Exploring the Shadows: Behind the Scenes
Exploring the shadows: behind the scenes
This shoot came with its challenges—three curious cats eager to "help" and my partner moving in and out of my makeshift studio (a.k.a. the hallway). I don’t blame him; it’s his home too. But the constant interruptions kept breaking my focus, making it harder to stay in the creative flow and increasing my anxiety.
The Concept
"In the dim corners of the night, where shadows whisper secrets of the undead, I find my true self." I wrote this nearly a year ago on Instagram. Though inspired by Vampire: The Masquerade, the words resonate deeply with me. In darkness, I confront parts of myself I'd rather ignore—fears, uncertainties, truths. But when I allow myself to explore them, I realize fear is often just a misguided form of protection—one I don’t always need.
I sought to translate the chaos in my mind into a visual form, balancing presence with distortion. Using controlled light and slow shutter speeds, I aimed to create an ethereal effect—blurring the lines between reality and emotion, making the viewer question what is tangible and what is fleeting.
Technical Approach
Equipment:
Nikon Z6II - Nikkor 16-80 mm f2.8, Rollei Tripod, Aputure MC LED Mini Light, Neewer NW 860 wireless camera control, daylight and curtains, black side of a reflector.
To achieve this effect, I used:
Long exposure (around 5 to 6 seconds) to introduce motion blur and light trails
A controlled light source to sculpt highlights and shadows
A dark background to keep focus on the subject
Subtle movement during exposure to create depth and distortion
Moving the light during exposure to create light trails
Final Thoughts
This shoot was an exploration—both technically and emotionally. By pushing the boundaries of clarity and movement, I was able to capture an emotion rather than just a static image. It’s a style I want to refine further, exploring how shadows and movement can tell deeper stories.
