I was recently given the opportunity to work with the most talented photographer, Erin L. Hubbs of Greendoor Imaging, on a new project she's started - Dash of Light. Erin is getting back to her roots and coming home to the basics of simplicity and beautiful lighting, inspired by the great photographers from the 1930's and 40's. I've noticed in the most stunning portraits, the sets are simple, and the lighting is more natural.
With so much technology today, anything can be changed in a picture. The lighting, colors of outfits, makeup smudges, stray hairs - all of these things can be changed by computer programs, resulting in a completely different look than what you started with. In Hollywood’s Golden Age, however, photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists did not have the luxury of photoshop – they had to take their time and get it right from the beginning. The team of professionals would choose a set, lighting and poses for their subject that would benefit and balance her features. This is what Erin and I set out to do with our shoot.
It was very refreshing to find a simple and elegant set for the models. It proves the point, that sometimes, all you need is to keep it simple - have a beautiful person on a beautiful set, with a team of professionals who take their time to get it right. I'm a perfectionist by nature, and I take too much pride to let someone sit in front of a camera without being perfect - not if I can fix it first! It was wonderful working with Erin, who had such a good eye for lighting and non-forced poses, and was able to bring out the best in our models (who happen to be real women!). We made a great team, and our work proved that if you do it right the first time, the organic end result is so much better than a strained, unnatural one.
Working with Lori, a talented Musician, and Molly, a Real Estate Broker, was so much fun. I loved watching them get into the character of an Old Hollywood Actress - the glamour really suited them both!
All people would benefit from the type of portraiture that Dash of Light provides. What better way to treat yourself in this economy than to transform into a glamorous and beautiful person, and have a glorious portrait of yourself on your wall - one that you will cherish for years to come.
Hairstylist for Ms. Wertz: Laura Washington
Makeup Artist, and Hairstylist for Ms. Prince: Adrian Howe, Beauty Sophisticate
