Chapter 195 Thank you for your continued support
Time has quietly passed through another winter, and the beauty of spring has arrived.
In March, NOVUM officially launched its "Fashion and Art Crossover Column Creation" event.
The location is a palace in country M.
Lu Yinzhao arrived at the event venue on time that day.
Looking up, the dome was gilded with a warm gold, and a wine-red velvet carpet was laid under the carved archway.
The light from the antique wall lamps on both sides made it appear as if it were flowing with luster.
As soon as Lu Yinzhao stepped onto the steps, he heard the crisp sound of champagne glasses clinking.
The music was interspersed with soft jazz.
The scent of orange blossoms wafts through the air; this is the exclusive fragrance for NOVUM's crossover event.
The electronic screen at the entrance plays a loop of art photography from previous columns.
In some photos, the texture of the fashion fabrics in the dark lighting is captured by the photographer with a sense of weight and richness, like an oil painting.
At the registration desk, editor-in-chief Clara, dressed in an asymmetrical gold dress, greeted us with a smile and a glass in hand. She was a very stylish middle-aged woman.
"Hi~ Lu, you're here! Welcome to our event."
Lu Yinzhao smiled politely: "It is my honor to be invited here."
"How do you feel? What do you think of being here?"
"It's a great feeling. I really liked all the works shown on the big screen just now, and they are worth studying in depth," Lu Yinzhao said.
Clara's smile was very bright. "I knew you would like it here. Not only are our magazine's past works on display, but we've also printed your 'Hidden Charm of the East' series into a booklet. I specially had my team design and layout it according to your style."
Lu Yinzhao was slightly surprised. Did he really have that much influence? His work could be displayed here?
"Lu, I admire you. Your lens can give fashion a soul. All the artists tonight are looking forward to working with you. Enjoy this wonderful day!"
After saying that, Clara turned and left.
The hall was already bustling with people, yet it didn't feel noisy.
Before long, Lu Yinzhao actually saw booklets with his works printed on them in various places, along with his own introduction.
[Chinese Young Photographer: Lu Yinzhao]
[First Prize, China Innovation Cup Photography Art Competition]
[Creators of the "Hidden Charm of the East" series, a global showcase of emerging filmmakers]
Lu Yinzhao felt honored and a little excited, and really wanted to take a copy of the booklet back with him to keep.
After all, it has the NOVUM logo printed on it, it's shiny and cool.
Around Lu Yinzhao, several tall supermodels were quietly discussing the photos in the booklet.
As if possessed, Lu Yinzhao leaned closer and listened intently.
"Oh my god! This backlit silhouette is so beautiful, this photographer is amazing! I love his style."
"These figures look like they stepped out of a traditional Chinese ink painting."
"I recognize this pattern! Isn't it the lotus scroll pattern from the East? It's so cleverly hidden in silhouette."
"This photographer must be very knowledgeable about Eastern culture, right?"
"I heard I'll be meeting this photographer soon, and I'm so curious."
"He can make fashion photos feel artistic and also hide such a deep cultural background. No wonder Editor-in-Chief Clara admires him so much."
Lu Yinzhao was so flattered that he almost lost his bearings. He casually took a glass of champagne from the waiter and left, secretly pleased with himself.
The shooting area on the far right was separated into a separate space by a black curtain.
Leica cameras and light stands are neatly arranged against a backdrop of gradient Morandi colors, echoing the antique camera collection displayed in the distance.
Several popular celebrities were sitting in the rest area waiting, some adjusting their bow ties in front of the mirror, and others chatting politely.
Lu Yinzhao recognized several of them as internationally renowned actors.
If he hadn't been mindful of his behavior, he would have rushed up to them to ask for autographs and photos.
Not long after, an immersive fashion show took place at the event venue.
The fashion show was not a traditional runway show, but rather followed a route through an exhibition hall.
Models dressed in haute couture gowns moved among the art exhibits, with the lighting changing gradually as they moved.
High-end! Absolutely high-end!
Lu Yinzhao was amazed and wished he could immediately raise his camera and capture all the sophisticated beauty he understood.
After the fashion show, there is an opportunity for interaction and selection between the artists and photographers.
The main shooting area features custom-designed backdrops to suit each photographer's style, and is also equipped with a professional lighting team.
Lu Yinzhao can also invite celebrities to have "one-on-one exclusive photoshoots", and the photos will be transmitted to the electronic screen on site in real time for scrolling playback.
This is a particular test of a photographer's real-time shooting skills.
Lu Yinzhao was somewhat eager to try.
However, he hadn't decided who to invite yet, and at that moment he was looking around the venue.
Should we look for a movie star from Country F? Or a movie star from Country M? Or perhaps that international beauty pageant contestant?
Just as he hesitated, a young male voice came from behind him, a voice that was the most familiar to Lu Yinzhao in his life...
“Mr. Lu,” the young male voice rose slightly at the end, “I just saw your work and I’m really itching to be the first model for your one-on-one shoot tonight?”
The other person's warm breath brushed past my ear as they spoke, carrying a deliberately suppressed, lazy smile.
The familiarity caused Lu Yinzhao's fingertips to suddenly stop on the camera grip.
As Lu Yinzhao turned around, she bumped right into Bian Ji's smiling eyes.
The man in front of me was wearing a well-tailored black velvet suit, with the top two buttons undone at the collar.
The silver collarbone chain hanging around her neck swayed gently with her movements, reflecting the light in her eyes.
Bian Ji leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to a level that only the two of them could understand, "After all, being able to have my camera custom-made for me is something I look forward to even more than winning a music award..."
Lu Yinzhao's pupils contracted slightly, and he stood there stunned.
He never expected to see the handsome Bian Ji at an event in a foreign country.
Bian Ji clearly said that he would be recording a song in the recording studio tonight, and never mentioned being invited.
In that moment of stunned silence, Bian Ji straightened up, the smile in his eyes deepening. "What's wrong, Photographer Lu? You can't even hold your camera steady when you see me?"
"You...how did you get here? You lied to me again!"
Lu Yinzhao was pleasantly surprised but also a little angry. Why did Bian Ji always do things the wrong way?
"Knowing you were here, I naturally tried every means to come. Fortunately, I still have some connections abroad over the years, otherwise... I really wouldn't have been able to see you today," Bian Ji said slowly, his eyes gentle and clear.
Lu Yinzhao didn't know what to say; the joy in his heart only came belatedly.
Bian Ji loved creating such surprises, and Lu Yinzhao felt that her already wonderful life had become even more vibrant and exciting.
“Since you’re here, of course I’ll choose you,” Lu Yinzhao said with a laugh.
Finally, I don't have to worry about who to choose anymore, which is great.
Lu Yinzhao led Bian Ji to stand in the center of the filming area.
His fingertips moved rapidly across the camera's parameter dial.
The crisp "snap" sound was particularly clear in the quiet corner.
"Let's try side backlighting first." Lu Yinzhao looked up at Bian Ji, his gaze sweeping over the cloud-patterned embroidery on his velvet suit.
"Turn slightly to the side, lower your left shoulder a little more, yes, let the light just sweep across your suit."
Bian Ji did as instructed, turning his body slightly to the side, the black velvet gleaming with a delicate sheen in the backlight.
The cloud-patterned embroidery, outlined with a faint gold edge by the light, surprisingly echoes the misty blue of the background.
Bian Ji didn't pose for the photo; she simply lowered her eyes naturally.
Lu Yinzhao crouched down, adjusted the camera angle, and the image in the lens instantly took shape.
Bian Ji's silhouette was bathed in a soft light, its outline sharp yet not harsh, like an oriental ink painting hidden in the night.
He couldn't resist pressing the shutter.
Snap! Snap!
The video is transmitted in real time to an electronic screen not far away.
"The results were better than expected."
When Lu Yinzhao stood up, there was obvious amazement in his eyes.
Velvet material absorbs light very well; backlighting perfectly highlights the texture, and the cloud-patterned embroidery is not lost in the light.
Lu Yinzhao was extremely satisfied with the photo.
Bian Ji glanced at the electronic screen, a smile playing on his lips. "I trust your taste; I really like it."
"Let's add another set of side-beam lighting," Lu Yinzhao said.
"Okay, whatever you say."
The lights came back on, and a soft light shone on Bian Ji's profile.
It illuminated his distinct brow bone and slightly upturned lips.
Lu Yinzhao adjusted the focus and aimed it at his eyes.
The shutter was pressed repeatedly, capturing the emotions that flickered in the man's eyes.
On the electronic screen, a series of photos are displayed in a scrolling manner.
From backlit silhouettes to side-lit close-ups, each image perfectly blends the artist's temperament with Eastern light and shadow.
Several guests gradually gathered around, quietly praising the artistic conception of the scene.
Clara walked over with a smile, her eyes full of approval. "These photos are definitely the highlight of tonight. Lu, you really didn't disappoint me."
Lu Yinzhao looked at Ji's figure in the camera lens, then at the photo on the electronic screen.
Suddenly, I felt that this unexpected reunion added a warmth to his lens that no one else could replicate.
Bian Ji walked to his side, her gaze falling on the camera screen. "Photographer Lu, can I be considered the best model you've ever worked with?"
Lu Yinzhao's fingertip was still on the sliding button on the camera screen when he heard this and looked up.
A faint smile appeared on her lips. "I wouldn't say the best, but I'm definitely the one who understands light and shadow the most."
Bian Ji had been "trained" by him several times before and was already very good at using her own strengths to cooperate with the photographer.
Instead of posing deliberately, relax your shoulders naturally and find the best angle to face the camera.
He, the photographer, is improving, and so is Bian Ji, the model.
Bian Ji's gaze fell on the screen, then turned back to him, "So it's a special award for perfect chemistry?"
Lu Yinzhao smiled but remained silent.
He paused, then looked up with a sly glint in his eyes. "But if you want to be the best, you'll have to cooperate with me even better next time!"
"Alright, do as you please."
After the event.
The two walked out of the venue side by side, a cool evening breeze blowing by.
Lu Yinzhao subconsciously moved closer to Bian Ji and gently bumped him with his shoulder.
"Clara just told me that she wants to use our set of photos as the cover of a column, and also wants me to write a shooting diary specifically about light and shadow."
"Congratulations again," Bian Ji said. "Zhao Zhao, you did it."
"I am so grateful that the first photo of my life published in NOVUM was of you..."
"Brother, thank you, thank you for always supporting me."
Under the bright moon, two figures gradually approached each other, drawn by each other's warmth, their shadows on the ground overlapping and merging into one.
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Author's Note: Bian Ji: Surprise [sunglasses]
Zhao Zhao: Hugs~ [hugs]
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