Moonbathing for Gothesque Magazine

Here we are on New Year's Eve, and what a year it's been!

I was fortunate enough to have a multiple-page spread in Gothesque Magazine's last issue of the year 2021! My first published work in a non-cosplay related medium. When planning for this session, I really wanted to take the reins from start to finish; have a clear concept and flow that started with the models and styling, planned right down to particular poses and settings. I used a few tricks and tools to achieve some interesting effects in camera, such as sheets for diffusing lights, soft focus for a dreamy look, and a copper pipe to achieve a halo effect.

Soft focus is a great tool for creating dreamy, ethereal images and work best when used in compliment with bright lighting and high contrast. Soft focus filters are relatively inexpensive and can be found online, or a most camera stores, but you can make your own easily by putting a ziploc bag over your lens (I'm not kidding), or using the Vaseline method.

The Vaseline method involves stretching cling wrap over your lens, securing it with a rubber band, and then evenly spreading the Vaseline over the glass. Just don't apply Vaseline, or anything really directly to your lens or you will damage it! Alternatively, if you have a spare clear filter, or UV filter ready, you can apply the Vaseline to that.

THIS WAS THE FIRST PHOTOSHOOT THAT I STYLED, STORYBOARDED, AND CONCEPTUALIZED FROM BEGINNING TO END.

The majority of these photos were inspired by several paintings of the Greek moon goddess Selene and her lover Endymion painted by Albert Louis Aublet as well as a more famous pairing by Jules Louis Machard who painted her using the moon as a hunting bow. The general story is that Endymion, (a mortal man), was put into an eternal sleep by Zeus as a punishment, and so, Selene visited him every night, stunned by his beauty.