DAY 217

FASHION & BEAUTY

The Windblown Look

TO FAN OR NOT TO FAN

The windblown look has a lasting place in fashion and beauty photography. When done properly, it seems to never go out of style. Its real charm lies in its ability to suggest movement in a static image.

There are several ways to achieve a controlled wind-blown look in the studio. The obvious is to use a fan.

A professional studio fan has a tube or snoot around the fan-blade cage that acts as a wind tunnel to concentrate the wind in a precise direction. A homemade version can be created by making a tube of thin cardboard about 12 inches to 18 inches long that directs the airflow. Thin sheet metal used for heating ducts also works well. Cut it with tin snips and shape it to fit around the fan. Punch holes in the metal, and use plastic ties to hold it in place.

When using a fan, remember that less is more. The model does not need to look like she is giving a news report on location in a hurricane. A more subtle approach is to waft air upward to the model with a piece of cardboard or foam core. The ideal size is 24 × 24 inches square. An assistant stands off to one side or below the model, and lifts the cardboard up toward the model’s hair, pushing the air to lift it. The photographer can do a three-count with the assistant to help time the moment the air reaches the subject. It takes a bit of practice but the results are pleasing and can just add more body and lift to the hair instead of the full-blown wind-tunnel look. —MR

Photo © Matthew Roharik.