My color challenge photo today is of another underwater model shoot back in my first season of shooting this project.
Meet the beautiful Rebecca - Sydney based agency model, student and book store assistant at the time this shot was taken back in 2013. I love the dreamy and ethereal look it gives. I think some may look at it and not realise it being shot underwater until closer inspection.
We used black plastic sheeting from the local Bunnings hardware store to create our dramatic dark backdrop. The Ewa-Marine soft housing allows for a flash inside which I rigged a long fibre optic cable on the outside of the case that made its way to the slave sensor of a studio strobe safely away from waters harm. Limited budget and artistic experimentations means we need to find creative ways to do things.
The shoot with Rebecca was one of my favourite that first season and though there were many technical issues I was sorting out we created some exceptional images regardless and will be posting more over time here.
At the moment with the warmer Spring weather Im trying to prepare the pool from its green winter hibernation. Its proving yo be more problematic then it should with the filter pump loud and the filters multivalve leaking in places around the handle. The pool shop said its on its last leg being so old and discontinued - we alread installed new gasket, O-ring and serviced it how ever we could but no luck. The solar heater is also has a few small leaks but I think my main problem is piping around both the filter and heater needs to be redone in places. Can't afford the cost of a pool plumber in Sydney at the moment so will probably look online into DIY methods first and see how far I can get. Hopefully can get it sorted out soon and get more shoots happening .
Team Credits
Model: Rebecca M.
Wardobe: Mandy Heng
Photo: Chris David
Canon 60D with 10-22mm EFS f3.5-4.5 in Ewa Marine Soft casing
1/100sec, f4, ISO1600
Underwater model shoots is a self funded personal creative art project I do for the sake of creating art and also challenging myself technically to improve as a photographer. Aside from being extremely challenging in all aspects its also one of the most expensive and high risk due to cost of equipment, chance of equipment damage that insurers will not cover, safety for myself and the model/team. Always great to get some feedback, support or help finding sponsorship/clients to keep these personal projects alive.
