10 Years - 10 Best Helios Images - (#9) Countdown

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Model: Denielle Aduba

Technically speaking, this image has so many flaws. The lighting is dynamic but hugely flawed. The clarity and sharpness isn’t as precise as it could be. The shadows are clipped and it is over-processed. Yet, based on reviews, comments and critics from over five websites and blogs in conjunction with our assessment, we’ve selected it as Number 9 out our top 10 images over the last decade.

It’s over 5 years old but this photo shoot still produced more keeps than any other photo shoot we’ve ever had. That’s not to say that those images came from just a few looks. Nevertheless, we had a enormous amount of keepers. It was our first foray into expanding “production value” (more on PV later) for all of our photo shoots. We began to spec the makeup, the hair as well as develop styling for wardrobe itself. We built a set of sorts and seemingly floating platform. We included props and special fx. It was our earlier realizations that to insure consistent quality that we needed to take ownership of the entire look and that meant full styling autonomy. 

We also experimented immensely with gels. We knew the look we wanted and we went for it in what we conclude as having above average results even for a technically flawed image. We’ve found that most of the best images throughout photographic history need not be technically perfect. In fact, the most famous ones are not. Even so, they set an atmosphere. They tell a story or exude a feeling and stir emotion. We wanted a beautiful ethereal and floating feeling as made possible with the fog and gels. The fashion need not be designer threads at the time but it needed to be relevant and appropriate. 

I recall thinking when she arrived that this model was the most beautiful young woman I’d ever seen to date. Even without my knowing at the time, she set the physical benchmark for everyone we worked since I’d first seen her. In my naivete I thought, this is what every model should look like. Not to say that beauty doesn’t come in all body types. It is simply to say, that she was intoxicatingly attractive. Ironically, she was not technically a model but more a passive model enthusiast with some latent interests in modeling. But she responded excited to the invitation made to her by who was to become my chief stylist.

Denielle began the shoot quite shyly and timid. After a time she slowly fell into the role with ease. While not having nearly the level of experience of models we would later have the privilege of working with, she did very very well. It would be such a shame to see such potential wasted. 

We went on to work with Denielle once more but as they say, “It’s Never As Good As The First Time.” Even so, we love that she chose to work with us. 

10 Years - 10 Best Helios Images - (#10) Countdown

It was possibly one of the worst photo shoots I’ve ever had. But as results go, this image easily made it into the top 10 best as number 10. 

I’ve always felt that a model, a really really great model has to tow the line somewhere between arrogance and confidence. I for one, believe that at times it can be difficult to tell the difference. However, this wasn’t one of those times. There was no line here. That same arrogance/confidence balance emboldens me to do what I need to do as a visual artist to move to a higher creative potential. You see when we approach a project, we need to enter into it without doubt. We do not care at all for the shy, the timid, the weak, the doubtful or the unsure. When we hesitate the shoot falters and we never come to full a creative realization and will forever linger in what could have been. That’s a waste of time and resources; ultimately it’s a waste of money. But what happens when a model thinks herself far better? It’s doesn’t make for a good time that’s for sure.

It only took about five minutes into this shoot before I wanted to leave. I was constantly reminded how she was “doing me a favor” for some reason. I was actually told that I should feel privileged to be there and how no one has ever had an opportunity to be in her personal lair and I should feel “special.” It was kinda sickening. 

In hindsight, I largely blame myself. She can only be responsible for herself and not my own actions, attitudes or opinions. I mean who really cares what I think right? I could have simply packed up and left. Here is how I would do it different. First and foremost, I would not take on the project. It's that simple. I didn’t know her. I had not checked references or spoken with anyone else she had worked with. I also realized that people have different ways of expressing themselves when they’re nervous or uncomfortable. Some of them brag, others develop very negative attitudes, some get quiet and shy, too many others talk too much or do not talk at all. Since this shoot, we’ve had models get upset stomachs while others do the absolute worst thing and cancel before the shoot even commences. 

To this day I have never had a photo shoot so surreal. It was just bizarre. I've never had a model like this one in terms of personality. It just doesn't happen to me and has yet to happen again. A couple of hours after this photo shoot, a friend asked me "how did the shoot go?" I hesitated and said that I honestly didn't know. I was confused by the entire episode. I also know now that no matter how talented two people are, sometimes the collaboration was not meant to be. You just feel like you should hit reset and go back and have a do over. We may make great friends but we should probably never ever work together. Some relationships are just that way. At the time the atmosphere of it all was simply not conducive to a positive collaborative experience. 

After it’s all said and done and after a couple of years have passed and I’ve had time to reflect on the shoot, I’ve deemed it as a positive experience. I got a few fantastic images out of it. I will not take away from her the fact that she is a talented model. The experience also drastically changed who we work with from that point on. It changed the when, the where and what assignments we take. It caused us to limit our barter projects to almost nothing or under extremely special circumstances. The experience forced me to re-write my model release to the betterment of largely the model but also me, the photographer. I now include a full discussion before and after the shoot about what can be expected from me and what is expected from the subject before during and after the shoot. I learned so much from this shoot despite my having photographed people for several years and never having a situation as unusual as this one.

This really isn't a reflection at all on her ability but a review of what we feel our strongest and most memorable images are over the last several years. Yet, it's difficult to be objective about any image you've taken as a photographer. It's more about results. It's a cost-benefit analysis of all the things it takes to get there and most non-photographers can't appreciate the effort without having the background or having experienced it themselves. 

Since she has never used a single image from the entire shoot, I can only conclude that she felt like crap about the shoot too despite the fact that many of the images I had taken could arguably be among the very best of her known portfolio. That’s alright with me. But I know a great picture when I see one. I know a great model when I work with one. Therefore, nothing will stop me from giving her the credit she’s due. She is a beautiful and talented model and for that I thank her for the opportunity and sincerely wish her all the best.