Model Session: Shante | Leighton DaCosta, Charleston Fine Art Photographer
Model Session: Autumn in the Summer
Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
I wanted to post about the awesome session that I did back in August with Autumn. A beautiful model based out of Jacksonville, Florida. Autumn, is also an awesome singer!
Autumn was a blast to work with this summer day at Amelia Island beach. I want to thank Michal May for doing the Makeup. Michal is moving to Dallas, but I hope that this isn't our last session together.
Once again, I got to work with Shameka Wilcox of The Kimberly Clarke Salon in San Marco, Jacksonville, FL. I loved the color and fun look that she added to the session. I always love the energy that she brings to the set.
This was also the first time that I got to work with Sarasota and South Florida photographer, Carlos Catagena. Carlos added much valued expertise to the set and helped create some AWESOME SHOTS!
Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
The Technical: Camera: Nikon Df. Lighting: Natural light, SB800 with a DIFF60 Light modifier, 5 in 1 Reflector, Sekonic 478DR, and Pocket Wizard +III's and X's.
Nicole's Test Shoot
Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Model: Nicole
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Makeup: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
Last month I had a great opportunity to work with international Hair Stylist and Educator, Shameka Wilcox of the Kimberly Clarke Salon located in the heart of San Marco in Jacksonville, Florida. The purpose of this session was not necessarily for a client, but as a test session.
Normally when we hear the phrase "Test Shoot," normally it is in reference to a model having a session testing her "camera presence" for usually an agency firm. I have always felt that when working with new people, when possibly, to have a test run between all the players. This allows for a more efficient process for clients. The Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, and Photographer are all on the same page, which allows us to provide the client an UNBELIEVABLE experience.
Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair Stylist: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta
I routinely work with new MUA's and Stylists for the first time, but there is something special when you walk on set and it there are familiar faces and voices. The energy is there. Our model, Nicole, had worked with Shameka before, and as of late, I have done several sessions with Davianne previously, but this was the first time that all three of us had worked on a project together. With each one, the energy gets better and better. Can't wait until our next session.
Hair Stylist, Shameka Wilcox tends to model, Nicole Snyder's hair between frames.
In the Fashion, Beauty, and Hair industries, test shoots are crucial for all participants as they grow within the industry. It can be anywhere from an agency/firm testing out a model's presence in front of camera, a photographer's ability behind the camera; or even serve as a pre-shoot of sorts to act as a rehearsal before the actual shoot. In a business where time is money, I have made it a staple to get as much practice as possible in between assignments, so that when the actual assignment comes up, it is handled in stride.
Thank you ladies!
Technical talk.
Nikon Df with 50mm f/1.8 lens and one Profoto B1 with a 28" Beauty Dish.
ISO 100; 1/160s; f/8 for most images