Outdoor Lighting - Winter to Spring

         My outdoor lighting series follows a subtle narrative about the transition of winter into spring. Shot on a cold winter day, and even as it was raining in some shots, flash was used to mimic low sunlight and create some dimension in the shots. 

         Blossoms and flowers are the main token in the series. The flower garlands worn by the young woman are a link to the blossoms seen in the location. This connects her to the environment she is in and suggests she is inspired by nature. 

My series explores how the transition between winter and spring has a strong focus on the exterior world. After long weeks of cold, and often sunshineless days, people in my society have a tendency to feel more inspired to go outside as the weather warms, the flowers bloom and the sun shines. My model wears a thick winter coat to portray the idea of winter, while her flower headpieces connect to the forethcoming spring season.

I wanted this series to be lighthearted and have a sense of beauty. Colourful eyeshadow and a little glitter on the model link to the colour of the flowers she wears. The background blossoms are white (and not overwhelming with colour), and they further link to the theme. I shot on low aperture to keep the model in focus and separated from the background. I also love the bokeh effect with flowers and greens. 

The narrative is only suggestive. I aim to portray the idea that the young woman is taking a piece of spring (some positivity) and is using it to influence her fashion choices. The first image in the series shows the idea of taking flowers from spring to create new things (linking to new birth and creation). The preceding images show the woman interacting in the natural environment, and exhibit both her beauty and the beauty of the forthcoming season. 

By Julia Nance