A Tribute to "The Lost Boys": Capturing the Essence of 80s Horror through Horror Photography
- clinton lofthouse
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Details
Date: April 2025
Location: The One Studio
Concept: A homage to my favourite 80s horror movie 'The Lost Boys.'
Team: Clinton Lofthouse, Joey Demaine, Chloe Ozwell, Paris Maddock-Dickinson, Jemma Thompson, Sarah Zahl, Lauren Clitheroe.
The Concept
As a huge fan of 80s horror movies, it’s no surprise that one of my all-time favorites is Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys. I vividly remember watching it one night when my older cousin was babysitting. That evening sparked something special in me. I always envisioned creating a homage to this iconic film within my horror photography portfolio.
The blend of horror and comedy, alongside Corey Haim's unforgettable performance, left a lasting impression on my young mind. Since then, its influence has manifested in my art, music tastes, and even fashion choices. I knew I had to create something inspired by it.
During the pandemic, I was fortunate to receive the new Elinchrom One light to use on a project. I quickly identified this as the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to The Lost Boys. But how could I do it differently? I wanted to avoid an exact replica of the characters. I aimed for a homage with my own twist.
Around that time, rumors circulated about a sequel titled The Lost Girls, which would feature female vampires. Unfortunately, it never came to fruition, but it sparked my creative drive. I decided to create my own Lost Girls vampires instead. My initial shoot of one Lost Girl for the Elinchrom project was so enjoyable that I turned it into an ongoing project.
With just three Lost Girls at first, I aimed to elevate the project further. Gathering a full group in one session would enhance the project and allow greater exploration of the characters.
The Setup
We shot at The One Studio, just outside Manchester. I put out a casting call on Facebook, where I found six incredible models. Some I knew, while others were new to me. We communicated through messages, emphasizing that outfits must be inspired by The Lost Boys, gothic themes, metal, alternative styles, or anything uniquely engaging.
Models arrived with their hair and makeup ready, which streamlined the entire process. Each model excelled in their looks, adding to the overall aesthetic.
For lighting, I used my reliable three-light setup, utilized in many of my shoots. This method was perfect for introducing neon text behind the girls, mimicking a neon sign to enhance the eighties vibe. The three-light configuration creates a hyper-stylized effect. When done correctly, it achieves a beautiful balance of light and shadow, highlighting intricate details.
In addition, we incorporated colored gels to replicate ambient light from the neon sign. This created a dynamic setup for stylized portraits. I love blending gels—using cold colors for front lighting and warmer tones for the rim light.
The Team at Work
The Shots
Capturing the essence of the Lost Girls was exciting. The atmosphere was charged with creativity and enthusiasm. Each model embraced their character, and the results were stunning. We focused on various poses, ensuring each shot conveyed the spirit of the homage.
See the Full Horror Photography Series
You can explore the complete Lost Girl horror photography series of images HERE!. Each image showcases the talent of the models and the essence of the project.
Credits (with Links)
Creative Director & Photography: Clinton C Lofthouse
Models:
BTS Video: Nick Hardy
Location: The One Studio
This journey through photography has been fulfilling and creatively stimulating. I look forward to developing this project further and capturing the essence of the Lost Girls in unique and exciting ways. Stay tuned for more updates!
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