Art Deco

Geometric luxury at its most confident gold, black, and the absolute certainty of good taste

Art Deco aesthetic photography reference
Referenceart deco
Shoot Brief · Call Sheet● TC 00:00:00:00
AestheticArt Deco
Roll020
Status0 / 5 Shot
LightStrong, directional key light from 45 degr
WardrobeGold, black, and ivory

Shot list

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FR·01A
Portrait in a genuine Art Deco interior hotel lobby, theatre foyer with the architecture as active backdrop
FR·02A
Close beauty portrait with strong cheekbone light referencing the glamour photography of the 1930s
FR·03A
Still life of Art Deco objects: a cocktail shaker, Bakelite radio, geometric jewelry, on a black marble surface
FR·04A
Environmental wide shot of a grand Art Deco space a banking hall, hotel lobby, or ocean liner interior if accessible
FR·05A
Detail of Art Deco surface pattern: sunburst, chevron, stylized florals lit to reveal the relief
Roll
00 / 05
⌁ LightingStrong, directional key light from 45 degrees with a hard-edged shadow referencing the dramatic lighting of 1930s Hollywood glamour portraiture, which was Art Deco's photographic language

strong, directional key light from 45 degr ✦

⌁ WardrobeGold, black, and ivory; bias-cut satin or velvet, geometric jewelry in gold and jet, finger waves or slicked hair; every element should reference a specific period between 1920 and 1940

gold

Director noteSource Bakelite and genuine 1930s objects for props rather than reproductions the material quality of original Deco objects under a hard 1930s-style light tells a truth that no replica can, because the material itself has aged into its period

Locations

Genuine Art Deco hotel lobbyChrysler Building-era commercial interiorRestored 1930s cinema or theatrePalm Beach-style club or hotel

Explore the aesthetic

Style guide
Color palette

About this brief

How do I photograph the Art Deco aesthetic?
Geometric luxury at its most confident gold, black, and the absolute certainty of good taste. Source Bakelite and genuine 1930s objects for props rather than reproductions the material quality of original Deco objects under a hard 1930s-style light tells a truth that no replica can, because the material itself has aged into its period
What shots should I get for a Art Deco photo shoot?
Capture: Portrait in a genuine Art Deco interior hotel lobby, theatre foyer with the architecture as active backdrop; Close beauty portrait with strong cheekbone light referencing the glamour photography of the 1930s; Still life of Art Deco objects: a cocktail shaker, Bakelite radio, geometric jewelry, on a black marble surface; Environmental wide shot of a grand Art Deco space a banking hall, hotel lobby, or ocean liner interior if accessible; Detail of Art Deco surface pattern: sunburst, chevron, stylized florals lit to reveal the relief.
What lighting works for Art Deco photography?
Strong, directional key light from 45 degrees with a hard-edged shadow referencing the dramatic lighting of 1930s Hollywood glamour portraiture, which was Art Deco's photographic language
Where should I shoot Art Deco photography?
Good locations include: Genuine Art Deco hotel lobby, Chrysler Building-era commercial interior, Restored 1930s cinema or theatre, Palm Beach-style club or hotel.
What wardrobe works for Art Deco photography?
Gold, black, and ivory; bias-cut satin or velvet, geometric jewelry in gold and jet, finger waves or slicked hair; every element should reference a specific period between 1920 and 1940

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