A Colourful Smoke Bomb Photo Shoot (+ Interview) by Ginger Blonde Photography
Magic looks real in this shoot by Central Coast, CA photographer Ashlyn Snow of Ginger Blonde Photography.
Set atop rock pools and seaweed on a grey day, Ashlyn makes a stunning addition to the natural landscape by throwing in some vibrantly coloured smoke bombs. We love her use of shapes and almost otherworldly colour, transforming this otherwise innocuous beach scene into an iridescent paradise.
Her model is the picture of confidence, wielding these smoke-sticks with the grace of a dancer and falling into a powerful repose that lends this shoot a mystical quality as the smoke descends and settles.
Ashlyn’s work is full of life, while her portfolio is filled with joyful portraits in nature, from rolling beaches to the pumpkin patch. She takes her inspiration from "people, fashion and my home state of California with its diverse landscape,” she explains.
Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?
A: I fell in love with photography when I was 16. I took photography as an elective in high school and had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Shurtz, who encouraged my creativity. He made the whole photography process even more magical, from the shooting to the darkroom processing to finally developing prints. Whenever I’d get less than an A on a project I’d ask Mr. Shurtz why, and I’d always try to correct it because I wanted it to be absolutely perfect. I was so hungry when I first started pursuing photography and that desire hasn’t waned since.
Q: What inspires your creativity the most?
A: I’m inspired by my beautiful Grandma Shirley, who has the most amazing wardrobe full of fantastical dresses, which leads into my inspiration from fashion. I’m also inspired by my beautiful home state of California with its diverse landscapes; I love that I can hop in the car and drive for a bit and be in beautiful Big Sur, with it’s gorgeous, rugged landscape complete with redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, and then drive for a day down to the desert in Joshua Tree.
Q: Please tell us a little more about the experience you had planning and capturing these beautiful images?
A: I’ve been wanting to shoot with colored smoke bombs for a while now and finally decided to just go for it! I love the colors and the consistency of the smoke and wanted a dramatic yet fun shoot. There’s an element of randomness to it, because you don’t have a lot of control over how the wind is going to blow the smoke. You’re constantly adapting, which is both challenging and exciting.
Q: We love your use of smoke bombs in this series! What advice would you give to those also wishing to incorporate coloured smoke in an upcoming project?
A: I’d recommend researching the safest way to use the smoke bombs and not to use them in dry, grassy areas. Also, be in a flexible mindset when shooting with them. Some colors lasted about ten seconds while others lasted about two minutes. Just go with the flow, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Q: What do you hope to achieve with your photography in the not-too-distant future; do you have any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I’d love to keep working with amazing people and boutiques. As far as upcoming shoots I’d love to do a Halloween shoot, especially since my style is really sweet and dream-like and I’d love to experiment with a darker feel while still being dreamy. In the future I’d love to be published in Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar. All I want to do is to make images that speak to people, because it’s quite fun to make something beautiful in this chaotic world.
For more of Ashlyn’s work, check her out online at Ginger Blonde Photography - or follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @gingerblondephoto..Full credits: Photography: Ginger Blonde Photography | Model: Christian Lampo (@krystmiirie)Article written by Cecile - Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.