Photography and Text by Isabel Zapata
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DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD
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I definitely knew that I wanted to use a ring flash. I absolutely loved the look it created when we used it in our studio with the models from main line, and wanted to use it for the first assignment. Recently I had been playing with the idea of incorporating food after I had seen some of the more abstract headshots we analyzed in class. My models I picked from my friends. The sprinkle-face girl has modeled for me for five years, so she was a given. All of the other choices were pretty much random, apart from the fact that my roommate was the only person I could find that would be willing to have honey poured on her.
As for the actual photos themselves, I also knew I wanted to incorporate movement into my photos. I liked the idea of using the two headshots per person as depicting movement of some kind, so then I thought of dumping various foods on my friends. Because we were going to be playing with food, I also knew my models probably shouldn’t be wearing anything, so we went with the bare-shoulders look for convenience. The makeup was specifically chosen to pair with each food. I wanted a bare, natural look to complement the honey. I also knew the bold lipstick would work well with the cream, sprinkles, and gum just due to color combination. I thought the black backdrop would look nice with the models and the colors of the food.
The final takeaway from my assignment is hinted in the title “Don’t Play With Your Food”. I liked the idea of taking this saying and flipping it on its head. College is messy. You never know who you’re going to meet, where the day will take you, or what your next project will be. This is represented through the food, where things are coming from every which direction. But at the same time, even though it’s messy, it’s fun. It’s necessary. And that, so far, is what my project represents.
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Photography and Text by Isabel Zapata, Copyright 2016.
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About The Author: Isabel Zapata is sophomore enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2019.
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