Difficulty level: Intermediate/Advanced
Time taken: 10 Hours
Art has always been so much more to me than just a picture, it’s a voice, a universal language that allows us to communicate on a uniquely emotional, visual and physical level. I have often thought that creativity has the ability to transcend the unspoken social barriers that are often in our way and open our minds to new perspectives and different ways of looking at things.
As a self-portrait artist, I haven’t been short of subject matter during lockdowns over the past two years. Using myself within my work has always been more about the process, physicality and the emotional toll, instead of just a picture of ‘me’. During this unique time, I have found my photography process coming full circle back to painting and sculpture, but this time, combining the sculpture and photography together, in a way I hadn’t thought about before.
‘Burn At Both Ends’ explores the point where fantasy and the truth collide. A simple yet complex portrait that pushed me to challenge my creativity and took me to some uncomfortable places. But with discomfort comes growth, creative flow and ultimately some of my most interesting work. I hope you find your own wonderland of inspiration from the process.
What you’ll need
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Flash with large umbrella or soft continuous light
Tripod
Photoshop
Wireless remote or self-timer
Burning ambition
Claire’s ‘Burn At Both Ends’ project explores the point where fantasy and the truth collide, through simple yet complex portraits
This story is from the Issue 250 edition of Digital Photographer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 250 edition of Digital Photographer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 Art
This is anot-so-standard zoom lens, as Matthew Richards discovers on a test drive
AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 Macro 2x
Matthew Richards finds out if double the magnification means couble the value
DxO PhotoLab 8 Elite
DXO's flagship editor gets an upgrade but, asks Rod Lawton, are the results worth it?
Panasonic Lumix GH7
Gareth Bevan thinks a new sensor and AF make this the hybrid camera to beat
STORM CHASE
Paige Vincent on the adrenaline rush, the risks and her passion for shooting in the face of storms
PROTECT YOUR IMAGES FROM AI
Pandora's box is open and, for better or worse, Alis here to stay. Here’s how you can protect your images from being used to train Al models without your permission
CREATE AI COMPOSITES
Serge Ramelli explains how to make AI work for you, by creating otherwise impossible portrait backgrounds
Paul Wilkinson's top 25... PORTRAIT TIPS & TRICKS
Even with so much information out there, taking perfect portraits can be hard work. Pro photographer Paul Wilkinson guides us through this huge genre with his pearls of wisdom
MASTER MINIMALISM
Less is more in the world of minimalism. Rebecca Greig explores what makes minimalist captures work
LITTLE WONDERS
Kim Bunermann meets Louise B to discuss the joys and challenges of working with newborns and freshly baked parents