Yes, that is his real name.
I loved shooting this test with Eric in the studio, the idea was to use denim garments in different shades and colours, and really just focus on simplicity and expression. I kept the light quite consistent with a few variations, to ensure the images sat well together. Eric was brilliant, despite being quite new to the modelling scene. I’m excited to see where his career takes him.
Eric is represented by GTR Global
I’ve been testing a lot in the studio lately, but a few weeks ago I had my youngest model on set yet. Harvey Petito is making a huge name for himself in Melbourne, and no wonder- he is a champ! I had been following Harvey on Instagram for a while, but had never thought to ask if he wanted to test. But a little emoji comment on one of his pictures caught the attention of his mum, Sharon (who manages his account), and it snowballed from there.
I was really excited to work with Harvey, because I hadn’t worked with a model of his age and experience before. What I liked was that he was just himself. Asking questions, telling puns, eating the lollies that I purposefully placed out on the bench. He was full of energy, but also knew how to work the camera. It was fascinating to watch, and I found that I approached the shoot and my way of reacting to him differently than when I shoot older talent. I really liked that fluidity, and the way that we both kind of adapted to each other’s rhythms.
One (silly) idea that I had, was to do quite a dark portrait, involving Harvey holding a squid. Something quite deadpan and a bit faded or washed out. Long story short, I couldn’t get a squid, but I did get a garfish, which provided a bit of fun and a little bit of “grossness” to the set. Something different, that’s for sure.
Thanks Sharon and Harvey for coming down to the studio- I had a great time, and I think I would like to do more testing with young models. It’s a different way of thinking and working and I liked that a lot.
On a cold, wet, miserable day, I had a shoot scheduled with Marlon, a new recruit signed with GTR. Poor Marlon is from the more northern shores of Australia, and was down in Melbourne for only a few days, so the cold was probably a shock to the system. In any case, he was such a trooper, and a pleasure to shoot. I’d photographed his sister earlier in the year, and his father is an ex model too, so it must run in the family!
This was Marlon’s first test, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him. He moved really well, and wasn’t afraid to try out a few different poses and techniques. He also took direction well, which can be hard for newer models.
We both ended up getting really soggy by the end of the shoot, but the overcast weather created excellent light for photographing, and so I was pleased with the results. Marlon’s new agent was also thrilled, instantly sharing the images all over social media. I don’t think this is the last time I’ll see Marlon- if he wants to continue modelling I have no doubt he will go places!
^ My favourite image from the shoot – the colour of Marlon’s eyes really shines here.
Sooo excited to see some of my retouching work gracing the cover of Elite Property Management / Elite Agent Magazine. Featuring the fine folk at Melbourne Real Estate (MRE) South Yarra.
The photographer is James Braund. I assisted on this shoot, and also did the lighting and retouching. It was such a good day, especially capturing the group shot which contained over 30 people! Read about our efforts in James’ blog here. (You might even spot me in one of the behind the scenes photos!)
Below is the retouched group shot, which was not only inside the magazine, but is going to be printed on metal, at a gigantic scale!
カメラと私 