/The Crown and The Queen - BTS

Something I would really like to do is shoot more process and behind the scenes stuff for my larger projects. In October 2018, I set out to create one of the largest photo projects I have ever worked on. The goal was to create a visually dark horror inspired photo set. I wanted to represent limbo, and what it might look like to have a queen rule over that limbo. I had made crowns in the past but wanted to create something larger and darker. The crown was created with wire, clay and decorative spines I found at Michaels craft store. I created the shape, then molded the textures into it using clay. I then used a primer and a black base paint with hints of red for the underlining color. The string like textures were created with Halloween prop webbing mixed with glue, then finalized with several clear coats and mixed paints for texture.

I needed room to create the set, so I ended up using my garage. The tree was created from broken and dead branches I collected from the yard, and strung up together. Holli, one of the models came out and helped string the branches up and fold the cheese clothe layers I dyed red earlier for each model who was participating. I also used non glossy black tarps for the back drop so that the strobe lights wouldn't reflect, and set the strobes in the rafters pointed down.

I originally had 20 models signed up. Most were close friends or people I have worked with before and a few new faces, but ended up with 12 models in the end. I had a heater set up in the garage which ended up failing, so a few models brought small space heaters. The shoot was cold. I had to cover each model entirely in blood, and drape a red cheese cloth over their heads. I had to shoot 3 sections to create an illusion of more bodies, and combined them in post, along with making the ceiling higher. Between shots, the models had to huddle up to keep warm, so we shot as quick as we could. I had to create a blocked off passage from my house to the garage so that the models could walk freely from the house to the set. Im not sure what my neighbors thought at the time, as it looked pretty sketchy. The things you do for art. once the group shoot was complete, I photographed each model separate with the crown. Each model that finished had to use the shower in my basement wash all the blood off.

And when we were done, a few of use went out and got some pizza! 

The concept turned out incredible with everyone coming through. This is one of my favorite concept shoots to date, and I hope that I can create something of this scale again.