Personal Information:

Name: Karim Parris

Explanation: I wanted to step away from studio lighting and do a fashion shoot using just available light. To challenge myself to do a more fluid fashion shoot I made the shoot as simple as possible by only focusing on the shirt, accessories and light. The lamp created the right ambiance while still managing to show off the fabric pattern properly. I thought this was one of the better composed shots from the set.
Model: Cassidy Barker
Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
Lighting: Tungsten lamp on floor

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: This shot stood out for me. I really LOVE that Karim took a chance and stepped out of his usual norm of studio lighting to incorporate available light. To me, the magic in photography happens when we do something that we’re not used to doing, or see something in a different way that at first might feel uncomfortable but the results are beautiful! The fabric in the shirt is shot beautifully and yes, Karim’s use of the light is the direct result of this. Less is more, that’s my motto, and Karim created mood and emotion by using less blaring obvious light and incorporating soft, ambient light, placed on the floor. Excellent job at going against the norm, Karim. Keep it up!!

Personal Information:

Name: Michelle Moore

Explanation: I was very excited when Portland, OR makeup artist Amy Gillespie contacted me last minute saying she would be in Seattle the following weekend. We have been trying to work together for a few years, and I jumped at the chance. We put together a beauty concept in less than a week. I wanted there to be a blue background, and the makeup to cover beige’s and magenta’s for Spring 2010. We used fog and lighting to emulate a soft spring look and I’m thrilled with the final result!

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I never read the explanation before I look at the image and the first thing I noticed with Michelle’s shot is that she obviously has been keeping up with the current trends in fashion because of the nail color she used. She is right: she used colors that we are seeing for the Spring 2010 editorials and campaigns. I love the use of fog and lighting to create the soft spring look. The model is beautiful, she has a very sensual look and knows how to emote it. I also love the wardrobe Michelle chose for this shot, it works with the girl, the lighting and the concept. Michelle should be thrilled with the final result! It’s a stunning shot!

Personal Information:

Name: polina osherov

Explanation: My inspiration often comes from locations and this old commercial basement had the kinds of textures, colors and mood that I knew would compliment the dark, punk-goth feel of some of the clothing pieces created by young local designer Misty Dodson. My original inspiration was that W spread with Bruce Willis and his model wife.

Stylist: Nikki Sutton
Make-up: Kiralee Hubbard for Eyemax Make-up
Hair: Irina Green
Model: Natalie Gibson
Fashion: Apgar Designs

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I love the location used for this shot. Polina is right….the textures and colors are fabulous and make for a very dramatic location that compliments the punk-goth feel of the styling. I like Polina’s lighting, it’s well executed and I commend Polina for actually shooting at the location as oppose to photoshopping the location into the shot. Styling is well done and the choice of model works for this photograph. I took a look at Polina’s website and she has some very good work on there. Overall, the shot works for me. Great job, Polina!

Personal Information:

Name: Ross James

Explanation: Other than showing the designer’s clothes, I wanted to
contrast a darker mood with a child-like innocence. And there is an image that I once saw of Eugenio Recuenco’s that stuck with me where the model was standing in the background looking towards herself in the foreground which became an inspiration for this shot.

Designer: Heilyke
Model: Jennifer Vandiver
Hair: Heather Nichols
Makeup: Autumn Moore

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I think this shot is stunning! I love the styling. I also think Ross did a great job at creating a mood with the environment and accomplished a great shot from his original inspiration of a Recuenco piece. Make up and hair are perfect for this shot and his lighting is spot on. Great job, Ross. I hope to see more of your work in the future.

Personal Information:

Name: Kate Drennan

Explanation: Inspired by the Gucci Winter/ Fall 09 campaign. I loved the colours, styling and setting of the campaign.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I like how Kate was inspired by an existing campaign and went about to create her version of it. I also know how challenging it can be to dress and pose 4 models in the same shot! So I applaud her efforts and I think she did a great job! The models work for the image, I especially like the male models she casted for this shoot. I think they really work. The styling is really nice and the pose works with all of them. Overall, it has a nice mood and feel, using the outdoors with lighting creates a very strong and moody feeling. Great job, Kate!