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Taking the studio outdoors is not as unusual as one would tend to believe. Setting up a studio backdrop and working with the outdoor ambient light (sunlight, street lights, etc) is surprisingly doable! It starts with thinking about the outdoor environment and choosing the best area within it to set up the backdrop. You should place the backdrop facing a direction and angle that best directs your ambient light, as though it were one of your studio strobes — in most cases as a continuous light source. Additionally, using sun shades or defusers to block or redirect light is very useful, as is using reflectors and off-camera flash. All these considerations are a big part in choosing how to shape your light while working outdoors, intending to effectively end up with portraits that have an indoor studio appearance.
Also, because I am a strong believer of taking as much portable equipment as you may need, it is a must for me to take as much light gear as possible to a photoshoot. Just like when I pack for a short weekend getaway, my mindset is: “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”. This is especially true because being able to have all the necessary equipment for the portraits session is so helpful in capturing the aesthetic I want to convey.
When I work on personal projects, I almost always work from a pre-conceived idea, or an inspiration of some kind, that then triggers the itch to explore and experiment with the idea at hand. In this case, I had been itching to photograph Maddie to showcase her beautiful facial features. So, I suggested to Maddie that she wear a strapless top that would allow me to cut my framing at her bare shoulder line. In this portrait, I aimed for the viewer to see a blend of delicateness and strength.
However, if you are a person that likes and knows how to observe past the obvious content, then you have by now picked up on the symbolic message behind the use of the purple orchid in her portrait. Orchids are flowers that are highly adaptable in different climates and each color has its own symbolic meaning. I chose the purple orchid because it symbolizes beauty, dignity, respect, admiration and strength, which are all virtues I recognize in Maddie.
In the short time I have had the pleasure of getting to know Maddie, I have recognized her ability to adapt to change with ease. She has recently received her Bachelor’s degree in music composition from Chapman University in Orange, CA. Most recently, she has swiftly transitioned to starting her graduate studies at UCLA as she works towards her Master’s degree in composition. She has also accepted an assistant teaching position where she will be giving musicianship instruction to UCLA undergraduates. So, as you can tell, it was truly a pleasure to have worked with her in creating this meaningful portrait during such a flourishing stage of her life. I wish her all the best and I look forward to continuing to work together soon. You can learn more about Maddie and hear her lovely music at www.madelinebarrettmusic.com.
