The shackle for criminals dated hundreds of years ago in China inspired me to do this shot. The lock was made in such a way that 3 holes were cut open on a board with only the head and hands could pass through. Chains were used later to secure the board. It was strong and effective, but cumbersome. Rather inhumane I must say.

This was how I set up the shot.

1 – I bought a soft board measuring 2’x10′. Then I cut two holes about 3 inches in diameter on the left and right.

2 – I sprayed the board with paint.

3 – I pained the background, the unevenness of the texture created a very nice and dramatic background.

4 – Then I talk to my two little models. When I explained to the boy and girl how I wanted to photograph their hands, they couldn’t help but laugh out so loud. These two enthusiastic kids, who have been watching me prepare the sets, were rather curious as to what crazy idea I was trying to pull this time. Needless to say, they asked countless questions.

5 – Seems to me they were more than delighted to participate. I asked is it “okay”; to paint their hands white? They complied without a second thought. You probably would have guessed how restless they were when the painting process took place.

6 – While waiting for the paint to dry, I set up the board, I make sure it was high enough for the two kids to stay beneath it.

7 – I poked a pin-size hole in the ping-pong and hung it with a string in black.

Shooting.
1 – Then I tied the string on a cross bar.

2 – I asked the kids to stick their hand out, and act as though they were trying to catch the ball.

3 – It was difficult to ask the boy and girl to hold still, while waiting for the ball to settle.

After numerous attempts, I finally got this shot.