Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Recent "Fitness" shoot with twenty six year old Sergeant Ames, Jessica M, USMC who came to the attention of a Marine Corp recruiter while participating as a varsity pole vaulter in a track and field event. The rest is history... She now has her fellow Marine's backs and they have America's back. Semper Fi

The second image is for the makeup artist on the shoot and btw, Jessica also wanted to do fashion... enough said...

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Bridal Ball Gown with Sweetheart Neckline by David's Bridal

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JD750 Loc: SoCal

A most interesting set of completely different images. A juxosition, in post might make an interesting composition.

As for Ms Ames, I want to extend my gratitude for her service.

CO

Excellent! The edgy lighting is a great match for the fitness theme of the photo. Her serious expression captivates the viewer right away. I like that you thought about the small details like turning the dumbbell weight so that the lettering "30" is visible and towards the camera. This would be a great photo for a recruitment poster to get more women into the Marine Corps.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

jdalton thank you for your observations and thoughts on Sergeant Ames efforts here... She is a joy to collaborate with and has amazing body awareness seldom found outside of those with extensive dance training... Her ability to preform on set with finesse is to be cherished as well as her dedication to duty as an NCO in the Marine Crops. Also my compliments on your editorial fashion "Model Shoot" with Avery who works her hands in the aforementioned with compelling elegance in many of those captures... kudos to both of you...

CO thank you for your keen observations on illumination and yes the devil is in the details... as for a recruitment image for the Marine Crops? You are way too kind, I'm not at that level, not even close... They have the finest commercial teams available to craft imagery for that purpose... Albeit Jessica's gorgeous honey blonde tresses would make her an ideal candidate for such a PR mission... btw I invested time to see exactly how these lady Marines style there hair while on active duty... Interestingly a ballerina hair bun is a frequent flyer here... necessity being the mother of invention...

Again thank you both for taking the time to reflect, it is deeply appreciate...

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thank you Thomas. And I agree with what CO says about a recruitment image. It is a powerful image showing strength and character.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks for posting, Thomas!

I especially like your use of the rim or "kicker" lights in both images. Great eye contact and expression!

I know the Sargent is not a "body builder" but I have a tip for you. Those kicker kicker work wonders for the musculature of the body. Of you show a bit more of the torso and let the light, from between 90 and 135 degrees form the camera/subject axis, skim across the subject- you will get some nice muscle tone. You have them do a few reps and flex gently!

Geeee! My old drill instructor didn't look like that- he was this big kinda ugly dude with a personality to match!