Blue and Orange Are Out: to Domenick's 'red' brain

by Nolan Deja

There is a red-light flickering among the abundance of red brick here at the University of Virginia. The small light on the camera signals that the flash is ready. This light can be seen for only a brief moment before the flash goes off, capturing a frame on Domenick Fini’s camera. Walking around Grounds, Domenick finds himself amongst the crowd of dull North Face backpacks and gray faded ‘Virginia’ sweatshirts. Where is the red?

The red can be found with VMAG. Domenick is the production lead for VMAG – he delegates tasks, discusses inspiration, and manages all of the photoshoots. Domenick is a second-year media studies major who has captured many portraits and scenes here on grounds. From VMAG shoots to graduation pictures to weddings, Domenick has worked in many different environments. However, shooting for VMAG’s red issue is distinct and exciting.

The Red Issue sparked Domenick’s creative thoughts – he mused on the different ways to incorporate the color, spurning convention. From themes such as vampires and blood to red crayons, red fruits, and “Little Red Riding Hood,” the inspiration is endless – and that is what makes it so freeing. While reflecting on what the color means to him, Domenick answered “Red is so metaphorical and just has so much symbolism behind it.” For him, it’s theatrical, dramatic, and childish – and this is what he aims to capture.

Domenick does not show up to a photoshoot without planning beforehand. Scrolling Pinterest and Instagram, he searches for how he will bring the Red issue to life. For the first photo shoot for this issue, Domenick focused on the Victorian Era. The inspiration for this theme included blood, gore, and vampires. To execute this vision, he decided to shoot in a studio with a black backdrop. The typical dark colors of the Victorian era helped highlight, through contrast, the red props and items that were used during the photo shoot. The models wore mostly black and white clothes, with