One of the biggest problems I've seen, especially in the editorial aspect of modeling since the 80's, is a failure of the production values to balance the focus between the model and the product being presented on or with her/him. The product, being inert, cannot be faulted, so the onuses are upon the art director, the artist and the model. Here is a perfect example of getting it right that actually outdoes what goes on in most of the high-end magazines. I've often advised beginning models, especially if they are averse to figure modeling, to find an art department at a college or university and model for drawing and painting classes. The practice is immensely valuable if for only one thing: If the model can come away from the experience being able to pose dynamically with poise and aesthetic flair wearing nothing at all, how much better won't that make any fashions, costuming, accessories, or sundries (perfume, liquor) look? Leaving aside the impeccable composition of the photographer (love how he used the color and pattern of the stone to actually frame your head and torso!) and the expert hands of the MUA, there is the model and what she does with the prop at hand. You definitely have a great talent for making yourself a canvas upon which clothing of whatever material becomes like a painting on your body. That the dress is designed in a liquid pattern emphasizes this and your pose brings that unique texture and colors out. The high mistress heels act like a pedestal in this kneeling pose and their lace straps are a beautifully subtle touch! You gaze is appropriately neutral (not engaging the viewer's eyes) yet very alluring the the way you direct your eyes at an off angle as if something has your attention. What makes the pose so effective here is your hands, and even the ways the fingers are placed. Normally, I tend to prefer the model to keep the fingers together but their position here hints at activity and power. Moreover, the arms, hands, and fingers create a beautiful contrasting S-curve of brightness to contrast the dark, reversed one defined by your figure in the dress. Having the hand on your side hip with the open fingers creates that energy which would be lost if the hand were brought toward the rear of the hip or small of the back as what some models would do. This is not only a perfect catalog picture but stands alone as an exposition of alternative glamour in a high-end context. If it were any other model wearing this outfit, I may nor may not wish to have something like it for a shoot but with you, I definitely have the satisfaction of seeing a beautiful, original piece of alternative fashion on a model capable of showing it off in the best possible way. That is what any designer hopes for when their creations are presented and I hope Polymorphe and Passional both take notice!

Pros: I like the contrast between the smooth, shiny latex/vinyl and the rough rock background. This is a good method of showing off the outfit and making its presentation more intense. The model's posture and pose are striking as usual, showing us only what matters for the purpose of the image. The ambient light reveals enough of the background and the dark areas of the outfit to ensure that the viewer can see every detail. The makeup is strong and unique, and complements the model's complexion, without being distracting.

Cons: Position of her hair over her right shoulder; it blurs what should be a strong line between her right arm and the right breast, one of the features this outfit usually deliberately "projects". The camera-mounted flash leaves a distracting shadow behind her, but luckily isn't overpowering. There seems to be an uncontrolled light source which highlights her ankle and left hand to the point of overexposure.

I would suggest using a shorter shutter speed and use a couple softboxes to illuminate everything, This will help in both the overexposed highlights and the harsh, "hugging" shadows. Good work, Toni and Brian.