Cropping in post-production
I typically prefer to crop or compose the photograph while shooting. However there are instances, such as the example below, where cropping in post-production can add a completely different dimension to the photograph. Furthermore, shooting with a 24mp camera allows me to make such crops without concern for image degradation.
Today’s retouching…
The first image of Paul is the original and the second is the retouched version. The best retouching, in my opinion, is retouching that isn’t noticed. Although extensive retouching was done to the hands, nails, skin, and forehead, it still maintains the realism and integrity of the original image.
Side note: In case you were wondering, I used a forehead from another photo that wasn’t covered by Paul’s hair.
Photos from shoot with Paul Francis
Here are a few selects from my shoot with Paul Francis from Q Models. The shots of him with Maree are still being retouched. They should be up soon!
Models for Upcoming Shoot
For this upcoming shoot, I’m working with Maree from Marilyn Agency and Paul from Q Models. I’m looking forward to working with two models on set and seeing how they interact with each other.
Nathalie Edenburg Photo Selects and Video
Nathalie Edenburg, from Marilyn Agency, just booked a contract with Victoria’s Secret and is also featured a number of times in the current issue of V Magazine. This photoshoot with her went very well and I couldn’t be happier with how the video and images turned out. Enjoy!
Production Stills from shoot with Nathalie Edenburg
Here are a few production stills from my most recent photoshoot. Behind-the-scenes video and final selects coming soon…
Black Card Back Commercial
I don’t know where she’s going, but I like how she’s getting there!
Models for Tomorrow’s Photoshoot
Tomorrow, I’ll be shooting Nathalie from Marilyn and Gona from Trump. I’m working with my favorite makeup artist and hair stylist. I also have my good friend Christopher, helping out with a behind-the-scenes video. Should be a good shoot! 
Paul Taylor Dance Company Photography
When shooting this ballet company’s dance rehearsal, I initially used fast shutter speeds to freeze the action on stage. However, I soon realized that this wasn’t achieving anything expressive or creative. The images were static and dull. So, I did the exact opposite and used very slow shutter speeds. This, in combination with a panning technique, yielded exactly what I was looking to achieve: artistic impressions of ballet movement. I particularly like how a few of the shots have a floral characteristic.
Judge Joe Brown…
If you are in need of a good laugh, or just a boost in your self esteem as a photographer, this may be worth watching.
Christopher Duggan published in Destination I do Magazine!
I was thrilled to hear when my good friend Christopher told me that he was published in Destination I do Magazine. You can see the photo spread on his blog. Keep up the good work Christopher!
Making of Old Spice Commercial
I’m sure you’ve seen the commercial. See how it was all done in one take…crazy.
Hair Story with Chantal
One aspect I enjoy most about Beauty test shoots is the freedom to experiment and try something less conventional. This shoot with Chantal Stafford-Abbott from Marilyn is a perfect example.
We had just finished the shoot with Ieva and had already exceeded our allotted time in the studio space (every additional 15 minutes increased the studio overtime fee). So, time was most definitely of the essence.
We started shooting at 6:10 and finished at 6:50. That’s 4 different looks in 40 minutes! We had to work fast, problem solve quickly, and shoot quickly. I’m very pleased with how well everything came together and plan to submit the story to various online and print magazines. I’ll keep you posted with how those submissions go.
Hair by: Elsa Canedo
Makeup by: Georgi Sandev
Side note: Congratulations to Chantal for just finishing the Marc Jacobs show for NYC fashion week!
Photoshoot with Ieva
This behind-the-scene video has been in the works for the last few weeks. After learning Final Cut Pro, I was able to edit and mix the clips with music. I enjoyed the production process immensely and look forward to bringing you more videos in the future! Below is a gallery of still images from the shoot. Enjoy!
Skin Beauty Shoot
For this shoot, I wanted to focus on body and skin images. Numerous beauty products are skin-care related. So, being able to shoot skin aesthetically is essential to being a well-rounded beauty photographer.
We booked Ali from MC2 for this shoot and it went just as I’d hoped. We started with a very diffused white background. This lighting tends to wrap around the model, which works nicely for body shots. Photo 1 is the best from that series. Next, we moved in a black background and did a series of shots with water falling. I always enjoy shooting water because each model reacts to it differently and the compositions are spontaneous. Ali’s enthusiasm was excellent and like the shoot with Masha, we ended up with a number of quality images to choose from.
