BEHInD THE SCEnES

Welcome Behind the Scenes! Within this journal I will take you to the forest where the beautiful photoshoot from my project, Lily of the Valley, was forged…I shall touch on subjects that had inspired me throughout my project and how I have reflected them throughout.

This journal presents exclusive photographs, behind the scenes footage, creative thought processes and advice to follow from my personal experience!

BUT FIrst... MEET tHE CrEw!

Robyn/Me was the Photographer, Stylist, Director and Project Planner for this Photoshoot.

Amelie was the divine Lady of the Wood/Model throughout the photoshoot!

Alison was also a Photographer and had captured my self-portrait shots for this website!

Charlie was the little helper and occasional photographer!

Photograph taken by Charlie

When we arrived at the woods on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the sun was providing a warm glow from beyond the tree branches creating the perfect light for my photoshoot! When positioning Amelie, I didn’t want to put her in direct sunlight as it would create harsh exposure within the final photographs which wouldn’t present the soft, gentle and elegant aura my project needed. Instead, I placed her in spots of shadows next to the direct streams of light which created the perfect balance of light. Within each photograph, streams of light are present around the model, casting a warm glow and heavenly atmosphere which beautifully reflects onto and around the model.

I decided to base the photoshoot in Woburn woods to capture its rich colour palette, hazy environment and beautiful scenery. Inspired by the glorious cinematography from the critically acclaimed amazon prime series, The Rings of Power, I loved the concept of the woodland elves, the styling of Galadriel and most importantly the enchanting forest scenes… I planned on recreating and reflecting these themes within my Project, Lily of the Valley, so directing the models poses, stances and movement was crucial throughout the photoshoot.

To emphasize the beauty of her dress and achieve a soft, graceful and fairy like aesthetic, I directed the model to flow her arms in all directions, gracefully stride through the grass of the woodland area and perform swift movements with the skirt of her dress by flowing it around with her hand.

Poses are crucial within a photoshoot! They help emphasize the theme and aesthetic of your concept and make beautiful photographs! Luckily my model specialises in Performing Arts and too has a deep interest in the elven and woodland wonder aesthetic, so she was so naturally elegant and perfect for the role.

I believe candid shots turn out to be the most beautiful! They capture the most natural and genuine movements of the model and present real emotions through their movements and mannerisms.

This was a crucial part of my project planning and was the area of photography I was depending on for this project. A variety of candid shots alongside some posed would create the perfect balance of creating such a magical and elegant character. When reviewing Morfydd Clarks portrayal of Galadriel, Lady of the Wood, in tv series Rings of Power, she is always emphasizing the swiftness and grace of her movements. Whether she is in combat, on an adventure or simply being the heavenly elf she is, Morfydd brings her character to life through graceful movements when walking, repetitive arm and hand swaying and is always one with nature by admiring the beauty of the world around her. I wanted to present these themes and bring the divine character of Galadriel to life within my model Amelie and candid shots were the way to achieve the naturally idyllic and graceful aesthetic.