Cheirophilia

「𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖」n. – Our ability to exert control began with our hands. Tools of creation, command, and consequence. We shape the world through touch, often unaware of the power it holds. Every grip, gesture, or caress carries intent. Control is not abstract - it is tactile, intimate, and deeply human. And when it finally breaks, it is the open hand, not the clenched fist, that lingers.

Sleep I found.

The hands are the root of control

Cosplay by Aisu Cosplay
Shot and edit by Eightren
Special thanks to Youzi (he's the Denji) for the initial concept
Shot at Melting Pot Studios

End.

Concept

The hardest thing to accomplish is consistency. I honestly think I wasn't able to execute a tight and cohesive set this time around. But hey, the only way to improve is to charge ahead and experiment. And most importantly, to have fun while you're at it.

At first, I did not know what kind of shoot this would be. Admittedly, I still do not know how to make it more cohesive. I had only a vague idea where to take this set. At first, I wanted to do some typography but I felt that won't work for the whole set.

I wanted to play around the concept of "hands". I wish I leaned harder on the idea of hands. I should really make better storyboards before doing project shoots. We had some references to draw ideas. Turns out it's a lot harder to execute these ideas on photoshop.

I wanted a similar feel but with a different twist to the ideas. It was also a good exercise in finding out what looks good with real things vs. drawings.

It was thanks to Twenty One Pilot's music video that I got some inspiration. It came out 6 months after the photoshoot. The visuals from the music video are so good that the screenshots honestly feel like it's a photoset in itself.

The color palette is very similar to the photoshoot. The MV's concept is also about contracts (which is also Makima's thing) so I instantly felt a connection on the MV and the photoset. Maybe I can execute a better photoshoot in the future.

I guess it's good to immerse yourself in culture. Fujimoto's nod to many films in his works is just executed so good. I hope to also do that in my future works. It's also fun to talk about ideas to people specially when they point out that they understood the reference.

I should also add more practical effects in the future rather than relying purely on editing and photo-manipulation. I really hope to improve more.