Monice, 1992

This image illustrates a trick I learned in the fashion studios of Toronto in the ’80s: bouncing a strobe from a mirror.

I reprised the technique for this portfolio shoot, in the ’90s. It’s a tricky and audacious approach to lighting — the quality is harsh and unforgiving — but in the right circumstances and with the right model it can be effective.

The rest of the composition and pose, I think, was influenced by Irving Penn.