Contrasts in Bloom – A Latex & Floral Fantasy Photoshoot

Photography is all about contrast—not just in light and shadow, but in textures, colors, and emotions. For this shoot, we explored the duality of softness and edge, nature and artifice, using two striking elements: glossy latex and delicate flowers.

The Vision

I’m always drawn to creating images that feel cinematic, surreal, and emotionally charged. Deanna approached me with this concept, and I aimed to juxtapose the organic beauty of flowers against the bold, synthetic sheen of black latex. The contrast symbolizes resilience—think about how beauty can thrive even in unexpected places.

To enhance the drama, I used in-camera lighting effects with a mix of deep cyan and warm orange hues. These complementary colors helped sculpt the subject and cast dramatic shadows, adding an interesting layer to the visual storytelling. Everything you see here was achieved in-camera—no Photoshop overlays, just pure creative lighting.

The Setup

This was a studio shoot with a minimalist backdrop, allowing the lighting and styling to take center stage. The model was adorned with real flowers placed into the latex outfit, strategically placed to feel like they were growing organically around her.

Lighting was key. I positioned two primary light sources:

• A warm, orange-toned key light to bring out the model’s skin tones and enhance the organic feel.

• A cool cyan fill light to introduce depth and mystery.

• Shadows played a significant role in the photos, additive mixture to be exact. The soft, floral elements contrast against the structured, high-shine latex gloves, creating a balance of softness and strength.

  
  

The Challenges

As with any creative shoot, there were challenges. The flowers had to be secured carefully without losing their natural, effortless appearance. Managing the reflective properties of latex was another hurdle—controlling highlights to avoid overexposure while maintaining its signature shine took precision.

Additionally, the interplay of lighting required constant adjustments to get the perfect balance between warm and cool tones. But challenges like these are what make photography so rewarding—it’s about problem-solving in the moment to create something magical.

Final Thoughts

This shoot is a perfect example of why I love working with practical effects and lighting techniques. There’s something incredibly satisfying about capturing a vision without relying on post-production tricks.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what emotions does this image evoke for you? Do you prefer high-contrast, dramatic photography or something more subtle and natural? Drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram @DateWithF8Photography to see more behind-the-scenes content from this shoot!

If you’re looking for a fantasy-inspired photoshoot that brings your vision to life, let’s create something unforgettable together. Book a session today!