Death Of A Clown: Collection 3

In this third installment for the "Death of A Clown" (DOAC) series, I chose to highlight ''The Mime".  In this collection I wanted to depict one of the supporting characters that I just simply thought was really "Cool/Edgy". My challenge was to interpret "The Mime" displayed here in such a way that distinguished differences in style, functionality, and Mood for the traditional "Mime Artist". The most unique quality being the ability take what is imagined and make it real with shadows. You will see a number of examples of this being put to work through out this collection. I also wanted to make sure the mood/feel was darker and more sinister based on this character portraying one of the antagonist of the series. It's in the subtle details where I placed allot of my focus in this collection. The Mime in this collection represents control, dominance, & a heartless state of mind! There IS a much bigger story to the method behind the madness, so please take time to review the entire collection and look out for more to come from the DOAC series!

"The Mime"

Special Thanks to the production staff:

Model- Edge

Clothing Designer/ Stylist: Lamil Stephens

Make-Up: Keya DeLarge

Hair: Clay Nielsen

Studio- The Shot Atlanta 
Media Sponsor: The G Cafe

The G Cafe presents "Behind The Mask" with JAS Photo for "Death Of A Clown" Collection 2

Death of A Clown - Behind The Mask from The G Cafe on Vimeo.
"Death of A Clown" is a unique and exclusive creative collaboration with JAS Photo. In this clip John Stephens, Director and Photographer, discusses his vision for the project and gives some background on the story. Johnson Cooley ("Patch") talks about his role and the path of his character's evolution.



Actor:Johnson Cooley

Designer/Stylist: Lamil Stephens

Make-Up: Keya DeLarge

Hair: Keka Heron

Behind the Scenes: Chieu Lee Photography

Media Sponsor: The G Cafe

Studio: The Shot Atlanta Studio



http://www.facebook.com/TheGCafe

www.jasphotoonline.com

Death Of A Clown: Collection 2

As promised here is the 2nd Collection for the "Death of A Clown" Series. Since the first posting I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could bring a better, more visual collection like this one to life. I thought that writing a short story would help motivate me and move the project forward a little faster. To my surprise that little story began to grow beyond the imagery and left me with tons of details to pull from for my shoots.   Resulting in what you see posted in this blog entry. This portrays a clown who not only finds solace behind his clown make up but also covers up his pain with patches.  This collection highlights the comfort in ones own ignorance and how uncomfortable it can be to change.  This project is all about how clowns deal with new found emotions as well as come to grips with their own mortality.

"Patch"

The character  "Patch" goes through three transitions with in this particular collection. He struggles with his uncontrollable nature to please, fighting to make the right choice for growth, & hiding his true pain behind his patches!

"In Transit"- Growing from naive beginnings and becoming the person he was meant to be.

You will find a familiar face from the last collection showing the main character "Jenni"  interacting with in Patch's thoughts as he searches for answers. Depicting the chaos that he finds his life in & where it all began.

"Lost & Found"

At his lowest point we see what he does to mask his pain when no one else is around. A troubling scene meant to show how far he will go to avoid dealing with his own reality.

"Behind Closed Doors"

I have already begun pulling things together for the next shoot for Collection 3. There are two more collections to be completed as well as 2 scenes from the story. I am also continuing to write through out this process to soon finish the full story to accompany the imagery. This project is very close to my heart and I am genuinely excited for the next steps to making it something great. Much more to come so be on the look out for behind the lens footage coming soon.

Special Thanks to the production staff:

Actor/Model- Johnson Cooley

Clothing Designer/ Stylist: Latoya Stephens

Make-Up: Keya DeLarge

Hair: Keka Heron
Behind the Scenes: Chieu Lee Photography 

Studio- The Shot Atlanta 
Media Sponsor: The G Cafe

Constructing "The Death of a Clown"

(Model: Zoya /MUA: Keya /Wardrobe Stylist: Lamil /Hair: Zara /Jewelery: Aakoffii )

Back in 2007 I decided to write a list of ideas that I wanted to create and develop before they were forgotten in the shuffle of time. One of the first ideas that I wrote down was "Death of A Clown". I was inspired by the traveling show "Cirque Du Soleil Corteo" where they show the imperfections and mortality of a Clown who dreams of his own funeral. First question that I asked was "How does A Clown Die?" and from there the idea was born to create a series that shows the "Death of A Clown". My interpretation is that a Clown dies when they no longer see the humor in life and become vulnerable to life's struggles. A common thread that link us all together, our own mortality.... 

The first collection in the series are images that show the most basic concept for "Death of A Clown", emotional distress. You will see the subtleties of a Clown who knows that the end is near. I  also wanted the look to be just as subtle, so that the clown is not immediately recognized on first look.  

(Upside down balloons were added to symbolize how the Clowns life was about to be turned upside down.)

I had a blast doing this first shoot for the series which has definitely got me super excited to complete the series! There will be 3 more collections which will lead up to the "Death of A Clown. Look for the final image of collection one coming soon as well as the remaining collections for the series.