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“Is that really an octopus on her head? ” When I was recently asked that question again, I figured I would finally admit to the truth. Okay, it is a real octopus on her head. No one needs to wonder anymore. The truth is out. The idea behind this shot is born from is my infatuation with Greek mythology. I ’m referring to the image of Medusa, the female monster, who had hair made of live, venomous snakes. Medusa could turn any living creature to stone with a single glance. Our model talent, Heather Ryterski from Ford Models had a distinct purity to her demeanor and presence, that took command of being bald and having an octopus on her head. Heather’s gaze was much like the haunting quality of Daryl Hannah in the movie, Bladerunner. Marisela Guerra was our make-up artist, from Shirley Hamilton Talent, who created a very striking and beautiful look to Heather ’s face, which worked beautifully with the lighting. Marisela also maneuvered and styled our octopus on Heather's head. Next, it was my turn to spin some enchantment and mythology of my own with Photoshop. Various opacities of Heather's chest area skin were used to blend the bald cap with her forehead. One could say that I also did make-up...on our octopus, that is. I saturated "Octo" with purple, a tentacle was repositioned, as well as adding another, and parts of it's skin, that were peeling off were repaired. The strands of pearls on Heather's shoulders were eliminated, which I believe helped clean-up that area. Here are a couple of other secrets: Heather's neck has been elongated a bit and her eyes were made the azure blue color. Heather understood the dreamlike confidence I wanted from her, and she possessed this mesmeric trance, for the entire shoot. An Academy Award performance! We shot very little... you know when you have "it ". Heather and Marisela did magic. I tip my hat (octopus) to both of them. Yes, that is really an octopus on that lady's head. And, yes, an octopus does keep your head warm, in case you were wondering about that as well. |