TROPICO A-GO-GO
#InHerShoes / 2020
You may know Michelle Norris from our Instagram (we might as well be a fan account at this point) but it's behind the camera where this gal lives and breathes. As half of of the powerhouse duo Tropico Photo with her sweet hubby Forrest, Michelle is one of the best out there. And instead of telling you why, we'll let these photos (and Michelle!) speak for themselves.
Every photo in this series is incredible. Do you have a favorite image?
It changes! We started out super jazzed about the falling back perspective in the red tights and Belles but we love them all so it's like a mood ring!
What was your inspiration for this shoot?
We've long been fans of taking fantastical photos of hands and feet
because it's subject matter that we can get really playful with! For these we really went after wild color stories and incorporating foods, but came out pleasantly surprised with a bit of modern fairytale vibes that was maybe in the back of our minds all along.
Shooting shoes doesn't come naturally to every artist. How do you approach product photos versus more conceptual/abstract shoots?
We like to bring something unexpected and interesting to all of our projects. That being said, for product photos we tend to use sketches to outline the compositions ahead of time which doesn't leave as much room for improvisation. For conceptual or abstract shoots, it's more about compiling inspiration and just making sure that we have all the tools available to us on the day of the shoot.
What is your process to prepare for each shoot? Did the final product change from conception to execution?
We approach shoots differently depending on what our creative direction is. For this one, we nailed down a color palette and followed by assembling and sourcing any pieces and props that we needed for the setups we wanted to try. We didn't sketch out every shot in advance for this one so that we had room to play with composition, depth, and the interaction between our models. In the end it came out with images that were playful and spontaneous.
You've been making art for years now, how has your work changed, if at all?
I feel like we get to have more fun now! Because we've spent a lot of time dialing in specific techniques that are integral to our style technically, we can worry less about those things. I think the result is that we can go wilder by investing more energy in our concepts and what we think will be visually exciting.
What is your process to prepare for each shoot? Did the final product change from conception to execution?
We approach shoots differently depending on what our creative direction is. For this one, we nailed down a color palette and followed by assembling and sourcing any pieces and props that we needed for the setups we wanted to try. We didn't sketch out every shot in advance for this one so that we had room to play with composition, depth, and the interaction between our models. In the end it came out with images that were playful and spontaneous.
Is there a certain aesthetic, feeling, mood, you were looking to capture in these latest round of photos?
Dreamy, bold,
and vintage technicolor.
THE EDIT
No Rules, Just Shoes
#THEEDIT / 2020