The day was overcast yet perfect for capturing a soft, diffused light—ideal for the ethereal mood we envisioned. Elizabeth arrived, poised and serene, her striking features harmonising beautifully with the verdant backdrop of the Pergola at Hampstead Hill House.
The Pergola itself, with its timeless architecture entwined in lush greenery, felt like a hidden sanctuary, blending history and nature. It was a perfect setting to bring out a sense of tranquility and mystery. As we walked through the weathered paths, we found pockets of light filtering through the leaves, casting a soft glow on Elizabeth’s delicate expressions.
Elizabeth’s attire—a flowing robe adorned with floral prints—added a sense of romanticism and nostalgia. We positioned her near the ivy-covered walls, allowing the natural elements to frame her figure and emphasise her connection to the environment. Her gentle gestures, almost like a classical portrait sitter, created an illusion of timelessness.
Creating a Painterly Effect
In post-production, I aimed to craft a painterly effect that elevated the mood of the image, making it reminiscent of Pre-Raphaelite Art, with its emphasis on beauty, nature, and symbolic detail.
To achieve this look, I focused on blending textures and softening the edges, giving the image a dreamlike quality. Starting with subtle lighting adjustments, I enhanced the softness of the shadows and highlights to mimic the natural, even light you would find in a painting. The foliage surrounding Elizabeth was slightly desaturated to allow her features to stand out, while her blue eyes were accentuated to draw the viewer’s focus.
Using layers of textured overlays, I added a tactile depth to the background, creating a sense of aged elegance. These textures helped to merge the subject with the environment in a way that felt almost like a painted scene on an old, weathered canvas. Finally, I blended the colours gently, so no single element would dominate, maintaining a balance that evokes the quiet, introspective mood we set out to create.
