Mathew Guido's "Eye Candy": A Neon-Lit Photographic Masterpiece

Exploring the Intersection of Rembrandt Lighting and Anime Fantasy

The inspiration behind "Eye Candy" lies at the intersection of Rembrandt lighting and the fantasy world of anime. Guido sought to push the limits of light and color, creating a series that feels real yet not over-produced. The result is a collection of images that are as captivating as they are unique, each one a testament to Guido's creative vision and technical expertise.

What sets "Eye Candy" apart from other photographic series is Guido's innovative use of lighting. Instead of shooting in a controlled studio environment with professional lights, Guido chose to photograph his model in dark environments, lit only by the neon and street lights. This approach resulted in images that are strongly biased to the color tones of the specific neon lights near the model, creating interesting low key results.

The series also stands out for its focus on fashion, specifically sunglasses. Each image features the model wearing a different pair of sunglasses, bathed in the vibrant neon lights from signboards on the streets at night. This emphasis on fashion adds another layer of interest to the series, further enhancing its appeal.

"Eye Candy" was photographed with the Nikon D800 with a 50mm lens, a testament to Guido's technical skills. The project, which became the cover of Adobe Lightroom CC Classic for a year in 2017-2018, was a challenging one, requiring Guido to photograph portraits in low light with a slow shutter speed. Despite these challenges, Guido succeeded in creating a series that is both visually stunning and technically impressive.

The series' success is reflected in its recognition by the prestigious A' Design Award, which awarded "Eye Candy" the Platinum A' Photography and Photo Manipulation Design Award in 2019. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. It is a fitting tribute to Guido's groundbreaking series, a testament to his ability to push the boundaries of photography and create a body of work that is truly unique.