MARCY XP

After my first project with the artist and designer behind streetwear brand Marcy Tectonics, we immediately began planning our next shoot. Inspired by the wide range of textures and styles in Marcy's design, I knew from the onset I wanted to shoot on a variety of different film stocks and digital cameras. Together, we compiled a lookbook, finding inspiration in everything from museum galleries to paparazzi shots to my sister's Facebook page.

After defining the aesthetic direction with the lookbook, we decided the best way to consolidate such a diverse array of imagery would be by following two models through several distinct locations and wardrobes, as if moving through a day in their life. I selected the digital cameras I would use: a Canon EOS Rebel t3i for high-quality digital images, and two point-and-shoots, a Casio Exilim and a Nikon Coolpix, for digital texture. I also chose my film stocks: Cinestill 800 and Ilford Delta 3200 for moody low light, LomoChrome Metropolis for a desaturated look, and Ektar 100 for crystal-clear daytime shots.

The first scene, inspired by some of the domestic shots from our lookbook, took place in a bedroom—soft white sheets, blank walls, and curtains creating a neutral background. The designer wanted several different pieces highlighted in this scene, so for each piece I modified the lighting, setup, and camera/film used. For the shirt/short set above, I accentuated the blue tones by closing the curtains and using a higher ISO film, getting a bit of grain in the image while still capturing all the complexities of the design in a darker, moodier setting.

The addition of the striped red piece necessitated something a bit brighter. I opted for digital, using high-key lighting and flash. I handed out the point-and-shoots to the models, which they used continuously. Not only did they act as props, but the images they took became a part of the story as well.

We made our way up to the roof, taking advantage of the midday sun to shoot the next two pieces. I liked the stark difference between the crisp shots taken on Ektar 100 and the pixelated and overexposed look on the point-and-shoots.

After nightfall, we took to the street to finish the story. I love the versatility of shooting at night; flash, motion blur, and grain all come into play. I shot two different film stocks—one B&W and one super desaturated color—which both worked together to add a healthy dose of grunge.

After the day wrapped up and the film was developed, I worked with the designer to make our selections. I edited using Adobe Photoshop, cleaning up, cropping, and color correcting each one. I purposefully left some 'flaws'—the LomoChrome developed some light flecks, which gave the images a really interesting texture, and the white balance on the Nikon point-and-shoot was thrown way off, resulting in a beautifully overexposed, blue-tinged image. I always edit with considerations like these in mind, careful not to wipe out what makes each image unique.

Check out some of the final photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcytectonics/

If you liked my process, feel free to reach out and we can craft a story together :)