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HAROL BAEZ TALKS ABOUT THE 12 HOUR MONSTROUS YH MAGAZINE'S 2008 COVER PHOTOSHOOT.

VIDEOS COMING SOON.

When Kashif Quraishi, Owner/Publisher of YH Magazine, reached out to me for my creative input on a vision for the cover of YH's “Think Green” Spring Issue many different ideas came to mind. The first thing I thought of was actually using the color green but that seemed too simple. Then I thought about the environment, fuel consumption, global warming, and the ozone layer. All of my ideas were great but I could not envision enticing people to make contributions to help solve these issues based on a cover of YH Magazine. My vision was for a more realistic approach, where everyone who viewed the magazine would be motivated and determined to have an impact on our community. I also wanted to create a living piece of art that carried a powerful message.

While brainstorming, I was having lunch at work, and I was ironically eating a sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil and drinking a bottle of water, both of which I carried in a brown paper bag. It then hit me: metal, plastic, paper! That was it! As a community, we need to return to the basics and take time to recycle. Everyone can recycle and make a difference.

Above: Carey Haslam (Plastic) takes a quick break from makeup.

I wanted to personify these recyclable elements in a photo shoot. In order to bring this vision to life, I decided to use people from the Hartford area and talented artists as well in order to utilize creative talents and create beautiful photography. I have personally worked on many projects like this, but I have never had as much fun or worked with such creative people.

Above: David Segarra applies makeup on Nicole Hutchinson (Paper)

It was important to me to bring the materials to life in an artistic, tasteful and bold manner. We used the raw materials and the help of David Segarra for make-up and Clayton Behrmann for hair to create a look for each model. The metal piece had to be bold, sharp, chiseled, structured and strong.

The plastic piece had to be versatile, malleable, shiny and translucent yet noticeable. The paper piece had to be matted, rigid, playful, yet rough.

Above: Harol Baez and Loreta Ray working on creating the props.

The creation of props from the raw material, and through using them in the models’ make-up and hair brought to life my vision, which waterfalls into what you see on the cover of the magazine.

Above: Harol Baez (Metal) waiting patiently.

I have learned that we can use what we have around us to create something beautiful through reusing and recycling. We did not spend any money on props, which was gratifying for me to discover that it is possible to reuse materials to create a magnificent and eye-catching image.

The photo shoot was an extremely enjoyable experience for me because I got to experiment with my talents and learn from others. I can’t wait to work with these people again in the future.

A LITTLE TEASER FOR WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NEXT YH SPRING 2008 ISSUE: