Voodoo Photoshoot

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Here is the behind the scenes for my “Voodoo Photoshoot” which will be part of my mythological series. I’ve been getting quite a few questions about my workflow from the development of my idea to last minute preparation.
First I began with a bit of research on my chosen subject. I read about the rituals, beliefs, and lifestyles of the people who practice Voodoo. Then I looked through references of real voodoo practice (as shown in programs such as National Geographic) and the way various artists portray this belief. I also looked to movies to help develop my idea. As you probably noticed, the character Tia Dalma from Pirates of the Caribbean was a huge influence for this shoot.

After I get my references together I draw a thumbnail of what I visualize the final image to look like. Here is an example of a thumbnail compared to the final result:

I’m somewhat embarrassed to post my drawings here because it shows I’m not a “well rounded” artist and it’s obvious I can’t draw for my life. (:
So after that's finished, I gathered the materials needed to make my vision come to life. I began with putting up a plain backdrop and a piece of fabric to make it more interesting (and balance out the subject.)I get all the fabric for backgrounds and outfits from Hancock Fabrics.

The next step was filling jars with beads, stones, feathers, noodles, sticks, hay, mud, and whatever random stuff I could find to make them look nasty and decrepit.

Then I got some candles and melt them to make them appear used.

The set is starting to come together!

Next, I went to Goodwill and bought some skirts just to rip them up and make them look muddy. (It dried lighter) I also bought a fashion top from Wet Seal.

Then I turned my extensions into dreads and painted them black to match the model’s hair. What I won’t do for photoshoots…

Here is my awesome dad cutting a stick for the skull-on-a-stick-with-feathers-and-beads-thing.

Now that I have almost everything together I start practicing the lighting so I don’t have to waste the model’s time.

Here’s a nifty tip I use to make the lights colored. I just put colored tissue paper over the lights. No need for expensive color gels.

Here are some shots of the final set up. This entire shoot was done in my living room. (:





Now for the day of the actual shoot all I have to do is get the model ready and take the completely planned out photo.
Here is Ariel before the “make over”

Here I am doing her make up




I hope this was somewhat informative and answered some of your questions. Obviously, there are a ton of details I didn't include in this behind the scenes because it would take too long and bore you to death. Setting up for this shoot took about a week from start to finish, and that's without school (:
Here are the final images from the day! I will be posting more so keep checking back!
Voodoo Queen by michellemonique Voodoo Queen II by michellemonique
Voodoo Priestess by michellemonique Marie Laveau by michellemonique
Calypso by michellemonique
© 2009 - 2024 michellemonique
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fadedtwilght's avatar
wow thats so creative and resourceful