Bedtime Story 2: A Dreamy Photography Project by Matteo Mescalchin

Unleashing Creativity Through Lighting

Mescalchin's project is a testament to his endless creativity and love for both children and animals. The main picture depicts a little girl engaging with a vibrant parrot, while the second scene, titled "Nightly Dialogue," showcases a captivating conversation between the girl and the bird. These scenes were meticulously crafted to reflect the photographer's original vision and bring his dreamy images to life.

Using a Hasselblad digital medium format camera, Mescalchin employed a total of 6 lights for the main picture and 5 lights for the "Nightly Dialogue" scene. The lighting design was crucial in achieving the desired image look, and Mescalchin utilized tools like fabric grids and softboxes to control and shape the soft light. The result is a series of photographs that exude a magical and ethereal quality.

Collaboration played a significant role in the realization of Bedtime Story 2. Mescalchin worked alongside a talented team, including concept and art director Matteo Mescalchin, production manager Andrea Mescalchin, grip and assistant Giovanni Santon, model Anna, videographer Michele Piazza, illustrator and painter Francesca Dafne Vignaga, video editor Paola Balasso, and bird trainer Pietro De Gasperini. Their combined efforts ensured the project's success.

One of the project's challenges was working with a real bird. Despite the limitations of directing and posing a live animal, Mescalchin's decision to include a real bird added to the authenticity and semi-real feeling he aimed to capture. The team's dedication and expertise in coaching the models contributed to the project's overall success.

Bedtime Story 2 was shot in Vicenza, Italy, and the entire project, from pre-production planning to post-processing, was completed within a short timeframe. Mescalchin's passion for his craft and his ability to bring his vision to life in such a short period is a testament to his skill and dedication.

This photography project not only showcases Mescalchin's artistic expression but also serves as a valuable resource for professionals in the field. By effectively utilizing lighting equipment like modifiers and grids, Mescalchin demonstrates how to accurately control and shape soft light to create captivating images.

Bedtime Story 2 has received recognition for its outstanding creativity and innovation. The project was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation Design in 2016. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the project's remarkable level of excellence, technical prowess, and ability to evoke positive emotions in viewers.

Matteo Mescalchin's Bedtime Story 2 is a testament to the power of lighting and the artist's ability to create dreamy images that transport viewers to a world of wonder and imagination. Through his unique vision and refined techniques, Mescalchin continues to push the boundaries of photography and inspire fellow professionals in the field.