer gives me enough time to quickly pop my phone on a table sat at arms length and just out of shot, and recompose myself.
I managed to get a good selection of poses in well under 15 minutes of shooting 🙌🏻
My client walked through the door just as I was scrubbing my makeup off. Luckily she's an ex punk and goth, so full appreciated the heavy makeup smeared across my face 😂
If you've not seen the work of Franz Szony before, I highly recommend checking them out!