Inspiration for shoot
The model for my shoot is my partners sister in law who has had a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against breast cancer. When pre-visualising my shoot I knew this is a topic that needs to be approached incredibly sensitively and in a way that will not sexualise the model.
I looked for photographers who have shot ideas like this before and stumbled across Ami Barwell who shot something similar after her mother fought breast cancer for the second time. She stated that she was sick of "pretty and pink" photos in relation to breast cancer and wanted her images to be "gritty and real"
Ami Barwell, Mastectomy, 2017
Ami Barwell, Mastectomy, 2017
Her images encompass exactly what I have in mind for my shoot, empowering women affected by breast cancer in a celebration of their femininity. Although the subject matter is serious and personal the images are mostly joyful and are a celebration of life after illness.
As for the lighting inspiration for my shoot, Nicola Muirheads "In brutal presence" series has some beautifully lit portraits of people in their homes, I believe these are all shot using natural light and so trying to replicate this with studio strobe lighting will be tricky, but is something I am excited to experiment with and try.
Nicola Muirhead/ Molly and Shan, Trellick Tower, In Brutal Presence
Nicola Muirhead/ Damani, Trellick Tower, In Brutal Presence
Nicola Muirhead/ Cameron, Trellick Tower, In Brutal Presence
