Personal Information:

Name: Carli Adby

Explanation: I wanted to do an editorial in this beautiful location that featured a run down barn which held old children’s toys, boats, an old car and most interesting - an 8ft fiberglass candle and skeleton sculpture. It made me think of childhood and having tea with my gran, but it also reminded me of those moments in childhood when you are lonely and somewhat abandoned. I tried to portray this with the non communication between the models.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: This shot is lovely. The clothes are well photographed and the mood is really exquisite. I get the loneliness and detached feeling that Carli described she was going for in her explanation. The make up and hair is extremely well done. I like how one model is looking in the camera while the other girl has her eyes closed. It has a very “Picnic at Hanging Rock” feeling and I’m a big fan of that style. The model’s arms create a circular movement which caught my eye and forced it to move throughout the image which is always a very well thought out design element in a photograph. Good job, Carli! Keep ‘em coming!

Personal Information:

Name: Vonsk

Explanation: From an editorial series. The images were based on a stylised 1950s look. Here I tried to capture the essence of an ‘Alfred Hitchock’ film noir, with his focus on ice-cold blondes, intensity and mystery. The composition also reflects an older fashion photography style which emphasized geometric shape and line.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: ‘Alfred Hitchock’ film noir, with his focus on ice-cold blondes, I totally believe he got what he was going after. The blonde and her attitude against the cold, almost Escher like background, totally work! The styling is nice, the draping over the one shoulder works for her pose and her hair. I love the black and white and the drama. The “cold” architectural background lends itself as well to the “cold blonde”. Great!

Personal Information:

Name: Jeremiah Hull

Explanation: This images is from a series done for an editorial shoot. The concept for the shoot was to have everything be sleek and strong and powerful. I felt this image displayed all those concepts in contrast, pose, and composition. I had a really talented team of people to work with on this shoot and I think it shows.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: Again, Jeremiah sort of blew this one out of the ball park for me. I’ve always been a huge fan of Helmut Newton, and this shot really reminded me of his work. I love the model, the styling, the hair! It all really works, and ties together in this industrial setting. Great pose too! You’ve got a great team there, Jeremiah. Keep shooting! I love the results!

Personal Information:

Name: Michelle Moore

Explanation: This was an image we worked on as a submission for a magazine. Unfortunately it didn’t get picked up, but it is still one of my favorite shoots! Our team came together harmoniously to create this ethereal image. Rosie the stylist created our background with Christmas lights, and Jenny the MUA hand-crafted the crowns to go with the hair done by Meghann. I love the soft magical lighting, and bright dowey expression of the model. Everything came together even better than we envisioned!

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: First of all, Michelle’s choice of model and how to shoot her was really spot on! I love the background effects with the Christmas lights and the chandelier, I like how the gold in the chandelier picks up the gold on the glitter boy shorts and the crown. It all ties together forming a nice circle that forces the eye to move around the image. Great make up job as well! Kudos to Michelle and her team for a beautiful photograph!

Personal Information:

Name: Jason Mitchell

Explanation: We had a wonderful set of curved willow my partner Stacey created (a whole story in itself) that we paired up with these dramatic hand-made gowns by Cory Tran. We brought in Dawn Tunnell to do hair and make up on the stunning Soo Joo.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: Beautiful capture! I love the dress, and I like how Jason worked with his crew on choices for the hair and make up that worked with the fashion. Brilliant! Soo Joo is indeed stunning. I like the straight on shot with the subtle smile. Works well with the mysterious woodsy background! Lovely shot, Jason! It all works well. Including the lighting!!