Spring had sprung in Edinburgh, and with it, the iconic cherry blossoms at the Meadows had come alive in a vibrant display of pink and white. I had the opportunity to photograph circus artist Jusztina and her daughter Mango against this picturesque background.
The shoot took place on a beautiful, partly sunny morning, to avoid the Meadows abuzz with activity. We found a quiet spot with a particularly impressive cluster of cherry trees and set up for the shoot.
The idea behind the shoot was to capture the playful spirit of Jusztina and Mango, while also showcasing Jusztina’s background in circus arts. We used a hanging hoop as the main prop, creating a unique and visually interesting element within the floral setting.
Mango was the first to take centre stage. She positioned herself on the hoop, suspended from a sturdy tree branch. Her playful poses were a joy to capture. Jusztina, watching the shoot unfold, was delighted to see her daughter enjoying the experience.
After capturing a series of photos of Mango, Jusztina stepped up for her turn. Having seen the pictures of Mango on the back of the camera, she expressed a desire for poses with a similar outfit. I let her interact with the hoop, showcasing her strength and balance.
Beyond the individual portraits, I also wanted to create a more artistic image that incorporated the beauty of the cherry blossoms and Jusztina’s physical theatre background: I decided to put together a composite photograph.
This image required careful planning and post-processing work. I captured Jusztina striking a graceful pose against the backdrop of the cherry blossoms. In the editing phase, I replaced her lower half with a cherry blossom flower, creating a floral tutu.
The final collection of photographs captures the essence of the day – two circus artists enjoying a creative collaboration amidst the vibrant beauty of spring.
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