Stephanie in a Masquerade (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Digital infrared original

I have never hidden my disconnection to photographing in the studio; where others are drawn to the incredible subtly and control it offers, I find the clinical sterility, and lack of inspiration stifling. That being said, when Stephanie asked if I wanted to do a studio session to celebrate Halloween, I was on board immediately.

Digital infrared original

The focus of the session was a Masquerade mask, which Stephanie had thought might make a good foil to inspire the session. We began with a set of images with Stephanie in a black dress with the mask, but there wasn't much there that inspiried me.

Digital infrared original

It was the second half of the session, when we worked with the mas and Stephanie nude that things came together for me. There was something cold and dispassionate about the mask, and I found the combination of that with the obvious comfort and openness of the nude created an interesting tension to work with. I am not sure if this will be something I pursue, but for this session, it really worked.