Ahoy Mayte

So this post has nothing to do with pirates, but instead with a model named Mayte.  I photographed Mayte back at the end of June this year and since she lives near Los Angeles, I called to see if she was available after my Photowalk. We discussed wardrobe and the two locales I wanted, Los Angeles Union Station and the Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDHC).

Earlier in the day I was warned by our Photowalk compadres that we might have some problems shooting at the WDCH based on their previous experience.  Apparently they brought reflectors and as soon as they started shooting were told to move along.  Well, I brought a nano stand, a mini-softbox and my pocket wizards, but with the latest information on restrictions, I'd have to shoot using Available light.  Not a big deal, I brought my Nikkor 85mm f/1.4.

After lunch we headed to Union Station, and upon arrival I asked the security guard if I could shoot inside.  He said as long as I don't use a tripod or lightstands I was good to go. Mayte went to change into the first outfit while the five of us photographers looked for places to shoot.  Having shot there a year ago, I knew there was a mix of window light and warm fluorescent light, so all I needed to do was place Mayte where the Window light would be the key.

My original idea for Union Station was to have Mayte stand in the center of the Main Hall and hold a pose for about a 1/15 of a second as passengers strolled by.  I fired a couple test shots with Brian as a stand-in and achieved what I envisioned.  Mayte and I set-up and waited for the people to start walking by us.  As the first wave came upon us, they dispersed and moved away.  We waited for the next group of people and again same result.  Ughhhh....so that idea went down the drain.

We moved around the station and ended up shooting outside.  It was about 2:00 PM and the sun was still a little high, so I asked one of the ladies to be my Voice-Activated Lightstand (VAL).  I gave her my SB-900 with an Omni Bounce and had her position 45 degrees camera left high and pointed downward.  I believe I set my camera to -1 E/V and the flash at 1.7 E/V and used Commander Mode from my camera.

After struggling with the light we packed up and moved on to the WDCH.  It's about a three mile drive from Union Station and we had Mayte change into a black dress.  Knowing ahead of time that we might get booted out, I brought  my camera equipped with a 24mm - 70mm f/2.8 AF-S G lens.  We made our way up the flight of stairs and was amazed by all the light that was bouncing around.  Who needs reflectors when the building is basically a silver reflector.

We moved around from walkways to corridors and never had to worry about light.  We shot for about another hour as the sun began to set and got some really warm images.  I really want to go back there again and shoot, but I need to come up with  concept.  I just needed to test the waters with regards to security.

What Did I Learn?

Hmmm...well not much aside from sometimes shoots don't always go as planned, but I am satisfied with what I did get.