Last week I did a shoot for a synth wave DJ.
Synth wave is very 80's influenced form of music. It got a very high Miami vice/Mc Guyver/Nightrider vibe.
My client asked me to shoot a series of photo’s for an upcoming event. He needed a portrait too. So we made time to shoot.
To tell you about the shoot, all went wrong, we didn’t had enough time and I just didn’t feel I had that “Banger”. I actualy already made a new appointment with the guy.
But When I got home looked at my RAW’s, This one photo catched my eye.
I like the composition and colors, the gel just worked great. I love the green and purple combination on his face. I did my normal retouch, and then aded smoke, a bit more flair and definitely some intended chromatic aberration. This to add the old 80's vibe. What you guys think? Would you have it done differently?
Sorry, but I'm seeing it go from bad to worse.
Thanks, but can you give me some direction what you don't like? You might not like the style, but I do wonder what is wrong in the raw to you.
You're pretty wrapped up in your split lighting and the colors, but have you taken a good look at the composition? It's weak.
If you want to nail that 80s look, don't forget that your models need to take themselves way too seriously. They should all look overly important. And you should have a white horse running through the scene. ;)
The chromatic aberration doesn't give me the 80s vibe. It just feels like an image gone wrong. Plus I wouldn't want to relive any part of the 80s anyway! LOL
Hahah the 80's definitely not a known for the quality, but if you look at video's and photo of that age some really absurd funny stuff came out of it. (look at the synth advert for example) anyways, the colors should give a bit of the vibe of that time.
You're right about the absurd part. For me, the clothing is what really points it to 80s! :)
Have to disagree with the other guys comments. Think it makes it more dramatic and stylised in that kinda 'Kung Fury' way. I'd even say go a little heavier with it on the body/keyboard?
It does need some texture as right now the face really stands out, I'm not mad about the smoke though, perhaps try some old poster creases or dust & scratches... maybe look at some old grindhouse/80's posters for inspiration. Couldn't recommend this book enough...
http://www.vhsvideocoverart.com/
The whole kung fury look was exactly where I was going for, So I'm happy you see where I wanted to go. Yeah maybe I should go all in.. this might be to save. That video cover art looks epic Joe! thanks for the link!
No worries man. I'm a child of the 80's so a total sucker for all of this stuff :)
Yummie, the first DX7 version. Bought mine in 1985, and still have it ( and DX7 II ). Glad to see it and not the Roland JX8P