Fine art acting portraits in studio
Models and actors on a personal project reenacting a painting scene
The original article was written when Zoom Studio was named Aguiar Photography.
This is another beautiful and complex painting we tried to recreate in the studio. The original painting is just wonderful but maybe a bit on the violent side. This is a personal project by the commercial photographer Jose Aguiar. An interesting study of the very contrasting lights and strong shadows.
We could not recreate the blood spill from the original painting for obvious reasons, so we decided to capture a scene one second before the final stroke.
While almost all articles posted on this site are of the client’s work, this is a personal project and was not commissioned by any client.
Click on the image to see it larger.
The original paintings:
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652)
Judith and Holofernes, 1620-21
Oil on canvas, 162.5 x 199 cm (Uffizi Gallery, Florence)
Gentileschi, born in Rome, is recognized as one of the highest-regarded female painters during the Baroque time period. Gentileschi began painting in 1610 under the guidance of her father, Orazio Gentileschi, who was an accomplished painter himself.
As mentioned in the video below, this painting is a Biblical interpretation of the widow Judith, her maidservant, and the general of Assyria: Holofernes. The painting depicts the moment Judith severs the general’s head while her maidservant assists in holding him down.
The Baroque style in this artwork is highlighted in the shadows by contrasting colors from the subject’s bodies to the corners of their clothes and background. The photographic inspiration interpreted these attributes to the original, along with the brutal positions seen as Judith pushes Holofernes’ head into the sword.
Team
Genie K (Model on top of image)
Genie has been a performer from a young age and has loved being on stage as a Ballroom Dancer on an international scale. She is also a doctor outside of performing arts and brings her passion and dedication to everything that she does.
Having won the title of Miss Earth Australia Water in 2015, Genie has found new confidence and has enjoyed coming back to performing and modelling. She is a hard worker, reliable, easy-going and fun-loving. She enjoys new experiences and challenges and is always willing to push her limits! Genie loves adventure and is also passionate about health and the environment.
Ivy (Model with sword)
Ivy has dedicated her life to the arts. In addition to acting, she sings, paints, figure skating, and has recently completed a Bachelor of Applied Music Performance in Piano.
She one day hopes to become a composer for films and games.
Nathan (Model)
Nathan is a full-time student who likes to do modelling/be an extra in tv productions and music videos on the side. So far he has had different experiences in this industry, such as being a part of a fine art project, an extra in both a TV show and music video, as well as modelling for promotional material for the VR Fringe Festival.
His passion lies in fitness and bodybuilding where he would love to get more experience in the fitness modelling industry.
Debbie (Costume designer)
Debbie is the head of the wardrobe for the National Theatre ballet in the National Theatre in St Kilda since 2008 and has participated in numerous professional productions in Melbourne and all-around Australia. It was really a pleasure and fun working with Debbie.
Emily (Makeup artist)
Emily is a very experienced makeup artist. She has always had a passion for the industry and especially enjoys the creative side of photoshoots.
References
- KhanAcademy.org
- Uffizi.org
- Biography.com Editors. (14 May 2016). Artemisia Gentileschi Biography. Retrieved 23rd September 2016 from http://www.biography.com/people/artemisia-gentileschi-9308725#synopsis
Top pages
Photography Services
See all our photography services
Commercial Photography
Photos on your business - Show what you do
Video Services
Video of your products, business, training and more
Portfolio
Photos we are proud of for your reference
Latest jobs and articles
Read articles about some of our jobs
Find out more about our services
Printing on fine art paper
Giclee print - Multiple paper options
Other related articles
