Anywhere But Here

After finishing my last model shoot on Sept 3, I needed a break and figured I'd post *** ON HIATUS *** on my Model Mayhem page. I was receiving a lot of requests to shoot, but I really wanted to do something for my port. Apparently on Model Mayhem, some models only look at two things; 1 )your photos and 2) your title. I was still receiving shoot requests, and although I did have a couple shoots lined up, I figured the ON HIATUS. status would deter anymore requests. Wrong!!!

Anyway, I've been trying to move away from the normal "pretty" or "Hot" shots and move towards more emotive pictures. My first attempt was in San Luis Obispo with my Runaways series, but the lack of grungy, or rundown scenery made it hard to evoke the feelings of despair, discontentment or isolation. So I figured, why not shoot it in Bakersfield. There are plenty of abandoned and dilapidated areas to shoot. It dawned on me that the old International Airport would make a nice backdrop. I drove by there a month ago to check it out and it was definitely in a state of disrepair and neglect. The bonus was that the signage and the Jet statue that marked the entrance was still there. PERFECT!!!

I called the Marketing person at the Airport and she informed me that I needed a $1 million dollar Waiver and the proper paper work completed and submitted before shooting there. BUST!!!, so I contacted the models and canceled the shoot. One of the models, Tonya, still wanted to shoot and said she would help me with an "emotive" shoot.

So we planned two locales for Sunday Sept. 20. a straight and abandoned road and the train station, Downtown. We met at the road and it was mostly natural light except for a reflector and one speedlight, my trusty SB-900. this shot was done with only a reflector. I made sure Tonya was partially facing towards the sun, which I used a my key. The reflector as fill. So the picture above was the result of basic lighting.
Photo Info:
f/2.8
S:1/800
I:100
F:35mm

We wrapped up at 6:00 PM and headed to the train station, Downtown. We did alot of natural light shots until the sun began to set. At that point, the ambient light was perfect, along with the light from the train station. This shot, my favorite, was really simple lighting, really. Just an SB-900 in a mini softbox with a 1/4 CTO Gel. The SB-900 was set to TTL Mode and +0.7 E/V. and the camera was set to -0.3 E/V.

I was asked by many photogs, "How did you get permission to shoot there?" I didn't, but the last time I was there, I asked the Security Guards and they said a lot of people shoot there. I decided that my son would be my human lightstand and would alleviate the need for lightstands and other items that people might trip over, or even take. There was definitely enough ambient light which would act as fill and rim lighting, so all I needed was a key light.

So what did I learn?
1) Travel light and have an assistant if possible. I don't think I would've got the shot if my son hadn't come along, so "Thanks C.J.!!!"
2) Know the locale - Since I've shot there before, I knew there would be sufficient ambient light, I just needed to make sure my Key overpowered any stray shadows or color casts.
3) Have a model who isn't afraid to take direction - Tonya was reluctant to jump on the train, but I promised that she wouldn't end up in Tehachapi.

I had such a good time, that Samantha-Elizabeth and I are planning to shoot there Sunday, Sept. 27.

Thanks for reading and That's a Wrap!!!