The process of a concept photo shoot for a future magazine editorial
As a photographer, planning a fashion photo session with horses can be exciting and challenging. The concept of incorporating a ballerina and a horse into the shoot can add an element of grace and beauty to the overall theme. The goal of this photo session was to capture stunning images that showcase the beauty of the horse along with the dramatic elegance of the ballerina while adding the latest fashion. To bring this concept to life, it was crucial to work with a stylist and a make-up artist. The stylist carefully selected clothes that complemented the subject’s body type and the theme of the shoot. The make-up artist created a look that added drama and depth to the shot.
MOODBOARD
PREPARATION
I follow many celebrities and fascinating people so that I can invite them to participate in my creative photo sessions when they are in the area.
Maria Bogdanovich, a Bolshoi Theatre ballerina, was in Deauville just two days before the photo shoot. When I approached her, she was overjoyed to be a part of our initiative.
In August, polo games were conducted at the Deauville race track, and one of my horses competed in the event. We chose to hold the photo session in Deauville also because Maria was already there. I phoned the Deauville Hippodrome to obtain permission for the photo shoot and to enter the automobile. The next step was to select appropriate apparel for the session. Following a discussion with the stylist, we agreed on three or four looks: a flyaway dress for jumping, a whole leather match for the frame with horses, and numerous more to fit the tone of the shoot.
SHOOTING
We agreed to meet at 2.30 p.m. so that the make-up artist would have enough time to do the task. We began with natural make-up. After putting on the first outfit, which mirrored a countryside style, I let the model relax and get to know each other throughout the photo shoot.
For the next look, I decided to take things up a notch and create a more striking look. I drew inspiration from the elegance and grace of ballerinas from the famous movie about ballet ''Black Swan'' and combined it with a touch of drama to create a truly unique look. The end result was a stunning combination of soft, feminine elements and bold, dramatic accents that perfectly captured the essence of the ballerina-inspired look I was going for.
It was time to bring the horse after about an hour of shooting. According to my experience, the horse can only stay for no more then one hour for the photo session. We photographed all of the looks that the stylist had created, with the exception of the one that was saved for the jumping frames with the horse.
POST-PRODUCTION
After post-production, the images have to have a fashion magazine
editorial look. This is particularly important in the case of a photo
session for a magazine because the images need to capture the attention
of the readers and convey the message of the editorial piece.
