Makenna's Test Shoot
31/Aug/2010 09:33 PM
Today I had the great fortune to photograph Makenna for a future project called “The Forever Tea Party”. We used Leu Gardens as a backdrop and enjoyed perfect weather, a variety of flowers and many varieties of butterfly.
Sometimes you get lucky and run into someone who is a natural at posing. Makenna is just that. I point her to an area and she does the rest. All I have to do is shoot.
Casting is just beginning for this project and I hope to start shooting in March or April. The project is in the form of a still frame movie with dialog and soundtrack.
I will be posting additional project information regarding casting needs and the like in the near future.
A Break Before the Storm
21/Aug/2010 06:10 PM
Taking a short break today before the frenzied shooting schedule resumes next week. The Murder City Project resumes with shoots on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday bringing the total completed shoots to 18. The last six shoots are much more complicated and will require additional time and resources to complete. I finally have an opening date for the Murder City Project and will announce it in a future post.
As the current project starts to wind down our schedule is filled with several small personal shoots and some larger commercial projects. The next large scale project, “The Forever Tea Party” should begin near the end of the year. I am actively casting for this project now. I will post casting notices her in the next few weeks.
All in all, it has been a relatively quite, relaxing day. It is raining steadily as I write this post on the laptop. and the sound is soothing. Tomorrow? Let the games begin!
How Do You Feel?
13/Aug/2010 06:54 PM
The other day I was asked how I felt just prior to a photo shoot. Surprised by the question, I had to think about that for a moment. I never really gave it much thought before now and it made me consider my feelings about many things related to what I do.
I must admit to feelings of anticipation before a shoot but I’m not nervous at all, even when the shoot is very complicated, in a public space or attended by clients. Generally I am preoccupied with final preparations, questions from cast, clients and crew and a myriad of other details. On top of this I am running through the course of the shoot in my head. Again and again working angles, lighting and placement. I think careful planning removes most if not all anxiety I might have regarding a shoot.
Another contributing factor is the competency of the cast and crew. Working with dedicated professionals with a common goal in mind is very reassuring. It is nice to know that other eyes are paying attention to action and sound off if anything is amiss. Working with a new staff has its challenges but as time passes the process becomes ever smoother.
I guess the question many photographers continue to ask themselves is, “Am I good enough compared to my peers?” To be honest I never really ask that question. I don’t worry about other photographers at all. The question concerning me is, “Can I pull this shoot off?” The answer to the question is “I hope so.” I am comfortable with my skills as a shooter and I am always looking to further my experience. If the answer isn’t so positive I take the steps necessary to ensure success. HIt or miss is not a formula I use.
I have additional thoughts on this profession and will share them in future posts.
Murder City Project Interview
11/Aug/2010 09:21 AM
Yesterday morning was pretty hectic around the office. Documentary film maker Bill Suchy and the crew from Vision TV set up shop to interview me and shoot some of the business side of Murder City Photography for a documentary project he is working on. The filming went well but I must say being in front of a video camera is a very different experience for me.
Vision TV member, Orlando setting up the video camera.
Crew member, Barry setting me up for sound with a lapel mike.
Director, Bill Suchy coaching me on the how the interview will go.
“Action!”
In the hot seat for about two hours.
All in all we had fun. Bill seemed happy with his footage and no furniture, people or cameras were broken. Now, like so many of my clients, I am waiting to see the results of this session and their coverage of some of the Murder City Project shoots. All I can say is, stay tuned.
Vision TV member, Orlando setting up the video camera.
Crew member, Barry setting me up for sound with a lapel mike.
Director, Bill Suchy coaching me on the how the interview will go.
“Action!”
In the hot seat for about two hours.
All in all we had fun. Bill seemed happy with his footage and no furniture, people or cameras were broken. Now, like so many of my clients, I am waiting to see the results of this session and their coverage of some of the Murder City Project shoots. All I can say is, stay tuned.