- Scarface -

paulcookphotography · #1 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 14:09

Photographers Comments
Its been a while since i did a doll shoot, but after finding this one with its scarred forehead, i just couldnt resist.

**carregwen** · #2 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 14:27

Paul, you are weird. You know that, don't you? I mean, really weird, like I'm glad I don't live next door to you, because I'd be afraid to go to sleep at night. I see you as the David Lynch of the photography world...weird.

Nice shot.

Spooks · #3 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 14:33

Paul, I would really love a little write up on how you created this, mate! I love the lighting and shadows. I notice from the exif, that you were on manual mode but how did you do the light setup etc?

This so reminds me of the Chucky Horror films... LOL

Nice one, mate

**Dennyboy** · #4 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 14:34

I agree with Mr Redford, that is more scary than the whole Blair Witch film, weird is about right. Bordering on disturbing, but it seems to work!!

xp1 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 15:34

Definitely weird but its working for me for some reason I cant explain. Must be the shadows. I got rid of all my dolls when I started getting funny looks from the guys in the pub so I could'nt do a shot like this even if I had the skill (which I ain't yet).
Cheers

paulcookphotography · #6 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by carregwen

I see you as the David Lynch of the photography world...weird.

Now thats a compliment and a half! Cheers, mate!

paulcookphotography · #7 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 16:24

The set-up is really quite simple.

First, get a doll (that really helps). Then you'll need tongue of newt, wing of bat, spit of virgin, etc. Mix all this up with some satanic/voodoo chants...

Ah, ok, the set-up for the shot...

Simple really. The doll already had a 'scar' and some pitting in the plastic. I rubbed dirt into this to get a bit of texture and help with the overall effect. The doll was then stood in a very dimly lit room, with her face approx 50cm above and slightly behind my lightbox (on 'low' setting). This allowed plenty of shadow to add mystery, with only the mouth, nose and the scar visible. I then adjusted the 'skin tone' slightly in Photoshop to suit and darkened some stray highlights in her hair.

If you've not already done so, try covering the top half of the image (from just above the nose) - it doesn't look so freaky, almost cherub-like, in fact. Now, cover the bottom half to reveal the top section - different story, eh?

**Dennyboy** · #8 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 16:33

Very rare i comment twice, remind me never to come Scotland! Did the cover/uncover thing i am off to throw all my daughters old dolls out tonight and it will take at least 10 stellas to make me sleep now (every cloud has a silver lining i suppose). Still think it is disturbing but very good!

paulcookphotography · #9 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 16:42

I am actually working on another version at the moment. Same doll, same pose, but... different!

If you're not all too freaked, i might post it.

**Dennyboy** · #10 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 16:44

Cant wait mate! Whoops that 3 posts now for the same image. You will be thinking i like it really if i am not careful!!