Beauty Images

This was a fairly standard commercial Beauty setup. Four lights:

1 head on a softbox above the model about 45 degrees and about 4 feet away, below the model is a sunbounce reflector which bounces the light back up into her face. The other benefit of this is two nice catchlights in the eyes, which enhances that 'fresh and clean' look.

2 rim lights on stripboxes, 45 degrees behind the model. I love the separation rim lights give, very clean and sharp.

1 backburst flash behind the model against the backdrop. This gives further separation and creates contrast between the BG and the model, giving a glow as well making masking easier.

This lighting is perfect for the more commercial aspect of beauty photography. It eliminates shadows on the skin and is perfect for beauty and cosmetic brands. its not as great for that editorial feel I find, which is more conducive to shadow play and mystery.

Photography: Martin Prihoda
H/M: Billy Bow
Models: Nadine and Cariad.
assisted by Vijit Gupta
retouching: Jatin Lulla

"Dirty People"

*Amendement to this blog post. The issue of workers in Dubai is a complex one and goes far beyond the scope of this blog post and the pictures included. It was my experience during this shoot that none of the workers we photographed appeared to be working in any abusive or substandard conditions. I personally spoke to the owners of the factories and was allowed to walk free through out the factories unhindered. As I mention below, many of the workers spoke freely about their wages and the living conditions on site, though sparse and barebones, appeared clean and humane. The purpose of this project is not to make a specific political statement but rather to simply to collect portraits of a section of Dubai society that is rarely seen, but fundamentally vital.

For many of us who have visited Dubai, we've seen a virtual paradise on earth with streets paved with (black) gold. Unaware to most visitors is the stark and grim reality that much of this sparkling diamond in the desert was built on the backs of poor migrant workers from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, often in unbelievably harsh conditions.

"Dirty People" is an ongoing personal portraiture project and these images were taken in various coal and marble tile factories in and around Dubai.

Many of the workers live on site or in labour camps allowing them to save what ever money they make and send it home to families in their respective countries. Though they were no doubt dirty, most of these folks had bright eyes and big smiles. They happily engaged with us and sometimes even pulled out little cellphones and took pictures of us.

Special thanks to Mike Jones and Urzala Weiss for assisting me on this project. Please click on images to enlarge.