This was my first SFX shoot, and one of my first experiences shooting portraiture in the studio. The makeup was inspired by the Chelsea Grin, a torture method where one cuts the mouth of the victim, usually from ear to ear, to form a wound that looks like a wide, permanent smile. This wound is probably most recognizeable from Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight, in which he sports a healed Chelsea Grin.
The effect was achieved by applying liquid latex to the general area around the mouth, and then cut into with a pair of tweezers to mimic a wound. The latex was then coloured red, blended with foundation around the mouth and then fake blood was applied to the wound, later dripping down onto the chin.
The images were shot with two strobes with softboxes attached.
Izzabel Riches MUA
Max Hubery Model
Max Hubery Model
