Red

[texxter]

Worked on "red" this morning with this girl and really enjoyed the creative process. The idea was to focus on the idea "red is fun" and come up with a series of images that convey this idea.

I wanted to share the full series of 5, but because of the limit of 3 for CC, I marked the thread NC, but critique away as I always welcome feedback. In particular I am interested in how well the images convey the idea I wanted to share. Also, whether you have a favorite. All the shots were planned in advance and I communicated to the model exactly what I wanted.

1. Ambient light supplemented by a medium softbox directly over the model.



2. Ambient light supplemented by a medium softbox to camera left.



3. Available diffused light, no flash



4. Sunlight behind the model, silver reflector in front raising the value on her face 2 to 3 f-stops to reduce dynamic range.



5. Available sunlight directly on her face. Background is a Jaguar ad on the wall. I liked the blue tones on it contrasted with red. She was laughing at my teaching her how to do the catwalk

[lenron]

I just enjoy ALL of these. The vibe is so dead on. Extremely commercial, but I think that was your point, no? Either way, a strong sense of presence as usual, sir. Niceness.

[texxter]

Hi Nino, thanks for the comments on the series. Yes, commercial in the sense that the images illustrate universal (or at least western ) feelings of joy and carefree-ness. These are not portraits in the traditional sense, as the pictures are not so much about this particular woman, but they illustrate youthful joy. From that point of view they can be used commercially to convey this idea.

I appreciate the feedback!

[Redneck]

This is excellent material, very natural and universal.
However, I see "fun lifestyle" but I don't see the fun being related to "red".

[Photogdude]

Originally Posted by Redneck

This is excellent material, very natural and universal.
However, I see "fun lifestyle" but I don't see the fun being related to "red".

i'm gonna agree, these are really great lifestyle shots, excellent work, but don't see the connection to red, other than yes her jacket is red.

[texxter]

Andre, Marshall, thanks for the feedback. Concerning the connection between "red" and "fun" it was by association, like we see often in advertising -where an association is created between two unrelated concepts to make us think that the connection is real. It's not that red causes fun, or that red is the ultimate cause of her happiness, it's simply that red and fun go together. I'd be very interested in your suggestions to make this connection between red and fun stronger or different.

Edit - I was thinking if an ad agency had come up with a new perfume named "Red" targetted a young people, and they wanted to place an ad on a magazine targetting this audience, one of these images could serve to create an association between the brand and the product "Red" and the the feeling of carefree joy. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks!

[danchez]

great images Paco, only one that I'm not sold on is #3. Something about the red wall, not sure if it's overload or.... Anyway, good stuff, thanks for sharing.

[Redneck]

Originally Posted by texxter

I'd be very interested in your suggestions to make this connection between red and fun stronger or different.

Edit - I was thinking if an ad agency had come up with a new perfume named "Red" targetted a young people, and they wanted to place an ad on a magazine targetting this audience, one of these images could serve to create an association between the brand and the product "Red" and the the feeling of carefree joy. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks!

It makes perfectly sense. However, to me, and this is of course a very personal opinion, red isn't the color of fun or carefree joy. To me red can stand for something like love, erotic, sin, Christmas, flamenco, tango, blood and crime - just to name a few themes popping up.
So if I imagine a company wanting to do an ad campaign for their perfume "Red" it probably wouldn't be for carefree joy or lifestyle fun.

[texxter]

Andre, thanks for clarifying your comment! I understand better - it's not so much that the connection between red and fun is weak in the images but that you don't associate red with fun, but with other things. Perfectly understandable! And good point about an image always being perceived in the context of pre-established symbols for colors and for everything else.

I appreciate it!

[texxter]

Originally Posted by danchez

great images Paco, only one that I'm not sold on is #3. Something about the red wall, not sure if it's overload or.... Anyway, good stuff, thanks for sharing.

Dan, I agree that #3 has red overload and it's my least favorite. Good point!

[Photogdude]

Originally Posted by texxter

Andre, Marshall, thanks for the feedback. Concerning the connection between "red" and "fun" it was by association, like we see often in advertising -where an association is created between two unrelated concepts to make us think that the connection is real. It's not that red causes fun, or that red is the ultimate cause of her happiness, it's simply that red and fun go together. I'd be very interested in your suggestions to make this connection between red and fun stronger or different.

Edit - I was thinking if an ad agency had come up with a new perfume named "Red" targetted a young people, and they wanted to place an ad on a magazine targetting this audience, one of these images could serve to create an association between the brand and the product "Red" and the the feeling of carefree joy. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks!

with that being said, it was a success!

[Redneck]

Originally Posted by texxter

Dan, I agree that #3 has red overload and it's my least favorite. Good point!

I have to disagree, with all due respect of course. I think this image is the most interesting one of the series. The red background makes it a little heavy and bold but it really triggers the eye to take a closer look. And the concept, facial expression and the "new-age toy" produces great stock sales potential.

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.