Ashleigh Sharman goes behind the scenes with photographer and videographer Brandee Meier on a recent beauty shoot.
As the official photographer for Professional Beauty magazine you’re likely to already be familiar with Brandee Meier’s work. Primarily known as a commercial photographer, Brandee has been shooting editorial and advertising assignments for over 15 years — now turning her stylish eye to videography.
“I started dabbling in video when I purchased a Canon 5D Mark III; the HD video capabilities on this camera are just incredible. People are shooting short films and TVC’s with them these days so I figured I should expand my knowledge seeing as the camera had the capabilities: I also could see the market was calling out for it. Video offers an additional medium to my clients to accompany the stills, especially useful for extra web content. I have the studio, the lighting and the infrastructure so it’s another string to add to my bow,” says Brandee.
Putting her skills to the test, Brandee called together a stellar creative team for a bohemian-inspired shoot. The small team included fellow videographer Peter Collier, makeup artist Melisa Tomic, hair stylist Cara Leupuscek and model Brijahn Grigor whose portfolio test shots inspired the exotic gypsy look — according to Brandee, it was all in the eyes.
“It really happened quite organically on the day. Melisa had some new colours she was keen to use and I let her creativity flow. I find you get the best out of creative people when you tell them your vision and let them interpret the brief as they see it. Cara then took over with the hair, finishing the look,” Brandee explains of the photo shoot and accompanying behind-the-scenes video footage.
Taking on art direction of the shoot, the project was Brandee’s from start to finish — allowing not only creative freedom but learning and experimentation with video so as to offer a new service in her studio. Yet what Brandee understands more than most is the power and importance of imagery and that those who realise its value are the most successful.
“We’ve all looked at an ad campaign or a web site and said “it looks dodgy”. If the photos aren’t good we don’t get a sense that we want to invest ourselves in the brand. Consumers need to feel that the brand has credibility and investing in great images is a large part of creating that “want factor” for consumers. Good photography simply works.”
Make Up shoot 4 hours In 40 seconds from Brandee Meier Photography on Vimeo.
For more information contact Brandee Meier Photography on (02) 9550 6123, email studio@brandeemeier.com.au or visit www.brandeemeier.com.au.