First Impressions

I still stay in touch with my model friend Taylor, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in Japan. Taylor messaged me and said that she found my next muse named Jessica.  Jessica and Taylor went to High School in Hanford, and Taylor suggested that I collaborate with Jessica.

As I've mentioned in the past, first shoots can be awkward since the model and photographer haven't  established a rapport. I contacted Jessica and we tossed around some ideas about our first shoot. I also decided I needed to get out of Bakersfield and shoot in Hanford. Locales that may be boring to the local residents can be interesting to fresh eyes.

Weather for our shoot was supposed to be sunny and in the 60's, wrong.  It turned overcast, windy and cold.  Neither of us were dressed for the cool and windy weather, but Jessica was a real pro.  She never complained and kept on shooting even when the weather got really cold.
Our first locale was the Kings River bed, but there were too many ATV'ers and people, so we drove down the rode and found a nice spot.  The sun began to break, but also the wind picked up and then clouds began to roll in.  Ugh...I'll take sunny, or cloudy, but partly cloudy really sucks because the light is all over the place.  I was going to use a softbox, but with the gusty winds, I opted for a bare flash and a 1/4 CTO gel.  I also set my White Balance to Flash to help warm up the rather cold looking light.

We shot along the riverbed for about an hour and then made our way downtown. I spotted a rusty building facing west and figured it was time to bring out Nikon F5.  I chose Portra 160 since I knew it would pretty bright and that I could shoot it at ISO 100 and get some really nice color.  As we got out of my truck, the wind began to blow and the cold air was less than refreshing.  We did manage to get some really interesting images and then decided it was time for a wardrobe change.

Prior to picking up Jessica, I drove around Downtown Hanford and saw China Alley, which is a small street lined with structures that had a somewhat Asian decor.  We headed to China Alley in hopes of shelter from the wind, but it didn't seem to matter.  I also used bare flash for a few images, which really works with Jessica's facial structure.

We finished shooting and dropped off the film at a local Walgreens.  After dinner we picked up the Prints and CDs.  I gave Jessica a copy so she could review and assess our work and decided if we should work together again.

What Did I Learn?

• Not all First Time shoots are mediocre - I really enjoyed shooting with Jessica, I think we understood what each other wanted.  She made the headdress and found a dress that met my expectations.  She posed and moved very well.
• Pack Warm Clothes - Usually I leave a sweatshirt in my truck for the model in the event it gets cold, but forgot I washed it and it was back at home keeping the dryer warm.

I have to admit Jessica really kicked butt with her posing and her expressions.  She has a very good face and physique for fashion.  I am thankful to Taylor for introducing me to Jessica, and "Thanks" Jessica for agreeing to work with me and I hope you had a fun time.  I'll see you in March!!!

... and of course some Outtakes just to show how fun Jessica is to work with. :)