The Concept: A Female Boxer in Boxing Stance
This portrait of a female boxer in boxing stance was made in collaboration with makeup artist Lidia de Tena. For a while I had the idea of photographing a model interpreting a female boxer. My goal was to create a series of conceptual portraits using realistic makeup to create bruises and blood. However, I didn’t just want the boxing gear (gloves, clothes, bandages, etc.), I wanted to create a more realistic illusion.
The make-up work was in charge of Lidia de Tena, an Amsterdam-based make-up artist. After seeing her work in other projects I thought it would be interesting to bring her on board. We discussed the concept together and eventually developed a plan for executing the project. As for the the role of our female boxer I asked my friend Myriam. Back then she was practicing boxing at the gym. Because she was familiar with the boxing moves
Setting Up the Scene
The lighting approach for this portrait our model in boxing stance was rather simple. The key light was a large softbox mounted on a sudio strobe. I positioned it in front of the subject, slightly above the model’s eye level. My rationale for this was to create soft, downward shadows. Compared to other images in the series there was no need for a secondary light in this photo. As for the location we shoot at the studio in Amsterdam. To keep the background clean of distractions I used a dark backdrop. I wanted to keep the background clean to isolate the subject and draw attention to the model.
In terms of pose, I asked the model to wear a grey hoodie to create separation between the dark background and her hair. Otherwise the hair would have been lost. I directed the model to take an orthodox boxing stance where her left hand and foot are in front. I asked her to pose as if she were ready to throw a punch.
Model: Myriam
Browse other photos in this series: Strong Woman Keeps On Fighting, Bruised Female Boxer Clenches Her Fists and, Female Boxer with Bruised Face.