This post covers the last shoot I completed in 2021. It was a collaborative effort with local stage actress Mandy.

In Greek mythology Pandora was the first woman created. Her curiosity led her to open a jar that Zeus has filled with a whole lot of bad things. As a result mankind was subjected to all of them.

Mandy wanted to bring the myth to life. I knew this would mean some elements would be shot in camera, and others would be created in the computer.

I built a muti-layered set in the garage using lengths of lace. We also fashioned a simple robe for Mandy to wear.

The lighting in the two images above was very simple. A single large soft box was positioned camera left. The camera was set at 1/200s f8 ISO200 and an equivalent focal length on 24mm.

For the images where Pandora was looking into the box I positioned a speedlight in a snoot at the edge of the frame. This was aimed it Mandy’ face.

The post processing mainly involved toning the image and then adding the elements coming out of the box. This involved blending in images I had of smoke or creating beams of light mainly using exposure and colour.

The faces in the first image are self portraits captured direct into the computer and then distorted. I also added the flames on the candles.

In addition to the three images shown above I edited a further eight with differing effects. These were shot at various parts of the day. You will note that the costume changed slightly as evolved it.

It was a great shoot and a great way to finish off the year.