The Art of Frost

T H E A R T O F

FROST

by KATHRYN O’MALLEY

The best food photography evokes a clear sense of atmosphere

Frost on the windowsill implies a chill in the air outside, making the scene inside that much warmer—and a hot bowl of oatmeal especially inviting. Of course, Mother Nature rarely gifts us the kind of weather we hope for, so Stephen must rely on the next best thing: the handiwork of special-effects pro Geoff Binns-Calvey. With some scientific know-how and the artistry of a master, there’s no need to wait for a snow day. Instead, Geoff creates a winter wonderland so beautiful it rivals the real thing. Click the bullets to the right for a peek into his process.

1. THE WINDOWS

Using a photo layout for reference, Geoff first constructs a wooden base for his faux windows and measures where each frame should be placed. Once the frames are nailed into the base, Geoff cuts glass panels to fit the frames exactly. 2. THE FROST

In what looks like a mad scientist experiment, Geoff whisks together a blend of magnesium sulfate, water, and alcohol, and then carefully applies it to the windowpanes with an airbrush to create small frost-like crystals. For the most realistic effect, Geoff says, the trick is not to overdo it. 3. THE DUSTING OF SNOW

To imitate light, powdery snow, Geoff uses the airbrush to blow a flurry of powdered cellulose flocking (a plant fiber) blended with dry glue onto the frosty windowpanes, concentrating on the bottoms and corners where snow would naturally settle.

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THE WINDOWS THE FROST THE DUSTING OF SNOW