Sometimes it’s great to just throw everything out the window and do some crazy stuff! Yep, nothing perfect, clean and “normal”, just something crazy, different and fun! Let the imagination flow so to speak! That’s why this generation is actually … Continue reading →
I am a self-taught photographer who has an instinctive approach to photography. Maybe for the more technically advanced photographer I may be lighting my subjects incorrectly, but I feel this is what works for me! Technical know how is very … Continue reading →
I collaborated with Toni Malt, my good friend and fellow creative on a hair and makeup shoot called “Ethereal Geishasm” The look was a gradual progression experimenting with various black hair wig pieces combined with edgy, modern makeup with some interesting new techniques.
Inspirations
Our lovely model was Ira, originally from the Ukraine but currently resides in Dubai. She has worked in Europe for several years and is a joy to work with. Tall, slim and really works the room.
We shot in my studio with a simple beige background. The great thing about experimenting is that one can change if one feels that the light wont do the look justice.  The lighting consisting of a Profoto Acute 2400 pack, a strip light, beauty dish, hair light and my trusted silver sunbounce. The sunbounce really gives a kick to you photos when you want to lighten the shadows but keep up the fashion look. I shot with the D700 with the 85mm and 70- 200mm lenses and must say it is still a wonderful camera after all the new models that have come on the market since then!
Some behind the scenes photos
I want to thank Toni and Ira for all their hard work and was a pleasure working with them.
I was very excited to shoot for Garnier Hair Color for Al Aniqa (Zahrat Al Khaleej). Shooting for theses brands the brand identity is very distinctive and it was important that it was kept in line with the international brand look & feel but suited to the Middle East market.
Garnier Look & Feel
Keeping this in mind when incorporating it in my shoot I went out to look at our site. We decided to shoot on site at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. The hotel has a very corporate feel to it with lots a geometrical angles to it. Valeria Mertsalova, Public Relations Coordinator at The Ritz-Carlton was my contact people. A lovely woman who showed me around and indicated which places I could have access to. As this  was a busy hotel we have to keep in mind that guests privacy comes first and we would need to work around this aspect. For this reason we decided that we would be shooting outdoors for continuity but if there is an opportunity we would shoot indoors.
Hotel Details
Our team was made up the lovely Dina Yassin, with whom I have worked with before and sweet Katie Cousins, a freelance hair & makeup artist. Our lovely model was Carol Webb from Mansion Models. We had a great time shooting together and was able to get 8 different looks for the client. Â They were very happy with the result.
Dina suppling us with the clothing credit numbers!
My trusted assistant Evelyn posing for the test shots!
Katie adding some finishing touches to Carol’s hair
I want to thank Valeria for been such a gracious host and looking after us! Also to the great team who helped put this shoot together and big thanks to Souha Abbas, Manager, Special Editions (Publishing) – Abu Dhabi Media for allowing me to be part of Al Aniqa editorials!
Photography        Belinda Muller
Hair & Makeup     Katie Cousins
Styling             Dina Yassin
Assistant           Evelyn Garcia
Model              Carol Webb (Mansion Models)
Location           The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre
Here are some extra photos from the shoot! See you all next time!
"AL ANIQA - 70's Flashback" Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
"AL ANIQA - 70's Flashback" Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
"AL ANIQA - 70's Flashback" Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
"AL ANIQA - 70's Flashback" Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
” AL ANIQA” Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine
“AL ANIQA – 70’s Flashback” Zharat Al Khaleej Magazine
70’s Flashback! Extra Shots
70's Flashback! Extra Shots
70's Flashback! Extra Shots
I had the wonderful privilege of working again with Souha Abbas, Manager, Special Editions (Publishing) – Abu Dhabi Media. She is a wonderful client who has allowed me to experiment on my shoots and supported me in my photography.  The summer look for 2011 definitely has a strong 70’s playfulness feel to it. So I decided to take this element further and incorporated the look and feel further into the hair & makeup as well as styling.
Moodboard – Look & Feel
We had originally wanted to shoot outdoor and in the end decided to shoot in a studio. Hot Cold Rental was a natural choice as these guys have a great support network and always open with advice. I also had my first experience working with HMI lighting and I must say I’m hooked. Â After discussing with the guys my lighting setup they advised me on the HMI lights. They truly give a beautiful daylight which you can add fill as you see fit.
Studio setup - HMI Lighting
Our team consisted of the wonderful Toni Malt (Hair/Makeup), Cindy Coleman, (assistant (Hair)), Natalie Trevis, models Alex Pianka and Paul Frangie from Bareface. It was first time working with the lovely Alex P and she was a real star and professional. A real French Beauty. I have had the privilege of working with Paul on my Kurv Editorial and was delighted that we could worked together again. We had amazing clothing and accessories and was able to really pull out the stops in terms of colors and textures.
Accessories for the shoot
We managed to get 17 shots from the shoot which was a lot considering 4 background changes and was extremely happy with the final result and the team. Â I want to thank everyone who made it all possible. Great work guys!
Photographer: Billie Muller Makeup & Hair: Toni Malt @ Bareface Hair Assistant: Cindy Coleman Styling: Natalie Trevis Models: Alexandra P and Paul Frangie @ Bareface
Here are some behind the scenes shots from the shoot
