Yesterday I had the opportunity to shoot my very first fashion/fine art photosession as the primary photographer. During the winter months I want to make an attempt and build a fashion / fine art portfolio. I have always wanted to try this but just the thought of trying something I knew NOTHING about made me want to tuck tail and run. I’ve had experience with studio lighting and have assisted on quite a few fashion-type shoots, but never once have I done anything similar where I was the head/only photographer. Over the last little while I’ve been going through an inner monologue with myself, and with the help of many great people around me inpiring me every day I have decided to leap.

A few weeks ago I met a makeup artist by the name of Hailey at a networking get together and we immediately starting organizing ideas for photoshoots in the near future. Once I mentioned my fiance Grit was a hairstylist, Hailey was STOKED! Hailey had this amazing idea for a ‘Virus-type makeup’ that she wanted images of and was very dark and organic but still gave room for the model to incorporate a feeling that was very sexy and fashion-like. Right off the bat I was envisioning what it would look like, but when Hailey and model Iulia came over Wednesday morning and the transformation began, my jaw dropped.

I am looking forward to making mistakes on this journey because I know how amazing it feels when things finally all click together!

Enter: My first solo Fashion / Fine Art Photoshoot

Hair: Grit Becker
Makeup: Hailey Howse
Model: Iulia
Photographer: Michael Wachniak

For Photographers: The entire session was a one light setup with an approx. 50″ softbox and 42″ silver reflector for fill. All images processed in Lightroom with my own custom presets. 1 image in this entry was taken into Photoshop for further dodging and burning.