Russian Fashion Model At Brepols Factory in Turnhout Belgium
June 20, 2006
Finding great abandoned places like factories, trains, boats for photoshoot locations is not difficult in Belgium even while driving around.
But I did Google some urban exploration websites and decided on the popular abandoned Brepols Factory in the town of Turnhout.
I have done photoshoots with the exotic Russian model, Angelina a few times in 2005 and she has a truly dramatic look which I love; plus she is a Virgo – the greatest sign! – actually she has the same birthday as mine except the year.
Angelina likes to shop so having a great wardrobe for the shoot was not a problem. The black corset and the fashionable dominatrix look really matches the surroundings. The sharp edges of the broken glass are dominant and make excellent accessories.
As usual when the setup warrants it I really enjoy exploring different possibilities. The slightest variation in the camera angle or a small change in the position of the model can create interesting renditions of the same scene.
There are so many opportunities at these abandoned locations and there is never a shortage of excellent backgrounds.
I live lines and really enjoy all the lines created by the box under the model and building being horizontal while the model herself represent a very contrasting vertical line.
Having fun here framing the photo with the jagged edges of the broken window.
After a change of clothes again we are indoors now in a walkway which has a color scheme that compliments the model’s outfit.
Few versions of the same scene are shot, probably a dozen or so times. Landscape, portrait format, close-up, wide angle, upward, downward, etc. The more versions the better because often the last or last few pictures of the batch turn out to be the keepers. The soft light coming from the window really enhances the dreamy feel of this picture.
I love props, junk, trash anything interested that can be found on location! They create totally unpredictable photos.
There is not much one can do with a bunch of rolled up rusty wires so I just had the model hold it up with a good amount of attitude. To complement the color of the rust I choose a brick wall as a background. I really like this photo.
Next we moved up to the attic of the old Brepols Factory where it was quite dark except for some interesting directional light coming from a few small sky lights. Placing the model in that small spotlight created some dramatic shadows on the her face which was perfect for her bone structure and for the theme of the photoshoot.
It is always nice when a color gets repeated in a photo and the two occurrences of the color red give a nice pop to this picture.
Moving around and experimenting with different angles, backgrounds, lens focal lengths, poses is always fun. It is interesting to follow during the editing process on the computer how concepts evolve and improve frame after frame.
The skylight in the background is helpful to suggest the location to the viewer and the lines created by the arms and the leg of the model provide pleasing balance via geometry.
I remember placing the end of the cigarette consciously against a dark section of the background so the smoke would be visible and prominent.
A simple pose which was not achieved under direction. I like to step back as much as possible and let the surroundings inspire the model which in turn inspires me. A fake or forced pose is usually painfully obvious and I try my best to avoid putting the viewer through the smallest amount of agony. Once again, I love the lines created by the model’s limbs!
This is my favorite picture from the attic series, it has quiet beauty and simplicity, therefore I decided to desaturate the colors creating a color palette which fits the mood and the location better.
A simple but powerful portrait accentuates the strong features of the model.
