I recently did an editorial photo-shoot for the Al Aniqa magazine with the handbag and jewelry brand, Aigner. (Note: I was not responsible for the cover shoot (Photography: Hywell Waters)) This was also my first shoot working with my new … Continue reading →
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. 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 toSouha 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!
