All photos are the property of Michael Todd
R. Dodge Woodson
I was conducting a routine talent search for photographers when I discovered what you are about to see.
Michael Todd has graciously donated the use of his work to this publication, and I thank him. All photos here are taken by and property of Michael Todd.
When I first saw the photo above, it stopped me in my tracks. Yes, the model is beautiful on her own, but Michael’s style knocked me over.
In this article we are going to look at more of Michael’s work and discuss the elements of each image.
Starting with the lead photo, it is nearly perfect! Some would say that the background is too close and distracting. I can see that point, but I like the texture created by it.
Notice the use of shadow in this shot. With the slight exception around the cuffs of the model’s jacket, the lighting is flawless.
I have studied this shot numerous times and each time I am drawn to its dynamic feeling, texture, and mood. I LOVE the look!
This model and set gives us a very different perspective of Michael’s work.
The two pulling factors for this image to me are the model’s eyes and hair. Notice how Michael used a white background with a blonde model and a dark background with dark hair in the second photo.
Is the model’s top wrinkled, or is it styled. The top is carefully styled to play with the lighting. This is another nice portrait.
Notice the model’s hands. See how they are positioned? What is the first thing that goes through your mind when you see this? The heavy iron decorative structure seems to be a frame that she is bound to. Is she a captive, or is she a VIP inside of her security gate?
Check out the eye shadow. It ties in with her sweater and the iron work. The model’s lip color coincides with the main color in her shirt.
There is an argument to be made over composition here. That is debatable. All in all, it is a fine image.
Could it be better? I have never seen a photo that couldn’t be a bit better, but this one is good and the model and photographer should be happy with it.
This image evokes the feeling of an extremely fit, athletic woman who is comfortable in her own skin. I think the eyes would stop a train dead on its tracks.
Long, flowing, brown hair gives me the feeling that cooler weather is coming and the model is sneaking in one more run before it is too cold to enjoy the jog.
Whoever chose the top did a fantastic job. It is extremely simple and accents the model without taking anything away from it. The model’s taut body makes this portion of the shot.
This could be a glamour shot, a stock shot, an advertising image, and so much more. It is a photo that can sell well in a multitude of markets.
This model, the look, the pose, and the surroundings captivate me. Notice the unusual angle that the photo was created from. This is a very nice touch.
The surroundings and background are a mixture of hard and soft, not so unlike the model. She appears to be strong minded and full of ambition while maintaining a bit of softness that makes her a challenging, but desirable woman.
I don’t like the way the black bra is exposed in the center of the dress. This is a no-no in my opinion. Choosing a dark color for the bra even as it appears beneath the fabric of the dress looks like a poor decision to me. Perhaps Michael was making a statement that is lost on me.
I think the earrings are a nice touch. Not too much, and not too little. The style of the dress, where it shows horizontal lines would not work for heavier models, but it is a great accent piece here.
The model’s hair and eyes are great and I feel like I am looking through the viewfinder at her eyes each time I look at the image.
The pose gives the model what I would call “Attitude”. She wears it well!
Here we are with the same model, the same dress, the same hair, and the same earrings, but with a VERY DIFFERENT photo.
I would have cropped the top edge slightly to remove the distracting dark marks which may be windows. Aside from that, I don’t think I would change a thing.
It is obvious with just this brief portfolio of his work that Michael Todd is an accomplished, pro-quality photographer with a special flair when it comes to working with models.
Again, thank you, Michael for allow me to use your photos in this article.
Life is Best Seen through a Canon L Lens
RDW
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