The difficulty of trying to be perfect

This image is part of a larger photo story exploring “The Price of Always Looking Perfect” a visual reflection on the pressure to maintain a flawless exterior for the outside world.

The shot was created entirely in-camera using a five-strobe lighting setup. Three of the lights were fitted with full CTO (Color Temperature Orange) gels to shape a warm, stylized tone, atmospheric depth was added using a Smoke Ninja. Subtle color adjustments were made in Photoshop to refine the final look. No AI, I hate AI! The rolls were baked by my wife, the burned look was done outdoors with Butane Torch Lighter.