Quarantine Collaborations: From Boston To Iowa
Skype photoshoot session with Jay Coy and Stacy Zacharias
In the crazy state of this Covid 19-world, creatives have had to put a stop to photoshoots. Some are partaking in what’s known as “front porch” shoots where clients stay on their front porch and the photographer stays far away to shoot. This practice has gotten mixed feedback as we are all trying to be as safe as possible. Next came a new trend; virtual photoshoots, where the photographer would direct via a video messaging app (facetime, skype, etc.) and screenshot when they want to take a photo.
Unfortunately, the quality of the image you get from a screenshot wouldn’t quite work for the photo manipulation and composite work that Jay Coy does. If you don’t know Jay, he is a fine art photographer from the Boston area who specializes in conceptual work that pulls the viewer in through an emotional connection. Normally, he pieces multiple photographs together, capturing the emotion of his subject, and adds textures to aid in the feeling of timelessness, allowing the viewer to relate to each of his images in their own way.
This is where Jay’s friend Stacy comes in. Stacy Zacharias is a talented photographer, and newly-established self portrait artist, from Iowa. Stacy’s work varies from emotionally captivating images to stunning painterly portraits. Since the start of the quarantine, Stacy has taken up self portraits and has created some of the most breathtaking images, some of which taking inspiration from paintings.
Jay and Stacy met at Brooke Shaden’s Promoting Passion Convention in 2018 and recently reconnected. After a discussion one night, a concept came to life (see Jay’s WONDERFUL sketch) and they decided they wanted to collaborate and create it together; with Stacy shooting herself, and Jay directing and editing.
The Process
They scheduled a Skype session, planned out everything (lighting, wardrobe, feel, etc.) ahead of time and then did the shoot. Stacy set up her camera on a tripod, adjusted her lighting with Jay’s feedback, and then used her phone to trigger the camera. Jay directed Stacy’s posing to get all the images he needed and they finished the shoot. Stacy then downloaded and sent Jay all the RAW files and Jay did his thing. You can see some BTS below.
A screen shot from Jay’s computer
A look at what the camera sees from her side in Iowa
The Final Image
The image Jay and Stacy created is titled “Flight,” a story about breaking free, building your own wings, and taking that leap to fly. An image very special and deeply meaningful to both artists. With the help of the Infinite Color Panel and Infinite Texture Panels, Jay was able to add elements he needed to bring the image to life.
We know that it’s extremely tough to be a creative during these times, especially with a loss of income, but if you still have that desire to create; grab a friend, plan a shoot, and make it happen! It was such a fun collaboration, one which is already leading to future plans. Be sure to keep an eye out for more work from Jay and Stacy!
