Pattern up - Expressing people through color and pattern

by Thomas Fähnrich

“Pattern Up” is a collaboration between photographer Thomas Fähnrich and high end retouch studio Pretty on Point, presenting fashion and photographic art in vibrant and exciting explosions of pattern.

Thomas Fähnrich: "Pattern Up is here! Together with Pretty on Point, we’ve unleashed a vibrant explosion of patterns. Each image is a burst of color where fashion and art collide in the wildest way. This project was a true highlight, not only because of the creative energy that went into it but also due to the technical finesse that allowed us to capture each moment perfectly.


We shot the images against a neutral white background which gave us full flexibility during post-production. We used a total of three broncolor power packs and five broncolor lights to achieve the perfect lighting setup. The main light was provided by a beauty dish with a honeycomb grid, which accentuated the models’ faces and gave them a sculpted look. Additionally, a 150 cm Octabox with a grid was placed directly above the models. For fill light, we used two lights with umbrellas to create a soft, yet striking effect on the models. Another light, equipped with a P70 reflector, was aimed at a Sunbouncer to add additional frontal illumination. To prevent light from the umbrellas from hitting the camera, we used two flags to precisely direct the light where it was needed — on the models and not on the lens.


In addition to the shots of the models, we also focused on the details. I captured various close-ups of the clothing to provide Pretty on Point with enough material for post-production to create the stunning backgrounds. These details were crucial since they were integrated as textures into the backgrounds during post-production, enhancing the final images. The combination of fashion and abstract patterns in the background gives each image a unique dynamic.


For the shoot, I predominantly used a 35mm lens, as it’s perfect for capturing both the models and the details of their outfits in the right proportions. For some special perspectives, I also used a 14mm lens, which added an extra layer of tension and excitement, especially when paired with the right posing.


Many of the shots featured movement — whether it was dancing, jumping, or dynamic poses — so it was particularly important that all parts of the models' bodies were captured in sharp focus. This is where the excellent flash durations of the broncolor Scoro and Grafit power packs came in handy. These high-end units are known for their ability to provide extremely short flash durations, allowing us to freeze even the fastest movements with crisp sharpness. This ensured that every detail, from flowing fabrics to hair in motion, was captured perfectly.


At the end of the day, it wasn’t just a play with colors and patterns, but also an intricate collaboration of technical precision and creative vision. Without the careful preparation in the studio, the perfect lighting equipment from broncolor and the close collaboration with Pretty on Point during post-production, the final images wouldn’t have turned into the visual firework they are now. Each image tells its own story and shows how fashion and art can merge to create something truly unique.


I used the following broncolor equipment for this production: 1x Scoro 1600J, 3x Pulso G 1600J, 2x Unilite 1600J, 2x Grafit 3200J, 2x P70, Umbrella 150cm, 1x P70, 1x Octabox 150cm with Light grid 40°, 1x Beauty Dish with honeycomb grid."


Credits:

Photographer: https://www.tffoto.de
Postproduction: Pretty on Point