In Memory of Monica Haddad
Update! 8/24/2016
I never thought I would be writing this post, remember the nice lady I spoke of in the “One Light Setup” post? Well that remarkable and beautiful lady name was Monica Haddad. From the mannequin exchange we established a great relationship, Back in May I donated one of the prints from the shoot to Monica she was in complete awe, it was just a small token of my appreciation. Since then I have made frequent stops over at the C.A.U.S.E Center not only to make donations I would stop in just to say hi. She was always welcoming and just so kind, she even made jokes about all of the clothing I would bring. Upon my most recent visit I was stricken with a great deal of grief when discovered that Monica was fatally shot. Initially I was distraught I could not comprehend what I was hearing, I thought to myself who could do something so heinous. I honestly don’t know what the urge was, but I had a burning desire to stop by, as usual I gathered all of the clothes I could to take over there when I arrived I was just astonished by the news, she was killed a week after my last donation. The Jersey Journal reports state, “Monica Haddad, 44, was killed Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide carried out by her husband” Although it for was for a brief moment in time I truly thank God for allowing me to cross paths with such a pure and angelic soul. She has impacted so many and she will be missed tremendously.
The "One Light Setup" video was inspired by the really nice people over at C.A.U.S.E CENTER THRIFT SHOP located 741 Bergen Avenue, in Jersey City. They are just a beacon of light when it comes to providing food and assistance to the less fortunate in the community. One day dropping my mom off to the doctor I passed by the thrift shop, that is where the mannequins in the window caught my attention. I got so excited I made it my business to further scope things out. I later stopped in to inquire about the mannequins, there was a really nice lady who greeted me. She informed me unfortunately the mannequins were not for sale they only used for displayed. It appeared my eagerness peaked her curiosity, she then asked what was the purpose!? I acquainted myself informing her I am artist and photographer, I was interested in using one of the really cool mannequins I noticed in the window. I gave her a quick peek at my portfolio from my phone, she was blown away. She smirked and said " I will let you borrow it free of charge, on one condition, you must be responsible it bring it back" I replied, "DEAL" Just like that it was done. I told her I would keep for two weeks and she told me it was fine. I was so happy when I got home, my mind was racing with ideas. I had to devise a plan to have a little fun all while putting out something cool and informative. You know me guys I am always trying to help, this is how I give back!! : )
So I wanted to demonstrate for you guys the power of a "One Light Setup" With this one light I was able to get so many dynamic shots that range from contemporary to dramatic. Check out some cool BTS, raw and retouched images from the shoot. As I mention in the video it is a "Test Shoot" so honestly guys I was just having fun experimenting.
Camera Gear
5D MarkIII
Canon 70-200mmF/2.8 USMII
Canon 70-300mm
64GB Transcend CF Card
Tripod Gitzo G 2220
Mathews C-Stand
Avenger D520L 40" Extension Pole
AlienBee 800w
24" Fotodiox OctaBox
Kanova K5 Slider
Check out my BTS video "One Light Setup" video
Check out my retouching "WorkFlow" video.
Check out my "DIY Reflector" video.
This is how I originally saw the mannequins only they were in the window. Can you pick out the mannequin I used for the shoot?
The left side of the mannequin is being accented by the HDV-Z96 96 LED with a red gel.
Capturing some sliding shots with the Konova K5 slider
Here I added
