Magical Places

     

Great photographers have a knack for finding wonderful locations with beautiful light.    When the light is magic you don’t need a lot of extra lighting modifiers and more time can be utilized making magical pictures of fabulous models.

Magical places, change with the time of day, the seasons of the year and the weather.  When you find one of these places consider the time of day and make sure that the duration of the magical light is long enough to complete the shooting of your idea. 

Magic is Magic and it is heard to explain.  I love shooting beauty and fashion, so I am always hunting magical locations with the quality of light that I think is magical.   What I consider magic, a light that makes the model look beautiful, other people my consider very muggle ( a la - Harry Potter).  

In this photo, a wonderful magical location for beauty, the light is coming from the rear, a dark green background, and a ton of fill coming from the crushed white shell on the ground in front of the model.  For me, this is pure magic. 

   photography - Zorian     model - Aria     make up - Aria     styling - Aria   

    Cherry blossom crown available here.  

Afternoon Delight

   model - Aria   photos - Zorian   

   We were out and about on a thrifting-vintage hunting adventure in the beautiful down town district of Saint Petersburg.  It started to sprinkle and we were in need of shelter and refreshment.  We were ready for a coffee, a mid afternoon pick me up.  Earlier in the day we had come across an Italian cafe and espresso bar, Moscato’s Bella Cucina,  and decided to go back and check it out. Sitting outside underneath an umbrella we watched the people scurry around in the rain, as we enjoyed hot cappuccinos.  I must say this was the best cappuccino that I have had since I was in Milan.  We decided to get a cannoli to accompany our cappuccinos. The cannoli’s arrived with such a beautiful presentation.  Decadently dipped in chocolate, served with whip cream, garnished with fresh strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar.  We will definitely be returning to our new favorite cafe, the prices were very reasonable, the food was amazing and the service was stupendous.

Aria’s vintage floral dress is beautifully accessorized with a romantic peony blossom necklace by Chloe at laromantica. Nail polish by OPI in Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees and vintage mother-of-pearl marcasite ring. Cappuccino's and cannoli by Moscato’s Bella Cucina.  

Portrait of a Friend

   photo - Zorian  

Carrie, a good friend wanted a new portrait,  natural light with a romantic "dreamy glow".

I love shooting natural light.  Especially backlight.  I love the way the eyes can be

illuminated and the way the light plays around the silhouette. 

By the Sea

The end of summer at the beach.  

model  Aria     photo  Zorian

Chromogenic Film Test 2 XP2 Super

  Chromogenic film is B-W film that has a color negative film base with out the color couplers. 

  photos - Zorian 

I love shooting film.  Chromogenic film (color negative B-W film) is a pleasure to work with.  

It is developed in C-41 color negative chemistry on a machine.  The film chemistry and 

development time is very consistent.   Once, you get your film exposure calculated to match 

the machine development,  it is extremely easy to be consistent in the final results.  

There are 2 different kinds of Chromogenic Film, that are still available, Kodak 400CN Pro 

and Ilford XP2 Super.  This was Ilford XP2 Super developed in Kodak C-41 chemistry 

and color scanned.  

I find this combination, creates a wonderful tonal range.  What I love about this process, 

is being able to tone the film. 

I toned this film in Lightroom and in Photoshop,  using many different techniques.   

When printing in the darkroom I used to Selenium tone  and Sepia tone a lot of my prints.  

The tonal range in the finished print, was so beautiful using Ilford film.    

Now, I love using the same  toning ranges in Lightroom and Photoshop.  

Have you ever tried using either of these films?  What are your thoughts?

Burlesque Ringmaster

   model - Aria     photos - Zorian 

  Vintage top hat.  Vintage Lillie Rubin, bustier and jacket, here.  Vintage leather shorts and gloves.   Antique skull cane, courtesy of Evander Preston Jewelry.  Report Signature oxfords. 

Black Beret

  model - Aria     photos - Zorian 

  Vintage black beret.  Hi-Tek sunnies, Ebay.  Vintage leather military jacket. 

Gold studded bustier by, Aria.  Leather wasp waist corset.  Vintage tulle crinoline. 

Vintage leather gloves.  Pleaser Victorian boots.