I’m not a fan of cigarette smoke.  For me, a mere whiff typically means an instant headache and nausea.  My mom smoked when I was young.  (She’s going to love me for outing her like this.)  I would often wait until she wasn’t paying attention and stamp out her resting lit cigarette.  I was such a brat.

So when Forbes called me to make a portrait of Jan Verleur, CEO of the e-cigarette company, VMR, I mentally prepared for a headache.

Turns out, the VMR corporate headquarters is walking distant from my condo in Miami AND e-cigarettes don’t really smell.  AMAZING!  So after an easy commute, we set up two separate shots- both involving smoke, because no matter how stinky, smoke pretty much always photographs well.

The first set-up was a studio style portrait in front of a seamless backdrop.  I really like this chestnut color.  I might have to use it again soon.

Next up was an environmental portrait we set up in Jan’s office.  His dog Princess is always by his side, so naturally I had to include her in the photo (although, based on her expression, I’m not sure she approves of Jan’s smoking habit.)

 

Here is a link to the complete Forbes article online,

https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2016/05/05/can-e-cigarettes-survive-the-war-against-vaping