The Model Weekend

This year has been pretty busy already, in addition to my full-time job, I've had three shoots in six days.  I rarely shoot back-to-back on the weekends, but there was no reason to turn down the opportunity to shoot with two stellar models.

SATURDAY: Back in October during my Lighten Up and Shoot Seminar Mayte was kind enough to be our model for one of the two days.  After the class, Mayte said she would drive out to Bakersfield if I would help update her portfolio.  She also asked if my buddies Rob and Brian would be in attendance.  I have worked twice before with Mayte, once at Venice Beach and the other at Union Station.  Both Rob and Brian were also in attendance on those shoots.

Mayte asked if we could shoot the first week of January and before I realized the time had arrived.  Mayte lives east of Los Angeles and when she arrived at my house, her first comment was "I had to take FIVE freeways to get here."

One of my prerequisites is that the models I work with be able to do their own hair and make-up, it's more of a preference than a rule. So Mayte arrived ready to shoot.  The weather forecast was dry and partly cloudy. We headed out to a local park along the Kern River suggested by Rob. After a couple hours we headed back to my studio for additional portfolio development images. By the time we finished, it was 8:30 PM and Mayte arrived home close to Midnight.

SUNDAY: The following day was my shoot with LUSH Model Search Winner Joy.  We arranged to pick-up some outfits and accessories from LUSH HOME and Boutique, and asked Clara Torres to collaborate with us.  Both agreed, thankfully.  I persuaded my son Drew to assist me on the shoot, which he reluctantly obliged ;)

As opposed to Saturday, the weather prediction for Sunday was 70% chance of rain with highs in the High-40's.  We headed out at 1:00 PM to a local park with hopes that the trees still had some leaves.  As we pulled up a light drizzle started and although the original intent was to shoot with Joy in the Jeans and Skull and Crossbones Tank, I liked the Flannel Shirt she was wearing, so we kept it on for that series.

We then moved to another area of the park while Joy changed into a sweater and brown boots.  As we shot, the wind picked up and the clouds got darker.  Easy fix, change the White Balance to Cloudy and maintain a "warm" feel.  As we were leaving, Drew noticed a tree and Joy quickly climbed.

We then packed up, stopped by Starbucks to "warm up" and then head Downtown for another wardrobe and locale change.  This time Joy would be wearing a dress and some heels.  Joy is a statuesque 5' 10" and in heels...  Well, I needed a step ladder.  The wind continued to blow and the sky was darkening even more.  I decided to use my Apollo Orb to help add some direction to the light and with the SB-900 gelled with a 1/4 CTO gel, add some warmth to the light.

Finally we stopped at Dagny's for our last wardrobe and another brief "warm-up"/bathroom break.  We headed down to a frequently used alley locale, and after spending 10 minutes setting up and taking about a dozen images, the rain started.

We packed up and headed to the AMTRAK Train Station, but the Depot was too crowded, so we shot at Mill Creek.  The rain continued and I could tell Joy was freezing and after 30 minutes we wrapped and headed off for Sushi.

The park images were all Natural Light with the sun peeking out at times, but mostly hazy and diffused.  There was no need for reflectors, or scrims.  The images at the Nile and Mill Creek were shot using an SB-900 and Apollo Orb for key, and SB-600 "bare" for either background or rim.

Quick tangent, there's a photographer I've followed on FLICKR, named Jordan Voth, for the past four years.  I really like his style, which is very similar to the Banana Republic ads and the earlier American Apparel ads. So my personal goal for both shoots was to create similar image with models.

What Did I Learn?

• Bring Warm Clothes - It was REALLY Cold and although Joy did really well, I still felt bad for her.  I should have brought my trench coat.
• Be little more specific with Wardrobe - One of the outfits, at the store display, had a scarf that matched the dress.  I was "hoping" they included it.
• Work on recomposing - At times the focus points don't line up and so I slightly tilt the camera.  Not a good idea since the focus softens.  Instead focus and the move the camera in a linear plane to the subject.  I know this, but forgot to do it. 

Big thanks to my models, Mayte and Joy, Make-up Artist Clara,  and LUSH Home and Boutique.  

Now for a few outtakes :)