Christian Mayberry shares four photographic decisions for capturing scenes that evoke the enchanting essence of a storybook
(Image credit: Christian Mayberry / The Roktographer)
Christian Mayberry, also known as The Roktographer, is a master of portrait photography and is passionate about delving into human emotions through his photographic work.
I had the pleasure of interviewing him about his work and analyzing his image "Scarlet Elegance". We discussed the techniques he used to capture the photo and why it works..
1. Foreground interest
For this image, Christian planned a strong visual strategy that included foreground elements in the image composition. “After exploring the surroundings, I found the perfect vantage point through the leaves. This creates a frame that invites the viewer to peek into a timeless moment,” he says.
Christian worked with a maximum aperture of f/2 so he could shoot through the leaves and blend the blurred shapes into the shot, adding some colour and interest without dominating the main subject of the image. “With my assistant skilfully managing the light to the right, there was a harmonious collaboration. This resulted in the creation of a captivating image that weaved a narrative,” he explains.
2. Splash of colour
By choosing this color and style of clothing, Christian aimed to show the natural environment in a different context. “The choice of dress color ultimately depends on the mood and the aesthetics you want from the photo shoot but, here, it fits perfectly,” he says. The red dress stands out against the green background and draws the viewer’s attention towards the subject. “A red dress can add vibrancy and visual appeal to photoshoots,” Christian says. “The color red often conveys emotions such as passion and energy, making it a popular choice for creating striking and memorable images.”
3. Telling a story
For this shoot, Christian had a clear vision in mind, “I wanted to evoke the enchanting essence of a storybook, akin to a princess anticipating the arrival of her prince.” To achieve this, it was essential to create a narrative layer in this frame, so the location, styling, composition, and lighting were all key factors in building a fairytale atmosphere.
“The scene unfolds like a clandestine glimpse through distant trees, capturing a suspended moment where time is standing still – a spellbinding preview into a world where someone is about to be whisked away to faraway lands.”
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4. Skilful posing
Capturing the perfect shot of a model requires more than just photography skills. It’s about creating a comfortable and welcoming environment that allows the subject’s energy to shine through. “You have to forge a warm and professional connection with the model by initiating casual conversation before the shoot,” Christian explains.
“You also have to display some authentic curiosity in their concepts and preferences, providing positive reinforcement throughout the session to instill confidence,” he adds. “Cultivating a relaxed and collaborative ambience not only helps ease the model but also coaxes their innate expressions out, resulting in a more authentic and compelling photo session.”
Based in Orlando, Florida, Christian Mayberry is a professional music and portrait photographer who has become renowned for his evocative images. With over 15 years of experience, Christian has established himself as a versatile photographer and his portfolio spans a wide range of genres, including fashion, portrait, commercial and concert photography. His work is characterized by his creativity, attention to detail and an ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Kim is the Technique Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine. She specializes in architecture, still life and product photography and has a Master's degree in Photography and Media with a distinction from the FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While studying, Kim came to the UK for an exchange term at the London College of Communication. She settled in the UK and began her career path by joining Future. Kim focuses on tutorials and creative techniques, and particularly enjoys interviewing inspiring photographers who concentrate on a range of fascinating subjects including women in photography, the climate crisis; the planet, its precious creatures and the environment.
