Gothic Lighting

As part of my GCSE art exam I had to research artists whose work linked to my chosen topic, and then either do a recreation of their work, my take on a piece of their work, or my own piece in the style that they used. 

For one of my projects I looked at Melissa Byrd. She is a photographer, and had an interest in photography from a young age. She does studio work with still lifes and macro with insects. In 2007 she produced a variety of prints that she named Extinguished Essence. These incorporated death and related items to create a gothic and ethereal appearence. She used items such as skulls, old books and candles that had just been extinguished. Her work can be viewed at http://www.aleuranthropy.com/gallery.html .

From these prints I was inspired to produce my own series of pictures in her style. I had some old church candles at hand, which I used to create a similar effect with the smoke. I had a candelabra, some old leather bound books, cut glass jug, a rose and my little gargoyle friend. These items were arranged to give a dark feel that Melissa Byrd created in her work. I must have taken hundreds of photos this day, and after never quite achieving the look I was after I had to wait late evening for another go, where I could finally get the lighting right. Here are just a couple of the pictures I took. Some were taken with the flash, some with the flash covered by my hand and one was taken with just the light from the candle in the photo.