Personal Information:

Name: Jason Inman

Explanation: I was trying to create a late 60′s feel… inspired by the television show “Mad Men”

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: In trying to recreate a  1960′s/”Mad Men” feel, I think Jason Inman pretty much nailed it! At least with the styling and hair + make up. And casting too! I’m pretty much liking the lighting as well, the subtle fall off on the curtains in the background, actually…the over all set lighting all in all is so good it takes the viewer to that very place. I love the girl, she’s got a bit of the Angelina thing going for her. And who doesn’t appreciate a sexy smoking shot?? Great job, Jason!

Personal Information:

Name: Mudita Aeron

Explanation: This was my first shoot with a male model and I wanted very boyish shots but with allot of attitude..I loved the body language of the model and thought this was the best jump amongst all!

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: There were a lot of great submissions this past week but the feel of this shot stood out for me. There is a lot of energy in this shot….the jump is really good, the model is relaxed but emoting for the camera. I love the black and white, too. Styling is good, and the hair is excellent! The male model has a great look which is pretty easy to capture, but still an interesting choice for Mudita to go with. Casting is such a big part of fashion photography! Love the shot, Mudita, and for being your first time working with a male model, I say, shoot more of them!!

Personal Information:

Name: Kristy Furg

Explanation: The model, Stephen from Next Models really inspired this shoot. He is such a modern day James Dean. I couldn’t resist the urge to make him a starving artist in the shoot.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I like how natural the model appears in the photograph. It does have a very modern James Dean feel and I’m all about shooting men recently as we haven’t been really promoting or talking about male models of late. The model seems relaxed with the photographer which reads for a good shot. Good job, Kristy! Keep it up!

Personal Information:

Name: Ricardo Gonçalves

Explanation: I wanted to give the look of an high fashion pose, mixed with my personal dark taste.

A beautiful evil look.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I thought this shot was really well executed making for a very strong fashion image. I love the use of black and white and the vignette effect bringing the viewer’s attention to the center of frame. I think the model is strong enough to pull off the dramatic look, the high fashion and the dark mood. And after reading Ricardo’s explanation of wanting to blend high fashion with his personal dark aesthetic, I believe he pulled it off. Very good styling and hair and make up, Ricardo. The hair styling is very good, so my compliments to the artist.  This shot reminds me of Joel Peter Witkin’s work. He was one of my favorite photographers when I was growing up. I think you did a great job on this shoot, Ricardo!

Personal Information:

Name: Scott Hugh Mitchell

Explanation: I wanted to create an Image that told more of a story and had some motion in it. I had my assistant throw pages of this old book from the loft of this natural light studio in Paris where we built this set. The story is of this young broke writer who trys to escape his work but cant seem to.

Melissa Rodwell’s Critique: I never look at the name when I go through the SOTW submissions, but when I picked this shot, I was pleasantly surprised to see Scott Hugh Mitchell’s name under the photo. Scott has been to my workshop 3 times and I’m  happy to see that the workshop’s are paying off for him! First of all, I love the set and I LOVE the model. It’s a very strong shot, it does tell a story. The styling is strong, the make up works well on this shot, even though sometimes make up can go all kinds of awry on male models, it doesn’t on this shot. The lighting is perfect for the moody feel of the story and Scott’s composition is A+.  Great job, Scott! When you come up to the house for that drink, I’ll toast you in person!