Abstract Headshot for Abstract Artist

As promised here is the lovely #bokeh headshot with the amazing local artist Arlene Marks. I knew we had something special while planning to shoot this! It took a long time because of the complexities of the concept. Arlene was awesome through a long photography session mostly sitting in the dark with bright lights in her face, a little like an interrogations scene in a movie! It was 100% worth it though. What we ended up with is a unique headshot that shows Arlene's character. It also creates a little curiosity about her business and is very visually interesting, just like her work! It is unique to her and her work. I don't do cookie-cutter solutions, every client is unique and special. It is why my portfolio is so bonkers, everyone is different and requires different photography! #mathieudecodtsphotography

Vintage lens repair journey

Remember this old lens?

sold for spairs or repairs when I bought it

well, its repaired! took quite a lot of time to take it all apart, clean everything and fix all the issues, like a stuck broken UV filter on the front thread.

It was worth it though, look at it now :)

After doing this I actually bought a few more lovely Helios lenses to work on during lockdown so If you are interested in buying a fully serviced and guaranteed one let me know :)

Story behind the shot: Number 3

The next shot again came about from another deep-rooted idea I had, to have a starkly black and white woman with a colourful lighting set up and backdrop. A little back story, first, though. My favourite film is Blade Runner, a film set in a grungy neon future.  In some of the scenes in the film, pedestrians use neon umbrellas as they walk the rain soaked the streets of a dystopian future.

For a long time, I wanted to use one of these umbrellas to cast colourful light on a monochrome model.  This was many years ago and I had never worked with a model before. I figured I had to start somewhere and then by chance I saw the perfect person online. I didn't think she would respond but I figured nothing ventured nothing gained so I asked.  Turns out she liked the idea.

I didn’t realise until I saw her online, but I needed a Goth model. The white skin, the dark clothing, a goth model would be perfect to emphasise the colours.  

I learned a great deal that night, it being my first proper shoot with a model. I have of course gone on to shoot much more since, but this was my first.

I didn't entirely like the umbrella shots because it didn't rain that night. Does it remind you of Blade Runner? What do you think of the photo?

My favourite was the headshot though, to me a beautiful black and white, yet colourful, portrait late one cold winter night by the Lagan weir. It is a horrible location by day, but very beautiful at night.

I really like this shot because she’s so unique and stunning looking.  While it is not the sci-fi idea I originally imagined I like it far more because I feel I captured her beauty perfectly.

So what do you think? Did you think this was taken somewhere like New York or LA? Most viewers ask me where and are surprised to hear this is our very own Belfast.  If you enjoyed this story share it with your friends, and maybe visit the lagan weir some night yourself. #mathieudecodtsphotography