Credits
Photographer: David Mecey
Hair and Makeup Artist: Michelle Van der Hule
Model: Dominique Sharpe for M Model Management
(Personal Work)
Comments from David follow the images. Click on any image to see it larger.
Comments from fashion photographer David Mecey:
I met Michelle, my makeup artist, in 1992 through a mutual friend, Venus Swimwear Photo Director Lou Maggio. At the time he was planning a swimsuit catalog shoot in Jamaica and had met with Michelle to view her portfolio. I was one of the photographers going on the shoot, so I was there as well. The work we produced on that shoot was terrific, so the relationship has continued through the years. Due to her enthusiasm about how I light, she tells me I’m one of her most favorite photographers with whom to work. That’s a huge compliment…
Our pre-production meetings are either via phone, text, or Skype. Basically I had approached Dom [Dominique, the model] about doing another ‘test’ (we had shot before several weeks earlier) for a few more varied looks for her. She excitedly agreed, so I contacted Michelle. I told Michelle the direction I wished to take, but also let her know that she had free reign on how to approach the makeup and hair. I told her what I had asked Dom to bring as potential wardrobe, which allowed for Michelle to plan the direction she wanted to pursue with her makeup. During our talks, we even considered wigs (we both enjoy working with wigs and we had shot Dom wearing a wig a few weeks ago, which turned out very nice).
The other part of pre-production was my continuing watch of the weather! Here in California, especially near the beach, there is a tendency for overcast skies, courtesy of an ‘onshore flow’ during June and July. So living in the Marina del Rey area, I was hoping for a day to shoot that allowed for sun, not clouds. Well, miraculously, we got a break in the mid-afternoon with sun. It lasted for only a couple hours before the clouds came back again. But we got what we needed done.
As I mentioned, the shoot lasted maybe two hours or so. I shoot very fast so we did our indoor stuff while the clouds were making up their minds to part ways, then as soon as the sun appeared, ran out to do our outdoor stuff.
The lens I used was mostly the 70-200 f/2.8 Canon zoom. I love this lens for its range and allowing me to go from a fairly wide shot to a close, very intimate portrait without moving. I use the Hensel Porty Premium along with the Hensel Ringflash. LOVE this unit. It’s my workhorse ‘go-to’ unit for shooting fashion on location with mixed light. The battery (I have three) lasts forever. It’s rare I go to the second battery unless I’m hitting it hard with full power pops during the day. And the Ringflash can be used so many ways as a key light. By the way, I rarely ever use the ring flash actually on my lenses. I almost always use it off camera. The roof top shots were shot in that way. Besides the Hensel Porty, the other item in my stash for shooting outdoors is the California Sunbounce. Though I did not use it on this shoot, it’s another of my ‘go-to’ items in my on location travel kit.
The amount of retouching was minimal. I don’t much like the ‘Barbie-plastic smooth’ look so many people are adopting for their images. Though I know it’s a very popular look, to me, it takes a little more of the humanity away from the models. Though I did remove a couple of minor blemishes (and they were tiny) mostly what I do with my retouching is to make sure of correct color and exposure (which is actually pretty much right on, as I use a meter).
Fashion+Light is operated as a labor of love, and a benefit to the people who participate. We don’t charge anyone anything. But we would appreciate if you’d click a product link above, and go buy something at Adorama (our affiliate partner). That way we can keep the lights on and the servers humming. Thanks!
Traveling artist
Killing pics! The upper ones have kinda N. Kidman look..
Jul 26, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
Andy
Great shots. Love the soft look.I do mostly wedding photography but also do a little fashion
Aug 01, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Solonic
Absolutely wonderful photos, great job!
Aug 03, 2010 @ 2:52 pm
dc sports header
What a beauty! Fantastic pics!!!
Aug 04, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
produce images photo
She looks beautiful. This is one best example of real and excellent photography. the photo have captured the emotion of the subject perfectly. It’s really a work of art.
Aug 07, 2010 @ 2:06 am
Ashok
WoW !! See the real holiness of the photography. The photographer did not violent any rule than he took a nice photo. These is called really “photography”. I Like it.
Aug 25, 2010 @ 3:42 am
Ian Arthur
A nice set of images. I particularly like the catchlights in the eyes and the way you’ve lit the pictures. Nice inspiration. Thanks
Aug 28, 2010 @ 2:57 am
Timothy
Love the light in the eyes, and compositions. A few would look a bit better if a bit sharper, other than that I like them.
Sep 22, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
Adam
great! like a famous movie star.
Oct 06, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
PK
awsome model, good light and right shot- all you need for a nice photo! well done:)
Dec 22, 2010 @ 5:04 am
cath
Drop dead gorgeous model and wonderful shooting location. Very fantastic!
Jan 18, 2011 @ 12:12 am
Firenze
The last couple of photos looks like a new model as she has different looks with the sunglasses.
May 02, 2011 @ 8:29 am
khareen
She’s beautiful.
May 24, 2011 @ 7:58 am
Tom Hawkins
Great set of pictures above! Great exposure and a very beautiful model. PERFECT!
Jun 21, 2011 @ 10:43 am
Al
I can say to do fashion photography is not an easy task.. because in fashion photography we have to think about so many things such as main object in the picture, lights in the picture and emotions of model.. so I have seen all those photos.. and I can say this was the fantastic work.. good work you did..
Jul 12, 2011 @ 11:52 am
Maria De Faci
Fantastic glamourous photo shoot!
Nov 19, 2011 @ 3:43 pm
David Sutphin
Nice work – gorgeous model. 5th one is killer!
Dec 11, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
Posie
Great pics and great model!!
Dec 22, 2011 @ 8:29 am
Bart
Awesome model, and the photos look great!!!
Fantastic work!!!
Jan 16, 2012 @ 7:12 am
Bobby
These are great shots. I love the sunlight and, believe it or not, the natural wood color in the background of the first three against her hair. (Can’t resist–gotta love a ginger.) Thanks for providing insight into the process.
Feb 02, 2012 @ 8:01 pm