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Kiwi, as most refer to her, is a Southern California artist that I met several years ago while I was back in the chilly North East. We were more like “virtual acquaintances” – connecting and communicating across different creative communities, where the name associated with her portfolios would differ from Melissa Nichole, Mae Fitch, Kiwi Monster, Kiwi (and I think there was a Kiwi M in there, too).
Last year she surprised and flattered me by starting to paint one of my photos on wood. (finished version)
Always intrigued by her beautifully unique look (she’s part Native American), I asked Kiwi if she’d allow me to photograph her. Without much convincing we found some time to get together over the past year. Incidentally, she showed me around some amazing areas out in the desert east of San Diego where I wound up getting some great landscape shots and returned to on my recent road trip.
Aside from painting on wood, Kiwi delves into a variety of creative ventures – including photography. She is known to pick up non-traditional cameras and films, like the medium-format Holga, which she’s been tinkering with lately. When we went out shooting together a few times, I noticed that she truly has a different perspective when she looks through the viewfinder. You can find some of her photography and other art on flickr until she gets her act together and finishes her portfolio website.
love your eye.
what kind of camera and lighting setup did you use for these shots? they all have a very different feel to them.
Thanks, Dave.
All of the shots of Kiwi in this post were taken with a Canon 40D body with different lenses and lighting.
– The flannel photo was simply a diffused bounce flash on camera.
– The shot of her laying down used a small softbox and a shoot-through umbrella.
– I used a ring flash for the fun shot of Kiwi with her furry hat and gloves.
– The final shot, believe it or not, was shot hand-held with only candle light. Image Stabilization (IS) lens, of course.
The pics are truly awesome.
She looks like a genuine and great person (and a beautiful one at that)
And yes, I wish I was only half as good on Portraits (or Photography) as you are, grin
I love the last photo of her. Really vulnerable and soft yet she is not timid or weak pose. It’s like she trusts you, things have calmed down and she is inviting you in (emotionally). The lighting works really well here. Wish I was a photographer and could give expert critique, but I am just a non-pro appreciator of talent.