This was a quick session. Matt went to school with my neighbor, a young man I watched grow up since he was seven. So this was one of those "It's a small world" and "I suddenly feel really old" sessions. 

Victoria and I discussed the kind of looks we wanted to shoot well before we met. We both had the same ideas of softly, romantic looks and faux fur. But a funny thing happened on the day of the shoot. As we assembled the pretty, flowing chiffon gown, we realized it looked more like a 1920s style. Luckily, I had pearls and a cloche hat to finish the look. 

Additionally, Michelle, the MUA, brought a gorgeous little fascinator for the romantic looks. So we ended up shooting more headshots than anything else to make sure we captured the pretty scarves, fascinators, and hats. 

Well, I've finally run into a problem with my home studio. There is not enough space for movement. Even simply going on point and extending was difficult during this shoot. 

We worked through the challenges anyway and came away with some beautiful and graceful images. 

Cindy is a dance teacher. She plans to open a studio in the middle of this year. I am very excited for her. She has some great ideas and I really appreciate that she wants to bring dance lessons back to being about dance and enjoying the grace, movement, and art. 

For lighting, I originally put Cindy on a white backdrop and washed the "stage" with light. I love directional light, but when moving, it's difficult for your subject to stay on the mark. So, this approach worked for when Cindy would spin and twirl across the set. 

The problem with the high-key look is that is doesn't look like a stage performance. Also, the vinyl backdrop was a bit slick and I didn't want our dancer to get hurt. So, I switched to more directional lighting, changed the backdrop, and went down to the studio's bare wood floors. Ah...now there's the look I wanted. :-)

This session was bittersweet. Anthony will be moving next month so this was our last shoot together. Anthony told me I was the first photographer he worked with when he moved to Michigan and I am the last photographer he's working with before he leaves. I will miss him. He is eager, artistic, and professional. He trusted some of my ideas even when there was no example to show him. I wish him well with his move and in his future. There are big things waiting for him.

Model: Anthony Marquez
MUAH: Mrs. Kelly Louise
Photographer and concept: Donna Macauley

Shannon and I have corresponded back and forth since the first time we shot together. We both have similar tastes in imagery and we work well together. She showed me several images that I could only describe as softly romantic so we decided to plan a shoot around that theme. 

However, Shannon was able to borrow this fabulous red dress. As soon as she showed it to me, the creativity wouldn't stop. Oh how I love princess dresses. The odd thing is, I like photographing them, but I don't wear girly clothing. Go figure? Anyway, when I saw the dress, I also knew I wanted to pair it with a headpiece that I had. 

Kelly created some very beautiful and soft make up and hair looks for Shannon. She also brought some jewelry to help with the looks.

Considering how well this shoot came together and how well we all work together, this set a great tone for 2013! 

Model: Shannon Sills
MUAH: Mrs. Kelly Louise
Photographer and retoucher: Donna Macauley