Jill 2 by Paul Seow

Jill 2 by Paul Seow,
originally uploaded by joashpbook.

As promised, here's the 1st of many in a regular photo feature from my photojournalistic friend, Paul Seow.

Paul writes:

Series : Strangers. (work in progress) An book of international students and their lives in a new land.

Technical details : 6x6cm single lens reflex, 80mm lens, Kodak Portra 400 VC

Background : Jill is a graphic designer who is also a nature lover, vegetarian and a yoga enthusiast.

Thinking : I wanted to make a portrait of her showing her aspects of healthy/natural living. I choose a 400 iso film as I wanted to shoot in available light and avoid the use of any artificial lights. Why apples? Apples have always been a sign or health etc an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

I wanted a contemplative/serene look from her while keeping the shoot simple and clean. The initial idea was to shoot her buried under a mound of apples, with her arms and legs sticking out of the mound. However, this proved to be logistically and financially impossible. The compromise was made when I found a lovely rustic bathroom.

The tub was filled with warm water and a box of apples was put in after she got into the tub.

Light meter readings were made to balance off the main light coming in from and open window and the first fill which was provided with a white side of a reflector. A second fill provided a little more kick of light into the face by a silver sided reflector placed on the shower head situated directly behind the camera. Scrims were used to control the amount of main light flowing into the room from the window.

The camera was suspended 90 degrees over the bath and was triggered via a release cable. A good heavy tripod cannot be overstated especially one that allows you to counterweight your camera.

Joash writes:

I think Jill looks just as rosy as them apples :P