We recently returned from our latest trip in Nepal, and this time we added a new string to our bow - we completed a little big photoshoot in country!
I had been super busy the few weeks before we left organizing this thing from scratch - while we had already worked with an amazing photographer, we had to find everybody and everything else - two models, a hair and makeup artist, an assistant and a stunning venue!
The location was the first to be found. As I really wanted to showcase the culture of the Newari people from Kathmandu, I hunted around for a traditional Newari house we were allowed to shoot in. I found Tahaja Hill in Bhaktapur pretty quickly and locked it in!
We next found Aayushma who is just beginning her modelling career and had worked for some other international brands. She recommended her sister in law Lisa for the hair and makeup artist position. This thing was coming together!
After hair and makeup it was time to all sit down together, have some breakfast and get to know each other a little bit. The home made breakfast was a highlight - traditional Newari pancakes and yogurt with fresh fruit, handmade bread and locally churned butter. We basked in the warmth of the Winter sunshine and chatted like we were all old friends!
The first shot of the day and it seems that we had accidentally dressed both models as twins! We do love that colour combination.
(Sneak peak of our new corduroy skirt and mens trousers!)
Yo fell back into his familiar role of photographers assistant, and got to work with the reflector. The low light first thing in the morning meant we needed it for most shots. It can be blinding for the models though!
The middle of the day proved challenging for Anuska with the direct sunlight, and we found this scenario happening (below). He needed the model to be well lit, but the camera to be protected from the sunlight. A cluster (gaggle?) of assistants popped up!
The below window scene is a common (and amazing) feature throughout Bhaktapur architecture; we HAD to get a shot here.
The doorways and windows fascinate me in Kathmandu! We were lucky Tahaja Hill had so many beautiful little scenes to work in and around.
(Sneak peek - our new corduroy pinafore coming soon!)
We had a fabulous day and can't wait to show you the images! It was a Winter shoot though, so you'll need to wait a couple months for the products to start appearing online.
Until next time,
Mel
