An image isn’t just about a subject, such as a model, or the clothes or hair or makeup. A huge aspect of image-making is the setting or set design.
Chrystopher Rhodes, of YCImaging, talks us through his process of creating a set using thrifted items. Although Rhodes works primarily with video, there is a big overlap in skillsets for videography and photography. Often, working with thrifted or second-hand items means that there is an aspect of surprise in what is achievable. You never know what you’ll find at a thrift store! And additionally, it’s more eco-friendly to purchase second-hand items and then re-use them or re-home them. Less waste! But of course, the image is also important.
I want old stuff. I want beat up, rundown stuff.
Having a clear vision for the project is paramount. This means having a plan for what to purchase, but also being flexible with what is achievable. In this particular instance, Rhodes had an idea for the overall look of the scene and the types of set elements he wanted to include. He also had worked out how they’d be placed. However, sometimes “happy accidents” happen; in this particular case, the shoot location was windy which meant part of the set couldn’t be used. The final image didn’t have a black backdrop, which adds to the overall look of the video for the better, in my opinion.
In reality, we are often used to things being way. In image-making, this can be used to great effect when this aspect of reality is broken, so to speak. We’re used to having inside furniture being inside a home. But when this furniture is brought outside, it creates an incongruous element; things aren’t looking the way they are supposed to look. There are countless examples of this in image-making practice. Have you used any incongruous elements in your own images?
