Model Mayhem Group Shoot - Take Two

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It's been a long time since I've attended a Model Mayhem(MM) group shoot, to be exact it was February 15, 2009, and figured it was time for me to test my skills, again.  If you are a photographer that wants to take a shot at photographing models and don't know where to begin, I suggest finding a Model Mayhem Group Shoot and get yourself invited. It isn't like your typical Meet-N-Shoots.  There is a high margin for error when you have to coordinate among locations, models, wardrobes, hair stylists, photographers, sets, food, props, etc... and where time management is everything.  However, the variety of models, sets, make-up, props and expertise is worth it.


I believe it was around September, while on a two-week hiatus, I messaged a buddy, MM photographer (Tim a.k.a PhotoCPA), and noted that he hadn't updated his port in awhile.  We began talking and he promised to kick my butt if I didn't attend this next MM Group shoot.  How could I refuse an offer like that?  The scheduled date was October 18, and I began contacting other models, make-up artists, hair stylists and photographers to see if they would be interested in attending.  As the time drew nearer and the Talent list was sent out, I started communicating with one particular model, Danielle.  I really like her exotic look and wanted to include her in my "White Sheets" series.  She agreed to it and so when Tim provided the layout of the facility, I requested the set against a wall with two floor-to-ceiling glass brick insets.  This would make for some real simple lighting, all natural window light and reflectors.  I did lug my studio equipment along, and only needed to use it for two shoots.  As you can see from the images, the lighting worked out pretty well.  No flash needed, but I did request that the overhead sodium vapor lights be turned off, they were bright enough to cast that yellow-greenish tint.



The event officially started at 11:00 AM, but I figured I needed to set-up my gear and make sure I found the place, so my son, C.J. and I left Bakersfield a little before 8:00 AM.  We ran into some fog that cut visibility to 300 feet for about 30 miles along Hwy 99, and then made it to Kerman by 10:00 AM.  It took about 30 minutes to unload and set-up our spot.  While we were waiting for the event to start I met with other photographers from S.F. Bay Area and surrounding cities.  Also, Tim and Alex (Fax Photos) invited a local camera store to the event, "Boots Camera", and they brought a plethora of lights, modifiers, and other toys for us guys to play with. Nice!!!  I demo'ed and ended up buying an Interfit tri-reflector holder.  It's a really sweet device.



By the time 11:00 AM rolled around, all the sets, props, models, wardrobes (including bridal dresses from a local Bridal Store) and vehicles were in place.  Yes, vehicles, we had motorcycles, a 1940s Lincoln Continental, and a trike?  It was like being a kid in a candy store.  Just a lot of visual stimulation. Danielle arrived on time and as soon as I saw her I introduced my self and said, "Let's Get It Started".  She changed into a cream colored sweater and we began shooting.  I used my light meter and the exposure info was F/2.8, ISO 200, and Shutter 200.  Although it was a sunny day, there were still some clouds to contended with while shooting.  During my shoot with Danielle, Tim asked if I would impart some info with the newbie photogs. "No problem, Tim."  It really wasn't a problem, but the only downside in helping out other photogs is that you set-up the shot, lighting, pose, and the newbies click away at my concept.  Okay, so my concepts, or shoots aren't unique.  After a half-hour Danielle decided it was time for a wardrobe change.  She spotted a white wedding dress with a red ribbon sash.  We figured that would look sweet on the all black Harley.  I set-up the shot, brought over one strobe, but again was surrounded by other photographers.  So I stepped aside and let them photograph Danielle. Yeah, I'm rambling.  At one point Tim mentioned that the gentleman who brought the 1940 Lincoln Continental is still sitting outside with no one using his prop.  Fortunately, models Dave and Diana were ready to shoot, so out to the car we went, but one thing that struck me was that the car's white paint would act as a nice reflector.  Sweet!!!


So there was still plenty of models to shoot, but it was getting late and having a two hour drive still ahead, my son and I left at 5:45 PM.  It was a great shoot and definitely worth the drive.  Fresh faces are always fun to work with and the photographers, regardless of skill level, were willing to share knowledge and provide feedback.

Shout out to Tim and Alex for putting together an AWESOME event!!!

What did I learn?
1) If possible, go for the easiest lighting set-up possible. I can't tell you how many Pocket Wizards were on the same frequency and were getting tripped.
2) Don't get hung up on one model, work with as many as possible since they'll get plenty of shots to choose from.
3) Have an idea of what you want from the shoot.  A fellow photog, Josh Martinez, got some really great shots from the event.  He was a madman, running around from set to set.  Check out his slideshow from the event:

That's A Wrap!!!

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