February 2012 Photography commission for Palacio Caravajal Girón, Plasencia, Extremadura, Spain

Michelle travelled with her crew to Plasencia in Extremadura to the location of the Palacio Caravajal Giron, a former palace lovingly restored (down to the very last detail) by Antonio Doblas into a luxurious modern, cutting-edge hotel. Crew members: stylist Pam Elson, digital work-flow Cheryl Gatward and photo assistant Joaquin Alarcon.

The shoot involved shots of the interiors, high dynamic range (HDR), food shots, images of the local produce and chef Ramon and his creative kitchen staff.

Hotel Palacio Carvajal Girón – Plasencia. Luxury Travel.

The hotel is a harmonious balance of up-to-date high-tech elements within a restored historic palace; every aspect of this spectacular edifice has been repaired and restored to perfection. It was a real pleasure to shoot there for Michelle, and she wishes Palacio Carvajal every success.

February 2012 Curso de Especializacion de Fotografia Contemporánea Internacional, CAC Malaga, Andalucia, Spain

February saw the beginning of a visually mind-blowing journey for Michelle; a six-month course at the CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo). The course, Curso de Especializacion de Fotografia Contemporánea Internacional (International Contemporary Photography Course) is organised by the Fundación Valentin de Madariaga in Seville, and the CAC Málaga.

The course focuses on contemporary art photography, covering techniques of plate cameras, lectures by art critics, the differences between constructed and direct photography, fashion photography, the portrait and the self-portrait, the nude as an art form, abstract and realist photography, street photography, panoramic photography and high dynamic range photography (HDR), the history of modern day contemporary photography and the works of the great masters.

On the international scene, the course examines the works of the Helsinki School, the Dusseldorf school of the Boston School of photography, tendencies from America, China and Japan, to name a few.

Eduardo d’Acosta, who runs the course, is a leading specialist in contemporary photography. He has degrees in History of Art and Publicity from the University of Seville, where he lectures in photography. He also teaches at the Valentin de Maderiaga Foundation and the Contemporary Art Museum in Malaga. Eduardo´s work has been exhibited in several Spanish
contemporary art galleries and has formed part of many effective advertising campaigns.

On the international scene, the course examines the works of the Helsinki School, the Dusseldorf school of the Boston School of photography. Tendencies from America, China and Japan to name a few.

Overall it’s a visual bombardment of contemporary art photography of which Michelle is relishing every second.

February 2012 Andalucia Bike Race, Spain

On 27 February the Andalucia Bike Race passed through Estepona, straight past Michelle’s studio; she managed to capture some images of the cyclists for Andalucia.com as they whizzed by.