Search for Shade
Introduction
Using graffiti as a background is difficult. It draws attention from the subject with harsh lines, strong shape contrasts, and saturated colors. So, when the model wanted to go to Graffiti Alley in Cambridge, MA I knew it would be a challenging environment.
Process
In order to prevent the graffiti from "stealing the show" I took advantage of my Canon 24mm F/1.4L II, emphasizing the alley's architectural lines to create a strong center-radial composition. Instead of fighting the graffiti's shape it became a pattern on the sides of the rectangle that is the alley. To create contrast between the harsh geometric forms of the environment the model was posed organically. Her right side (viewer's left side) exhibits strong curves leading all the way around her head and into her hat.
In post-production, colors were found to be overpowering and had to be desaturated slightly. Dodging and burning was done around the profile of the model to subtly increase the subject's value contrast from the background. A modest tilt-shift blur was was used to remove the focus from the extreme left and right edges of the frame.
Search for Shade
Introduction
Using graffiti as a background is difficult. It draws attention from the subject with harsh lines, strong shape contrasts, and saturated colors. So, when the model wanted to go to Graffiti Alley in Cambridge, MA I knew it would be a challenging environment.
Process
In order to prevent the graffiti from "stealing the show" I took advantage of my Canon 24mm F/1.4L II, emphasizing the alley's architectural lines to create a strong center-radial composition. Instead of fighting the graffiti's shape it became a pattern on the sides of the rectangle that is the alley. To create contrast between the harsh geometric forms of the environment the model was posed organically. Her right side (viewer's left side) exhibits strong curves leading all the way around her head and into her hat.
In post-production, colors were found to be overpowering and had to be desaturated slightly. Dodging and burning was done around the profile of the model to subtly increase the subject's value contrast from the background. A modest tilt-shift blur was was used to remove the focus from the extreme left and right edges of the frame.