LUSH-ous

Copper

Back on June 25, I received an e-mail from the Manager of LUSH Home & Boutique in Bakersfield, asking if I would be interested in donating my photographic services in exchange for advertising as part of their Drop Dead Gorgeous Model Search.  Without hesitation, I agreed to do the shoot and waited until the Winner was announced on September 1.  The field of potential Models was pared down to 5 and the contest went into full swing.  I completely forgot about my commitment until one of the contestants posted on a Facebook Group to vote for her.  As I reviewed the finalists, one really stood out and I cast my vote for her.  In the end it was the right choice, Joy won the contest and now it was time to uphold my part of the deal.

Kortney, LUSH Manager and I began the arduous process of coordinating a convenient shoot time, along with Hair, Make-up Wardrobe and Location.  After several options we managed to decide on a date and solidify all the details.  Time was of the essence since LUSH was planning to use one of the images for a billboard.

LUSH
I asked my friend Teresa if we could shoot at her studio, since I needed an area for the Hair and Make-up Artist, Wardrobe, LUSH staff and of course Joy and her Mom.  I always enjoy having Teresa on the set, she has an eye for detail that I forget since I'm focused on lighting, composition and conversing with the model.  I brought my 2 Einsteins and an Alien Bee 1600, I almost brought my Ring Flash, too.  As far as modifiers, I brought my Beauty Dish, Grids, snoots, barn doors, reflectors, 86" PLM and ...  CRUD!!! I left my strip boxes at home!!!  No worries barn doors and grids will work perfectly as kickers.  I began setting up and opened up my 86" PLM when I heard a "SNAP".  Last November, Drew and I went to Hart Park and took some photos of him and his Scion tC, when the wind caught my PLM and dumped it on the ground.  No big, it worked throughout the shoot and I was able to pack it up without incident...until today.  So there went my big fill light.  Teresa to the rescue, she happened to have a fairly large umbrella that I used to bounce light.
Teens
I asked Drew to attend the shoot in the event I needed a Male Model.  TANGENT - being Filipino, I'm only 5' 5", and my "ex" is 5' 3", this doesn't bode well for Drew reaching 6'. Further, the pictures of Joy were always 1/4 shots, so I had no idea that she is 5' 9" and with heels closer to 6' 2".  Being short, I've accepted the fact of my stature, but we all got a huge laugh when I had to take a meter reading on Joy.  I contemplated on using my step ladder so I could reach her chin.
Mint
As the shoot started, Joy was a little stiff, but once we started moving around and changing things up, she relaxed and got into a groove.  We shot for about 3.5 hours and went through 4 wardrobe changes. The make-up artist from E AVEDA Salon did a really nice job in changing Joy's make-up as we transitioned from wardrobe to wardrobe.
Red
At the end of the shoot, Teresa suggested we use her gold fainting couch for some closing image and we wrapped up with Joy reclining on the couch.  It's sessions such as this one that makes me enjoy photography and the entire collaborative process.  We definitely captured some really nice images and I'm thankful Kortney and Lindi had faith in me.
Repose in Red

What Did I Learn?

  • Create a checklist of the equipment for the shoot - The night before a shoot, I always move the equipment I plan to use to a specific area in my garage.  I then mentally walk through the set-up of the lighting by identifying the gear.  I set out my Strip box, but at some point I moved it back to storage.
  • Test All Equipment - Don't assume that your equipment will work after being stored.  Test it!!!
BTS1

Once again, a huge thanks to Teresa, of HyeStyle Studio for all her assistance in every aspect of the shoot. Thanks to Drew for being patient even if he was only in three images, Kortney and Lindi from LUSH, and Tawney from E AVEDA Salon.  Of course, I can't forget to thank Joy's parents for having not only a beautiful daughter, but also a very professional and courteous young lady.

BTW, If you live in Bakersfield, keep an eye out for LUSH's Billboard, featuring Joy on Calloway near Rosedale Hwy.

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