Surface Tension (2015) Session #9 (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Digital infrared original

In 2007 fully 1/3 of the Surface Tension sessions were of multiple models, as one session ending would morph into the next session, with the two models working together. This didn't happen as often with this iteration, but when I realized Stephanie and Jaime's sessions were back-to-back, I asked if they'd be open to the possibilities of working together at the overlap of their two sessions; both women were open to the idea, and after a brief meet and greet, Jaime joined Stephanie in the pool, and the three of us began to explore the possibility.

Digital original

Having done so much work with multiple models, I have long known the best approach is either to compare, or contrast. The vast majority of the photographs I made with Jaime and Stephanie took the first approach, emphasizing their similarity in form. The above image is probably the best example of this (I stand the risk of being accused of having a callipygian fetish as I made bottom-coming-out-of-the-water images of every model over the 10 sessions...my only defense is that it looks so beautiful!).

Digital original, two image focus blend

The last set of images were the clearest in my mind before we began; in the 2007 sessions with multiple models, I was severely constrained for space, and almost all the images relied on a great deal of physical proximity simply to fit within the reflection on the water's surface. With the bigger pool however, I had a much larger area for the models to work in, and therefore, could have more open space between them. This portrait of Jaime and Stephanie (three-frames focus stacked to ensure both models are in focus) takes full advantage of all the space the pool offered.

There's no way these images could have been made without the kindness, encouragement and support of Steve Richard and Shadowhouse Studios.