Satelina SuicideAnyone who has ever been on the internet has heard of Suicide Girls (SSG). Like many, my first encounter was when the then cutting edge website launched in 2001. The Washington Post, New York Times and Rollingstone hailed the site giving it instant credibility. SSG have DVDs, coffee table books, clothing and even SSG tours. A full blown franchise is what it is. Nearly fifteen years later, the website continues and adds members and models daily. Obviously, there is a reason that 2700+ girls have been willing to become models for SSG. Perhaps it creates an instant faux-fame for them. Perhaps it is a form of rebellion. The chance to be seen as more than just a tatted tease? Maybe it is to feel empowered. Despite the reasoning, the once "alternative" models of the internet are now as mainstream as Taylor Swift. As common as whole wheat bread. But, just because tattooed girls are now common place does not mean that photographers should steer clear. Considering this, I was excited to work with Alessa Borisova, better known to her thousands of Instagram followers as Satelina Suicide. The young Ukrainian has been out of her native Kiev for some time, making her way around the world and stepping in front of different lenses. For our session, I wanted to do something totally out of the SSG norm. I wanted to steer clear of the cliche sexy aesthetic the site is known for. I was in the mood for something a bit more fashion oriented and something a lot more clothed. I wanted to make portraits of Alessa, not Satelina. I was happy with the set and wish Alessa the best of luck as she continues her "world tour." See you next time in Tokyo Alessa!
Everybody Loves RaymondMeet Ray, a multitalented dude from Florida. Ray is a genius when it comes to science. He is a machine when it comes to preparing healthy snacks. He is a master when it comes to yoga. Ray can play the guitar. Ray can sing. Ray can even play chess. And yes, Ray has a six-pack. What did a man who has everything not have? Ray did not have a set of fashion photographs showing what a boss he actually is. Here is where I came in. Ray approached me about getting some images of him for a variety of reasons. He needed shots of those mental abs for his yoga business. He needed profile pictures for his other business ventures and he needed some damn dreamy portraits, well, just because. After speaking with Ray a little more about his needs, we decided to shoot Ray's portrait set in studio instead of on location. This way, we could control the lighting (and we could avoid the bad weather that was in the forecast). We made a date and got the set that Ray needed in a jiffy. Now Ray has everything. Are you interested in a fashion session of your own? Contact me today to reserve your portrait session date!
Meet Nell FoxFor several years I have known Jillian Robbins (a.k.a. Nell Fox), manager and member of the White Lies Burlesque troupe in Seoul, South Korea. Jillian has always been a huge supporter of my photography. I jump at the chance to work with her both individually and with the White Lies troupe.
Jillian is a talented jazz singer, dancer and can seemingly fashion a wardrobe accessory out of thin air. Moreover, she is stellar in front of the camera. I was delighted to have yet another individual portrait session with Jillian. Into The Woods | Fashion PhotographyMost shutterbugs have specific tastes when it comes to photography. Many only shoot one or two types of images (landscape, fashion, wedding, etc.). I don't. I love it all. I am in heaven when photographing a model. I am in heaven when shooting landscapes. Likewise, I am just as happy when shooting families, couples, events, editorial assignments and even food. I just love to shoot. Though, I must admit. There are types of photography that I appreciate more than others. Fashion is one of those genres. To most, fashion photography is just a good looking person in clothes. To me it is much more than that. Fashion photography incorporates imagination and fantasy. It has its own aesthetic and is so far removed from documentary and editorial photography that I cannot ignore it. While I am certainly no Richard Avedon or Sebastian Kim, I adore shooting fashion portrait shoots both on location and in the studios of Tokyo. Whenever I have the chance, I love to work with models to create editorial sets. Thanks to to the talented Steve Wilcox for coming out and to Julian Woodhouse for his excellent styling. Model: Steve French
Styling: Julian Woodhouse |
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