FINDING INSPIRATION
Inspiration for fine art portrait sessions comes to me in many different ways. I love to celebrate history and want to create unique, timeless images, therefore I regularly scout for vintage and antique items that I can use for photo props. These treasures hold their own stories, adding depth and character to each portrait. Op shops are a great place to find random photo props and Marketplace and Etsy are good options to search for specific items that align with my vision.
Classic movies are a terrific source of inspiration for me. Every scene transports me to another era, filled with imagination and artistry. The attention to detail in the set design, the exquisite costumes and the rich storytelling ignites my creativity.
Whenever I have a fine art portrait session idea come to mind, I write it into my photo concepts notepad. I make note of the existing items in my portrait studio that would suit this theme and make a note of items that I need to source to create this vision.
When I have the perfect client for one of these creative sessions, I design a mood board, as I find this preparation ensures that every element of the final image is carefully planned and accounted for. From selecting the ideal backdrop to determining the perfect clothing, accessories and props. The mood board not only aids me in creating an immersive experience, but it also allows the client to visualize the potential of their fine art session.
As I discover more about my client’s unique interests, passions and stories, I feel so inspired to weave their individuality into their very own fine art portraits. In this collaborative process, the portraits fuse my clients interests with my artistic touch.
Ultimately, inspiration blooms from various avenues. From the discovery of rare props, iconic film characters to the connection formed with clients, each element contributes to the rich tapestry of my artistic vision. My goal with every fine art portrait session, is to capture the essence of each individual and turn these moments into heirloom family portraits.
MOOD BOARD EXAMPLES AND FINAL IMAGES
I have included a selection of my mood boards below, along with the final images. During the fine art portrait sessions, I will use all of the elements from the mood board and then make changes to perfect the final image.
In this first example “Golden Girl”, I opted for an alternate cream dress that is in my studio wardrobe, rather than the ivory dress in my mood board, as I really wanted to create a monochromatic look. This image did not feature the golden egg that was in my mood board.
I am extremely proud of this image and thrilled it has won many awards, including Gold in The Portrait Masters Awards program (This is a very rare occurrence!). I am looking forward to having my professional photo lab print and frame this image, to display at my portrait studio.
I handmade this flower headband, as I wanted vibrant forest florals that would stand out and draw attention to my character ‘Ella Enchanted’. Willy Wagtails are affectionately known as messenger birds, so I loved the concept of Willy Wagtail delivering a letter to ‘Ella Enchanted’ in the forest.
This image won Gold and a Judges Choice award in the Focus Portrait Awards. This beautiful framed image is displayed in my portrait studio :)
This beautiful 4 year old girl loves books, therefore I couldn’t resist this minimalist setup, featuring a vintage dress, chair and books. I was so excited to capture this sweet, captivating photograph and so grateful that this image has won multiple photography awards.
During the lockdowns in 2021, I was saddened by the many stories of forced separations due to isolation and border closures and I was well aware of the negative impact this was having on people’s mental health. I really wanted to photograph a creative fine art portrait to convey hope for the future.
During this time, I was contacted by a young aspiring model for images for his portfolio. I knew he would be the perfect model for this side project of mine and thankfully, he was very happy to play the role following his modelling portrait session.
Steampunk was an obvious theme for this creative fine art portrait, as I was able to incorporate the steampunk plague Doctor (in the form of the black crow). The plague Doctor sits on top of the chained and padlocked world globe, whilst my steampunk model holds the key to unlock the world.
I am captivated by the aesthetic and charm of steampunk. From the intricately designed gadgets and gears, to the elegant Victorian era-inspired fashion choices. I had so much fun sourcing the clothing and props for this creative fine art portrait session. I did not end up utilising the clocks from my mood board, as I did not want to complicate the story behind the image.
This image received a Bronze with Distinction in The Portrait Masters Awards program.
I designed a few mood board options for this lovely client fine art portrait session. This mood board is one that her mum opted for, as her daughter loves to explore outside. My clients and I loved the final result and I’m so proud that this image received a Bronze with Distinction in The Portrait Masters Awards program.
Inspired by the artifical flower shop where this client’s mum works, I styled one of the images from her session with an autumn toned theme, holding a vase and bouquet from her mum’s beautiful shop. Again, everyone loved the final image and I’m so happy it received a Bronze with Distinction Award in The Portrait Masters.
INTERESTED IN BOOKING A SESSION?
I find so much joy in planning and photographing these sessions and I look forward to sharing more Mood Boards and final images in the months to come. If you are interested in a memorable and highly enjoyable creative Fine Art Portrait Session for your child/ren, please contact me.
Christine
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