The Golden Rule

Photography: Julian Rance
Makeup: Monique Branch
Model: Erika Chase

The Golden Rule is a theme created by make-up artist Monique "Mo" Branch.  After working with Monique on several themed shoots, we decided to kick things up a notch and go in a different direction.  Not only did we call on our muse, Erika, but we also decided it was time to place Mo in front of the camera.  With that in mind, Mo decided to focus on contrasting skin tones, but added a unique twist that included flakes of gold and bronzer that created subtle golden highlights on her and Erika.

As always, I focused on sculpting the subjects with light, but also took a moment to try something different; hi-key lighting.  Initially, I had all but forgotten that the option was available to me thanks to my new 70" octabox, but Erika, who also doubles as a photographer reminded me to place the octabox behind her and take a few shots.  The end result was amazing and reminded me that my creativity only goes so far and I am only as good as the team I am on. 

Photography: Julian Rance
Makeup: Monique Branch
Models: Erika Chase, Monique Branch

I enjoyed this shoot and really want to encourage photographers to learn from this lesson and relax a little when it comes to controlling your shoots.  It's often easy to micro-manage our sets, which results in great ideas being suppressed.  With this in mind, it's only fitting that Mo chose to name this project The Golden Rule.

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