My Mojo

Several of my photography friends know that I've been following Artist/Photographer Jan Scholz, (a.k.a. Micmojo) for over a year now.  When he started shooting digital he found many annoyances with the digital sensor and started shooting film.  His work is inspiring and emotive, the lighting, composition and posing exudes fine art, which is something I've been lacking with my work.

I was fortunate to have been introduced to Eddy almost two months ago for my Pole Dancer themed shoot and afterward I asked if she would be willing to work with me whenever I wanted to test out ideas.

As I wrote earlier, I've been wanting to do some work that is similar to Jan Scholz and when the opportunity presented itself, I knew Eddy would be perfect for the shoot. Most models want to "mug" for the camera and treat each session as a JC Penny portrait session. I don't mind them wanting to look directly into the camera, but emote instead of the typical "smile" or Facebook pose. What helped was that I send links of Jan's work and another photographer (Fox Harvard) to Eddy.

We shot at The Padre Hotel, in the Pocket Room, school has two sets of adjacent windows. All the images in this post are Available light with the occasional use of a reflector, or by opening and closing the blackout drapes.

During the session, I ran into the restrictions of a digital sensor, blown highlights and blocked up shadows when the is very contrasty, which is not something new to me. By keeping the sheers closed and drawing a majority of the drapes closed, I was able to control some of the light.

What did I Learn?

• Find the "right" model - this doesn't mean they have to be stunning, or physically fit. It means finding one who is comfortable in their own skin and can comprehend your suggestions or direction. Eddy meets both requirements and also does her own Make-up
• Light Control - I brought my scrim and some clamps in the event the sheers weren't working, but going forward, I'll bring my black muslin to help block out more light
• Relax - If you're not getting "the shot", continue to praise the model and move around and change the pose, lighting, or perspective

In the end, I think achieved what I had set out to do and hopefully you agree that these images evoke a different emotion than my other images.  Next step will be to shoot a similar style, but using only film instead of using photo-editing software to mimic film.  I'm still looking to define my style.

And what is a post without an outtake!?!

Thanks Eddy for being you!!!