People ask me all the time, "What is your favorite type of photography job?" While I really enjoy shooting weddings and fun portraits with couples and families, the job like the one represented above is my favorite: editorial portraiture. It's challenging on multiple levels. You have to decide on a concept based on the subject's personality and unique characteristics. You have to plan out the technical aspects of equipment and lighting in advance. You have to quickly develop a repoire with your subject so that they trust you to take direction and play along with the concept. But when it all comes together—WOW—it is rewarding!
It doesn't hurt to have a subject who is beautiful, talented, humble, hard-working, and yet still easy-going either. Or a hair stylist, makeup artist and several assistants there with you. It was extraordinary working with Rashida Jolley, former Miss DC, America's Got Talent contestant, and who is currently playing the harp on Lady Gaga's world tour. She stayed for several hours to get all of these shots before heading into the studio to do some recording in the afternoon. Find out more about Rashida at www.rashidajolley.com.
Mie N Yu in Georgetown generously allowed us to use their space to do this shoot. Every room is beautiful so we had lots of options for set ups and backgrounds. Rashida's cover shot and interview in On Tap magazine comes out this weekend so make sure to pick up a copy!
