Behind the Lens of a Canberra Photographer: Gothic Photoshoot at Kambah Pools
As a Canberra photographer, I’m always looking for opportunities to push creative boundaries and tell unique stories through my lens. Recently, I collaborated with two incredible models, Chloe and Rain, on a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools. This shoot was inspired by a moody, intimate concept and brought to life through careful planning, technical expertise, and creative collaboration. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together.
The Inspiration
The idea for this shoot began when Chloe reached out on Instagram, seeking a photographer to recreate a reference image of a gothic girl holding lit candles while partially submerged in water at night. The image immediately sparked my interest, and I interpreted the mood as intimate and spiritual—someone retreating from the world to engage in something deeply personal.
Chloe suggested Kambah Pools as the location, having previously visited it for a Halloween-themed shoot. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its secluded atmosphere, made it the perfect backdrop for this gothic concept.
Concept and Planning
To prepare for the shoot, I created a Pinterest board titled "Model Water Candle Project" where I gathered inspiration and references. I also scouted Kambah Pools beforehand to assess lighting, access, and potential spots for creative compositions. During our initial meeting, Chloe and I discussed wardrobe, hair, and makeup ideas, which helped refine the vision for the shoot.
Rain joined the project as a second model, adding a new layer of depth and variety to the concept. With two models, I planned a mix of solo and group shots to tell a cohesive story while showcasing their individual styles.
The Execution
Equipment and Lighting
For this shoot, I used:
Camera: Sony a6400
Lenses: Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens and Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens
Lighting: Godox AD200 Pro II with H200R Round Flash Head and Godox X2T trigger
Accessories: Fovitec light stand, and a reflector
Balancing the natural twilight with the warm glow of the lanterns was a key challenge. The models wanted a backlit effect, so I used a reflector to bounce light back toward them, creating a larger and softer light source. The Godox UB-105D umbrella and Elinchrom White Bounce Umbrella helped diffuse the light, enhancing the reflections in the water while maintaining the dramatic atmosphere.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
While the final images are dramatic and moody, the process of creating them was filled with moments of collaboration and creativity. Here are two behind-the-scenes shots of Rain that capture the spirit of the day:
Candid Joy: This image of Rain laughing was taken near the beginning of the shoot. It reflects the lighter, more relaxed moments that are essential to building rapport and setting the tone for the session.
Reflective Preparation: The second image shows Rain in a quiet, reflective moment by the water. Taken early in the session, this shot represents the creative break necessary while the technical side—such as lighting, camera settings, and composition—was tested, adjusted, and dialed in.
Rain sits quietly by the water at Kambah Pools, dressed in gothic-inspired clothing. Her thoughtful expression and the serene natural backdrop create a calm and reflective mood. This image was taken during a creative break as the technical aspects of the shoot, such as lighting and composition, were being adjusted.
Rain, dressed in gothic attire, is captured mid-laughter during the early stages of the photoshoot at Kambah Pools. Her vibrant red and black hair contrasts beautifully with her dark makeup and outfit, while the soft lighting highlights her joyful expression. This candid moment reflects the relaxed and collaborative atmosphere of the shoot.
Solo and Group Shots
Chloe’s Solo Shots
Chloe’s solo shots highlight her gothic style and the dramatic atmosphere of the shoot:
Close-Up Portraits: A striking close-up of Chloe with her red and black hair, gothic makeup, and intricate jewelry. The shallow depth of field draws attention to her expression and details.
Environmental Portraits: Wider shots of Chloe sitting on the rocks, framed by the natural beauty of Kambah Pools. These images emphasize the relationship between the subject and the environment.
Close-up portrait of Chloe during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, featuring her purple hair, dark makeup, and intricate jewelry.
Chloe in a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, partially veiled and surrounded by water, with dramatic reflections and moody lighting.
Chloe interacting with a veil during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, with dramatic lighting and a sense of movement.
Rain’s Solo Shots
Rain’s solo shots bring a sense of mystery, elegance, and gothic drama to the photoshoot. Each image highlights her unique style and the atmospheric beauty of Kambah Pools:
Lantern Reflection: Rain holds a glowing lantern while partially submerged in the water. The warm light of the lantern contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the water and surrounding environment, creating a striking and moody composition.
Veiled Elegance: Rain is draped in a translucent white veil, standing in the water with her reflection mirrored below. The veil adds a sense of mystery and softness, while the dramatic lighting enhances the gothic theme.
Skull and Serenity: Rain sits on the rocks, holding a skull in one hand while extending the other gracefully. Her gothic attire and serene expression are framed by the natural beauty of Kambah Pools, creating a striking balance between the dramatic and the tranquil.
These images showcase the versatility of the gothic theme, blending dramatic lighting, creative posing, and the natural environment to tell a compelling visual story.
Rain holding a glowing lantern while partially submerged in water during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, with dramatic reflections and moody lighting.
Rain sitting on rocks holding a skull during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, with her gothic attire and serene expression framed by the natural surroundings.
Rain draped in a translucent white veil, standing in water with her reflection mirrored below during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools.
Group Shots
The group shots of Chloe and Rain capture their chemistry and the gothic theme:
Lantern Lighting: Both models holding lanterns, creating a warm glow that contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the water and surroundings.
Contrasting Styles: Chloe’s bold red and black aesthetic paired with Rain’s softer, ethereal look creates visual interest and balance.
Chloe and Rain standing in gothic attire during a photoshoot at Kambah Pools, each holding lanterns that cast a warm glow against the cool, moody backdrop of the forest.
Chloe and Rain sitting back-to-back on rocks during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, with their contrasting red and purple hair adding a striking visual element to the serene natural backdrop.
Chloe and Rain sitting by the water during a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools, holding candles that reflect softly in the water, creating an intimate and moody atmosphere.
Post-Processing
To achieve the cool, nighttime feel, I shot with a white balance of 3700K and used a CTO gel on my light to maintain natural skin tones. Most of the editing focused on retouching and enhancing details. I added warmth to the lanterns in post-processing, creating a beautiful contrast with the cool-toned environment. In some images, I extended the space around the water to improve the composition, and I’m particularly proud of how the reflections turned out.
Key Takeaways
This shoot allowed me to exercise my adaptability and problem-solving skills. While my primary focus is aerial photography, projects like this give me the opportunity to expand my technical and creative abilities. I hope this blog inspires others to embrace challenges and push their creative boundaries.
Engage with My Work
If you’re looking for a Canberra photographer who can bring your vision to life—whether it’s creative portrait photography, gothic-themed shoots, or something entirely different—feel free to book a session through my website or reach out via social media. I’d love to collaborate with you!
Teaser for my Next Blog
Curious about how lens choice influenced these images? Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll compare the creative and technical outcomes of using the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens. You won’t want to miss it!