Models: Michael Busch and Esmarilda Dankaert
Make-Up Artist: Francois Nel
Location: Studio, Johannesburg, South Africa

I met Mike last year when I did Mornè's shoot. Some of you might recognise him from *TehHuskeh's gallery as well.

When we met during Mornè's shoot, we had a quick chat about getting together for a shoot and now, almost half a year later, we finally got to it!

I briefly came out of hiding to do the shoot, because Mike was in Johannesburg (he's from Durban) for another appointment and I'm SO glad that I did! Not only did I get to work with him, but I also had the absolute pleasure to work with one of my favourite models again - the always beautiful and amazing Esmarilda.

I left most of the planning for the shoot up to them and I must admit - I didn't really prepare anything for it. I got some shots from Mike for reference literally a week before the shoot. So, in age-old Johann Marx tradition, I just winged it!

Considering this was my second couple shoot ever, I should have been better prepared, but when you work with talented models like Mike and Es and add an exceptionally talented make-up artist like Francois to the mix, your job is really easy.

The big challenge for me was to come up with something fresh and new for my portfolio. I didn't want to do the usual stark lighting that I have been doing for a while now, so I tried different things with the lighting. Things that I hope will pay off and breathe some new life into my portfolio.

I did quite a few solo sets with Mike by himself while Francois was getting Es ready for the couple section, so I'm going to start off with those before I get to the pièce de résistance - the couple set

I'm not going to ramble on for too long, because I'm very excited about sharing these shots with you guys and I hope you like them. I am trying something new style-wise with these. I hope I succeed



I'm looking forward to hearing what you guys think, so bring on the feedback, please?

Thanks guys!

Cheers,
J.