Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Clothing Designer: Talisa Johnson (the client on this shoot)
Hair Styling: Perry Amati @ Bogart Salon
Agency Fashion Model: An enchanting Ukrainian Talent
Makeup & Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: L'Enfant Galerie, Washington, DC

Illumination: A very large window camera left

Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Nikkor
Shot at 36 mm

Food for thought: Window light is highly problematic...
Totally unpredictable in color temperature and intensity.
Avoid if at all possible, a large 4x6 foot softbox is a far better choice (experience is a brutal teacher).

Note: Depicted in the painting (by William Bainbridge Hoff) behind this model is the famous Naval Engage of the USS Enterprise fighting the Tripolitan polacca... After a fierce battle the Tripolitan finally lowered it's colors... USS Enterprise won the day.

This is embodied within the lyrics of the Marine Hymn "To the shores of Tripoli" in the First Barbary War, and specifically the Battle of Derna in 1805 where the flag of the United States of America was first raised on foreign shores by the United States Marines. Least we ever forget...

Agency represented Ukrainian Fashion Model

(Download)

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

As always well done Thomas. I did notice this one has more flesh tone than your normal photos, might have been the makeup artist. The short lighting is perfect adding 3D qualities while flattering the model.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Jim this was quite some time ago.... early on in my digital efforts.
My color management skills were not yet mature...
I may not have embedded the optimum color space or profile in this rendering...

However I had been doing Bridal Makeup for years before this session.
fyi: Recompense for Bridal Makeup is far more predictable and significantly greater than many of my commercial photo gigs. I hold a Cosmetology License in Makeup from the State of Maryland (which allows me to work in Beauty Salons)... Actually worked briefly for Glamour Shots as one of their makeup artist. We used Airbrush makeup there... That was a rather interesting gig.

Thanks again for taking the time to review and comment, greatly appreciated!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

You always manage to take a 10 and make it a 12!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Absolutely gorgeous image Thomas - well done!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I love your excellent photograph. I also thank you for reference to the USMC and our hymn.

Dennis

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind words raymondh and Bill they are truly appreciated!
However this Fashion Editorial was indeed a team effort, I was only one player in the mix.
The clothing designer Talisa Johnson had accomplished the Herculean task of assembling the entire team and booking the venue. And Perry Amati @ Bogart Salon was kind enough to allow me to apply makeup in his salon after he had crafted the talent's hair styling.

And a shout out to L'Enfant Galerie, Washington, DC which allowed this session during normal business hours. Finally the talent were simply stunning and followed direction from both the clothing designer and myself with outstanding skill and finesse.

To share how challenging this scenario was there were actually two models involved in the session... Both were agency represented and a joy to collaborated with. However the second model was showcasing a black satin floor length formal gown which was nearly impossible to illuminate with ambient so a touch of fill flash was used in the image below.

Notice a galerie patron behind the model! Yes this session was in real-time during normal touring hours at the L'Enfant Galerie! Huge distraction to workaround... fortunately L'Enfant Galerie personal helped to mitigate the effect of on lookers. That said my shoot window was extremely limited. Struggled best I could... the session was more like a BTS (behind the scenes) than a formal commercial session.

Again many thanks!

Agency Model showcasing a Floor Length Satin Gown in the L'Enfant Galerie, Washington, DC

(Download)

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your kind words Dennis... truly appreciated!

"...thank you for reference to the USMC and our hymn..."
Dennis growing up in Washington DC one becomes keenly aware of our heritage and the sacrifices made by all those protecting our Nation's freedoms. This city bears witness to some of out country's outstanding memorials.

That said, it's hard to fathom that the British actually touched Washington DC in the War of 1812, however the same British fleet meet their match at the coastal pentagonal bastion of Fort McHenry which successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy from the Chesapeake Bay on September 13–14, 1814.

"The Star-Spangled Banner" i.e. The National Anthem of the United States lyrics came from the "Defense of Fort M'Henry", a poem written on September 14, 1814, by Francis Scott Key.
"O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free And the home of the brave"

Yes nearly all who grew up in Washington DC and it's immediate area are keenly aware of our proud heritage.

Again thank you for your service to our country Dennis it is deeply appreciated.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

My pleasure Thomas. I would do it again even at 76 if the need arose. Keep up the good work.

Dennis

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Another fine example of you and your teams excellent work Thomas. You did have a breathtaking model to work with!

Don

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support Don. Greatly appreciate!

"..you did have a breathtaking model to work with!"
Absolutely! Agencies set a very high bar for who they sign and to put on their roster (i.e. books)
For women it's tall and willowy thin i.e. 5'8" to 5'11" Size 0 or 2... Odd sizes are for petites
For gentlemen, again tall and slender... 6' +
That said on this session it was the Clothing Designer who did much of the "Heavy Lifting"
And the Hair Stylist (who allowed me to use his Salon)

Fashion most always is a team effort... it is the synergy of the combined aggregate that can take a visual statement over the top... On many fashion shoots the photographer is subordinate to the creative director on the session.

Again many thanks Don!

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

Perfection in your art !

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I learn so much from you every time I have a chance to "tune in." You are indeed an inspiration. Thank you.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind words Vicki...
They are truly appreciated especially coming from such a gifted wildlife photographer!

Loving your recent "My Fine Feathered Friends" post... Stellar compositions with dreamy bokeh backgrounds of loving color harmonies...

Simply amazing you accomplished those captures through you windows... Incredible acuity latent within...
You are indeed a master of your craft!

All the best... Thomas

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks so much for the return compliment, Thomas. As you may know, there are many issues shooting through a closed window including dealing with additional reflections and later looking at the shots on the computer and realizing the glass should have been cleaned. In short, I’d love to have your level of skill and vision to do portrait work.