tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71784927080280547522024-03-14T01:37:17.457-07:00Quest for Art - LazyEye Photography - Fashion and GlamourI'm Eric Gruenberg, a photographer who goes under the name "Lazy Eye Photography". These blog entries are various thoughts and observations I've had in wandering along the path that photography has taken me. While I do all different kinds of photography, this blog is specifically devoted to the topic of photographing women models.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-81982834761204982072013-07-06T17:43:00.001-07:002013-07-06T17:43:33.413-07:00Playboy Bunny Shoot?I have not written for my blog in some time. I recently spent a few days with a new friend who mentioned some things she'd read in my blog, and it pleased me to hear that she'd read that. My main purpose in writing here is to express what's going on with my thinking and emotions as I consider, prepare for, execute, and post process a shoot. It has pretty much been my assumption that people, if they read my blog, were mostly coming here to see if I had any more titillating images to view. Heck, I admittedly pepper a few images in here, in part, for that purpose (of course, everything is rated PG).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLJOsBnSSTc/Udi4rROhrEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ajw1Wkc73Lk/s1600/DSC_2060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLJOsBnSSTc/Udi4rROhrEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ajw1Wkc73Lk/s320/DSC_2060.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today I feel like sharing some recent experiences, so I think about where to write them down. I open up by blog, and I am happy to see that quite a few people have been viewing my pages, even though I haven't put any new entries in here for months. The fact is, I love to create images. It could be images through the lens of a camera, or through my words. If there is an audience, that is really appreciated, but in fact it is secondary to the creation itself.<br />
<br />
Onto the topic of the day. Shooting a Playboy model. That's what you all tuned in for, after all.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I was out for a bit of dinner a couple weeks ago with a model and friend, and we bumped into a mutual friend (and fellow photographer), Steve Tolevski. He asked me if I knew (name withheld), a model that was with him. I didn't know her, but I thought she was pretty so I introduced myself. I showed her some of my photos through the tiny pictures on my phone, and she seemed mildly interested. At first she told me she's not living in the area, and then she mentioned that she's booked solid for the next few months (huh?), so wouldn't likely have time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it7rZZ8rM_M/Udi439k75KI/AAAAAAAAAXk/tYfx5LYmuUE/s1600/DSC_2032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it7rZZ8rM_M/Udi439k75KI/AAAAAAAAAXk/tYfx5LYmuUE/s320/DSC_2032.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hadn't met too many models that were booked solid for two or three months - in fact, never. So, what's so special about her? I didn't give it much more thought, but later when they were leaving they stopped by our table to say goodbye. While Steve was talking to Juliette (my friend), I asked this gal how she could be so be so booked up. She kind of let the cat out of the bag, and told me she's going to be the Playboy Model of the Month for (month withheld).<br />
<br />
Wow! Huh?!? Oh, okay, now I can see that her breasts are kind of large for her small frame. That's the attraction (frankly, I don't really notice that so much as other guys tend to). <br />
<br />
So the wheels start turning. Maybe I should try harder to get a shoot with her; if she's famous (or somewhat famous in whatever way Playboy Bunnies become famous), that can help my level of exposure if I shoot with her. So I delve a little deeper with her, and she submits that yeah, there is a two hour slot that she can shoot with me next week, if I really want. So I express my interest, even as she lays down a laundry list of contractual limitations she's presently under. At the moment, I'm blinded by the seeming opportunity and my ambition, so we exchange contact information and plan a 2 hour shoot.<br />
<br />
But later, I think about this some more. I check her online portfolio, and I start to think about what I can do with this model that hasn't already been done. Soon, I do come up with an idea, and the idea really starts to take root with me. I start to purchase some suitable wardrobe to go with the feeling needed for the theme, and start mentally ramping up for it. Then I realize that in a two hour shoot, I will be really rushed to change over to a second theme, and she informed me I'd be paying from the minute she walked into my studio until the minute she left. Her rate was pretty darned steep for me (many models shoot with me just because they like my work; I don't have to pay), so I had a "rethink". I don't like the feeling of having to rush.<br />
<br />
I asked her if we can do just one hour. I set up for the single theme I have in mind, we do the shoot - bang-bang - and she's out the door. She replied that she didn't want to do that, I'd have a two hour minimum, etc. So I decided to pass. <br />
<br />
As she enters into her moment of fame and stardom, there will be an endless stream of guys with cameras (GWC?) ready to pay the price of admission, and anything related to creativity or artistic content would be a secondary concern - if a concern at all. Yeah, she was not the kind of model I would normally be looking for. As soon as I let it go, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDpqbzao28/Udi447aKiaI/AAAAAAAAAXw/afRUpZ0bY7g/s1600/DSC_2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDpqbzao28/Udi447aKiaI/AAAAAAAAAXw/afRUpZ0bY7g/s320/DSC_2048.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's strange how life can be that way. Often we get pulled into a belief that something dangled in front of us is the thing we want, even the thing we need. It's incredible how easily we can lose our bearings, our compass by which we've chosen to live by. For anyone having a desire to pursue art, this can be disastrous. If we forget about what it is we want to say from our souls, and become distracted by what will play to the masses, we'll soon become divorced from our fountain of creativity. It's a dead end, and when the crowd leaves, we're gonna be empty handed (and empty headed).<br />
<br />
I'm glad I let go this time. I don't need a famous model to express the emotion and images in my mind; in fact that would probably get in the way. As it turned out, another model (Jessica Ko, shown in this post) contacted me within a day or two and asked if I have time to shoot. Of course I had time, and I had just the theme in mind, wardrobe already on hand, and everything but the girl. :) She did a great job, even though it was only her thirs shoot ever. I'm not sure if it was the kind of shoot she had in mind or not, but you can see the results here. You be the judge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7WjvWsC5HA/Udi45Fo_TUI/AAAAAAAAAX0/2b9U98c9Jug/s1600/DSC_1680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7WjvWsC5HA/Udi45Fo_TUI/AAAAAAAAAX0/2b9U98c9Jug/s320/DSC_1680.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-88017802642303864402013-01-06T12:40:00.000-08:002013-01-06T12:40:06.813-08:00Time Spent - Not WastedHere I am at "The Coffee Society", not far from my home, enjoying one of the best lattes in the area, and preparing to do a bit of writing. I have to admit that I particularly enjoy doing this, even though I look back and see I haven't made an entry for a good many months.<br />
<br />
I just got back from taking a run in the slight drizzle, after waking up from a long nights' sleep. I look in my living room, and remember that I still have to take down my studio setup, which is in that state due to a photo shoot planned for yesterday that never materialized (I think the model was abducted by aliens - that is the most common cause for photo shoots being abandoned - scientifically proven).<br />
<br />
Here's a shot which partially shows the setup I put in place:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMneqRWk740/UOnXT5nXCwI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8P-nwu1PEfc/s1600/DSC_5550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMneqRWk740/UOnXT5nXCwI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8P-nwu1PEfc/s320/DSC_5550.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
It't a bit dark, I know, but the idea is to give just a rough sense of having a setup in place. It's really expensive to rent just about anything in the San Francisco area, and I can't afford to rent out a studio full time. So I have enough space in my house that I just move all my furniture somewhere else, then set up my backdrop and studio lights to create a photo studio. It's not perfect, but I get pretty decent results, and I know it's more than many other people in this area have. So I count my lucky stars and make it work. (Of course I would love to have 2000 sq. feet, with 18 foot ceilings, etc.). Plus I'm forced to be innovative - that's not a bad thing.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
OK, for all you people who are looking at this blog, I'll treat you to some photos I edited yesterday as I waited for the model that failed to materialize:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PldA8yw3EQ/UOnZvhzmyhI/AAAAAAAAAJk/DsStaWwRa8s/s1600/DSC_2124-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PldA8yw3EQ/UOnZvhzmyhI/AAAAAAAAAJk/DsStaWwRa8s/s320/DSC_2124-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I could be upset about spending the time doing the photo setup, going shopping for clothes, and then taking it all down, etc., but I realize the only thing I can control in this life is my attitude. It's really true. I was exchanging emails with one of my international Flickr friends, and she said something about "I try not to be to excited when I have something, because I know it will eventually be taken away". It's true. Live is ebb and flow, up and down, a time of feast, and a time of famine. Nothing is guaranteed, and all we can control is how we will respond to our environment. My mom used to put it in a really simple way: "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade!"<br />
<br />
The way I look at it, I got a chance to try out a setup I had in mind, and now I can use that same idea next week with a different model. I also got to try out my new wireless triggers (I finally upgraded from the junk I was using, and now have a set of Phottix Strato II triggers - they seem pretty nice!). I also went through my wardrobe inventory thinking of what I'd use for yesterday's model, and as a result of that I have some new ideas for next week's shoot as well. Sometimes it's good to have more time to practice and think, and not hurry from shoot to shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAx-w_ApytU/UOncLEk-2XI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/lkLZNL-n3_4/s1600/DSC_9539-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAx-w_ApytU/UOncLEk-2XI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/lkLZNL-n3_4/s320/DSC_9539-Edit.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
The other thing which I seem to be perennially behind on is editing and Photoshopping the photos. I've got thousands and thousands of photos taken over the past couple years (my D7000 is now at about 45,000 clicks in less than two years). I had done first pass editing and sorting of everything (I do that shortly after every shoot), but surely had lots of goodies waiting for actual photo retouching. So I spent a good part of the day doing just that. I posted a couple on Flickr and a couple others on Facebook, and also sent high resolution copies to the models. Maybe some of them will be surprised to get them. :)<br />
<br />
The other thing I was able to do was start thinking about my upcoming trip. I'll be going to Thailand again in a couple weeks. I won't have much time for photo shoots, but I might be able to squeeze one of two in. So I had a chance to send a few emails out to past models, as well as to a few I have not yet worked with. We'll see where that goes... Stay tuned! Maybe I'll see Miss Phit - Cha (Suphitchayanant, or Love).<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', 'Sapir Sans', Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.633333206176758px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', 'Sapir Sans', Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.633333206176758px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF8uIXEsMz0/UOnevuRVumI/AAAAAAAAAKM/hojZGGNM_jQ/s1600/DSC_9844-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kF8uIXEsMz0/UOnevuRVumI/AAAAAAAAAKM/hojZGGNM_jQ/s320/DSC_9844-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oh - just thought I'd share this. Below is a photo I edited slightly yesterday, but which was taken almost three years ago. It is from the first model photo shoot I ever did. I didn't have any artificial light, and was using a D80 with a 35mm f/1.8 lens. I think it's not too bad, especially for a first shoot. Some of the shots were pretty atrocious, but a few not bad. I hadn't chosen it as one of the best photos at that time, so I do think my idea of editing (or decent editing) has changed since that time. Hope you like it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sORXIGukoyY/UOnejtMWfrI/AAAAAAAAAKE/zKgJrnpR74E/s1600/DSC_1767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sORXIGukoyY/UOnejtMWfrI/AAAAAAAAAKE/zKgJrnpR74E/s320/DSC_1767.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-64010535810077609012012-08-19T19:00:00.000-07:002012-08-19T19:06:22.373-07:00Working With a Pro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxOFX22zZoM/UDGKVff2PqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/fBYPjpfLGkw/s1600/DSC_6784-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxOFX22zZoM/UDGKVff2PqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/fBYPjpfLGkw/s320/DSC_6784-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I love working with the models and developing beautiful images together - something that hadn't existed before we put our efforts together and created something the world would never have seen before. It's a process that gives me a big charge, and even though I like to work with new models, even those that have never taken part in a serious shoot before, there is a distinctive freedom, almost a luxury, in working with a real pro. I had that pleasure this past weekend.<br />
<br />
Through circumstance and a bit of luck I was able to book some time with the lovely Ms. Jacqueline Tang. We had exchanged a few emails, but since she's not in the San Francisco area full time these days, it seemed it would be difficult to arrange. However, I got a note from her a few days before this past weekend indicating that she'd be in the area, and had some time to shoot. I didn't have anyone booked that day, so we quickly put a plan together.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The difference in working with someone who takes modeling seriously, as a profession, became apparent immediately. The first thing I noticed (a liberating experience) was how she responded to emails promptly and thoroughly. We discussed all the usual particulars, and things solidified very quickly. This was a tremendous help to me, as I was able to engage in the tasks of rounding up wardrobe and props we'd need for our concept. Having this level of engagement with her gave me all the confidence I needed to scramble around to different stores and basically put my mind into the creative process for the shots. I spent time sketching the layout of the lighting, reflectors, flags, etc., and planning which backdrops I'd use.<br />
<br />
While I've somewhat come to terms with the "flakiness" of models (it comes with the territory), I'd have to admit it's always a distraction wondering if that's going to be a factor in any particular shoot. Also, in the past couple of months, I've had more than my usual share of last minute curveballs. In this way, Jacqueline's communication and reliability were incredibly refreshing and encouraging. Even the day of the shoot, a few hours before our scheduled time, she sent me a message to confirm she'd soon be on her way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_5QiJD-2f8/UDGXRXpdgNI/AAAAAAAAAIA/tysmwLSNMUY/s1600/DSC_6872-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_5QiJD-2f8/UDGXRXpdgNI/AAAAAAAAAIA/tysmwLSNMUY/s320/DSC_6872-Edit.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next thing I noticed that was a bit extraordinary was that she <i>actually arrived at the exact time</i> we'd agreed upon. I also noticed that she'd brought with her two boxes of accessories (bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.). Little things, but details that add a lot of snap to the shots. <br />
<br />
Upon arriving she was quickly ready to shoot. We started off with the first set, and within two of three shots she was already in the zone. It was readily apparent she possessed a great deal of poise in front of the camera. She knew her look, and how to position herself and hold particular facial or bodily expressions to create the desired effect.<br />
<br />
When it came to posing, again it was easy as pie to work with her. I would suggest a certain pose, which she'd immediately respond to, and then gradually improvise on this to create subtle variety and help us get the desired images. Often, her own adaptation to an initial pose would lead me (or her) to think of a new idea, enabling us to build from there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We finished shooting three different concepts, which included a fair amount of changeover time in my sets, in about 2.5 hours. By the end of the shoot, I knew I'd gotten exactly what I was hoping for, and realized that the only challenge remaining would be to pick the best shots out of the day's work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTItxeLq6mg/UDGYo2cYSeI/AAAAAAAAAII/tu04TNFTP04/s1600/DSC_7055-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTItxeLq6mg/UDGYo2cYSeI/AAAAAAAAAII/tu04TNFTP04/s320/DSC_7055-Edit.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have had the good fortune of working with about a dozen very good models. One of the things that is apparent is that some models really study their own work. When they receive copies of the shots (I do provide copies of every shot), they will review them carefully to see which of their poses and facial expressions are resulting in the look they were aiming for. This "homework" is astonishingly apparent in the results.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I hope that some of the aspiring models out there that might happen to read this blog will take a moment to reflect on some of the observations shared in this entry. In summary, I can say that many of the things that separate the good from truly outstanding models are in the little things. Attending to ALL of the little things with a great deal of care. It makes a huge difference in the final result.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-42919842773826417002012-07-04T19:04:00.002-07:002012-07-04T19:04:59.067-07:00Give the Model Copies - or Not?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTv5VebuBwI/T_TtR9OulLI/AAAAAAAAAGk/_0u5rExc9ng/s1600/DSC_4517-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTv5VebuBwI/T_TtR9OulLI/AAAAAAAAAGk/_0u5rExc9ng/s320/DSC_4517-Edit.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
Up this this point, I have consistently - each and every time - provided models who've worked with me a copy of every photo we've taken in a session. Every one of them, except for those I've culled right off the bat for being little more than a waste of storage space (flash not firing, eyes blinking, out of focus, etc.). The copies I send the models are "as shot", except for maybe doing a white balance adjustment. They're not large copies, usually between 640 and 1000 pixels on the long side. Still, large enough for the model to have a good idea of how the shot came out. There are a lot of reasons I provide these to the model, though recently I'm rethinking this. Should I really be doing this?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF2WIg0Q0sY/T_TvQxUuyyI/AAAAAAAAAGs/42bTPnPQjhQ/s1600/DSC_7677-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF2WIg0Q0sY/T_TvQxUuyyI/AAAAAAAAAGs/42bTPnPQjhQ/s320/DSC_7677-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are many photographers who do not give copies of all photos, and a good many who never give a single photo from the session. (I'm excluding from this discussion TFP or work for hire sessions; I'm talking about when I hire and pay the model). I know this to be the case from discussions had with the many different models I've worked with. Many models express a great amount of gratitude at being able to receive a copy of every photo, and I'm happy when my models are happy. I really try to make the experience rewarding and fun for everyone.<br />
<br />
I like for the model to have a chance to see how she came off in the photo. Was her pose good? Did she hold her line? How was the facial expression? What about the eyes? I know that some models carefully study the photos as a way of perfecting their own craft; something I wholeheartedly applaud. Also, I know that there are occasional mishaps (goofy looks, wardrobe malfunction, unintended bits of "nudity", etc.) and the model is provided an opportunity to inform me of any shots she doesn't want published (within reason). I prefer the model just relax and not worry about anything during the shoot, so we can edit things out later if need be. I often give the model a chance to tell me a few of her favorites which I will subsequently retouch. So there are lots of good reasons to continue providing copies of each shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-curfQFv6gI0/T_TxoNDZUrI/AAAAAAAAAG0/IeSq1NNdkZw/s1600/DSC_5835-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-curfQFv6gI0/T_TxoNDZUrI/AAAAAAAAAG0/IeSq1NNdkZw/s320/DSC_5835-Edit.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
On the other hand, there are legitimate reasons to NOT provide copies of every shot. I've had a few not-so-positive occurrences stemming from doing so. There was at least one case where the model never bothered to download the shots. That sort of bothered me after I'd gone to the trouble to make the JPEGs and send them to her. (Later, as I reflected on her posing ability, it wasn't all that surprising). Another time, I had a model who was very demanding of my retouching something like 15 photos. Furthermore, the same model gave me a list of over 80 photos she didn't want me to publish. I wouldn't have anyway (they weren't good photos), but it was a book-keeping headache. I almost stopped providing copies at that time; it was quite an unpleasant experience.<br />
<br />
There is also the philosophy, a very sound one, that a photographer (or any artist) should let only their best work leave their studio. That means, never let your marginal stuff into the hands of anyone else. When I first heard this, it really made me stop and think. In fact, I'm still thinking about this, and it's one of the strongest arguments for not providing copies. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzA6K5vcXpk/T_T1Ay2kwDI/AAAAAAAAAHI/UuWfA9lrJWU/s1600/DSC_9293-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzA6K5vcXpk/T_T1Ay2kwDI/AAAAAAAAAHI/UuWfA9lrJWU/s320/DSC_9293-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I remember a few occasions where the model went ahead and posted the as-shot pics on their Facebook or Flickr accounts without checking with me first (I ask them to check with me, to give me first right of refusal to edit, or whatever). On one occasion, I remember seeing a photo I'd shot where the white balance was horrendously skewed, creating a special effect (special to someone, no doubt). It really isn't how I would have treated the photo, and I didn't particularly care to have my name associated with that manifestation, but this wasn't all that upsetting to me. After all, I'm not famous or anything. <br />
<br />
Not famous - heck I'm not even a pro. And I still don't know what I will do about this decision. However, I've often heard it said "If you want to be a pro, act like one". In that vein, I suppose a pro doesn't really let raw copies of their photos go off without a big watermark or some kind of control on them. Hmm.... something to think about. Meanwhile, I'll probably err on the side of keeping my models happy. :) Leave me a comment if you have any thoughts about this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jReDL9sticY/T_T09hEYoSI/AAAAAAAAAHA/6z16FMHETEc/s1600/DSC_2377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jReDL9sticY/T_T09hEYoSI/AAAAAAAAAHA/6z16FMHETEc/s320/DSC_2377.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-5330236901075181792012-04-12T19:05:00.000-07:002012-04-12T19:05:09.448-07:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Al Bayan';">Reflections from Recent Trip - Second Installment</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
left Bangkok after having completed a shoot with Nardia and Nattimus,
bound for Hong Kong. I didn''t have any shoots lined up in Hong
Kong, nor in any cities in China for that matter. I'd had a few
email exchanges with some models discovered through Model Mayhem, as
well as a couple referrals from another photographer in Hong Kong,
and an (unsuccessful) attempt to connect through a Chinese language MM equivalent.
However, none of these resulted in a clear agreement to shoot, or
were in some indeterminate state before I'd actually arrived in Hong
Kong. </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4ZAhCQtHRk/T4eG-SIUBeI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SJCR8hz7eWU/s1600/DSC_4210-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4ZAhCQtHRk/T4eG-SIUBeI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SJCR8hz7eWU/s320/DSC_4210-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
would have been quite easy to arrange for shoots in Hong Kong proper,
but I had avoided plans to shoot there. Hotels in Hong Kong are just
incredibly expensive and/or small, so I didn't want to fork out the
huge cash outlay just to shoot in a decent place in Hong Kong,
especially because I'd been to HKG so many times already. Also,
since I'm able to speak some Chinese (Mandarin), and always trying to
learn more, I really wanted to go into China where I would be more
compelled to use my Chinese. I also had plans to visit a friend who
is currently living in Zhongshan (a small city not far from Hong
Kong, but in China), so I figured I'd go up to Guangzhou after
visiting my friend.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HhHSF5tqTc/T4eIQMHES0I/AAAAAAAAAGM/dti5YRtLW6M/s1600/DSC_5202-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HhHSF5tqTc/T4eIQMHES0I/AAAAAAAAAGM/dti5YRtLW6M/s320/DSC_5202-Edit.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After
staying in Zhongshan a few days (really cold compared to Bangkok!), I
boarded a bus bound for Guangzhou. I didn't have any friends or
prior acquaintances in Guangzhou, but did have the phone number of
one model I'd exchanged a few emails with. I ended up not shooting
with her, because she's primarily a nude model. It's not that I
object to shooting nude, but I have found that I'm more creative when
the question of wardrobe, as well as that element of mystery, is more
in play with non-nude subjects. Plus she wanted to charge me substantially more than I'm accustomed to paying, which I interpret as some
indifference on the model's part in working with me.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
was uncomfortably cold in Guangzhou my first evening there, and I
found myself grateful for having brought gloves with me. I wandered
around a bit (actually a lot – almost two hours of walking) to get
a feel the part of the city I was staying in. I took dinner in a
small an inexpensive restaurant serving local fare, then afterward
wandered into a small Japanese restaurant and bar. It wasn't very
crowded, and as I sat at the bar and exchanged a few words in Chinese
with the barmaid, I learned that she also spoke some English. We
chatted quite a lot, and since I had my laptop with me, I was able to
show her some of my photography work. She'd never modeled, but
indicated she would possibly be interested to shoot with me. She
didn't have any traditional Chinese dresses, but I noticed a place
nearby where I could buy a cheongsam quite inexpensively. I told her
I'd buy her one if she'd shoot with me. So we both agreed to meet
the next day and go shopping for the dress. We were both pretty
thrilled to have discovered one another.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sometime
late in the evening, my mobile phone chimed with the notice of
incoming text messages. It was from a model, commenting on my
photography style (she asked if I had a stocking fetish – I hadn't been asked that before!). I
wasn't sure which model this was at the time, since I'd sent a few
emails out that pretty much went unanswered. She sent me the link to
her profile, which I checked upon my return to my hotel, and I was
quite pleased to discover it was Milly. We'd agreed to shoot the
very next day (Milly's link below).</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/milly_lynn/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/milly_lynn/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHyvz-y31sg/T4eImLXc8XI/AAAAAAAAAGU/A9BNXselN3Q/s1600/DSC_5365-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHyvz-y31sg/T4eImLXc8XI/AAAAAAAAAGU/A9BNXselN3Q/s320/DSC_5365-Edit.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So
I went to bed feeling quite good that having arrived in town half a
day earlier and no shooting prospects, I had lined up what looked
like two shoots already. I especially like it when I make a
connection with someone who's not modeled before. I'm not sure why
that is – maybe it's something like discovering a new talent, or
helping a woman to discover that she likes to model and also realize
how beautiful she can be represented if photographed well. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
next day I was a little bit surprised that the gal from the Japanese
restaurant actually did call me (Sasa). I thought she might have
second thoughts, but she did call me and we met up at the hotel and
walked over to the shop where I spotted reasonably priced Chinese
dresses. She seemed pretty happy to find one she liked, and we also
bought a couple small accessories (earrings, hair pin). We finished
up our shopping trip, had a cup of coffee, then went our separate
ways as I had to start a shoot with Milly, and she had to go to work.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
arrived back at my hotel just in time to put a few things in order,
get my flash units set up, etc., before getting a message that Milly
had arrived. I found her to be even more charming in person that her
portfolio would have me believe, and we worked very well together.
In fact, after the shoot and taking time to review the shots, we
agreed we both wanted to shoot one more time while I was in town.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
third day in Guangzhou became delightfully warm and springlike, so
Sasa and I decided to take some shots in a local park. It was a bit
non-ideal, since we started around mid-day, and she'd have to start
work in mid-afternoon. So we had the mid-day sun to deal with which, as expected, made managing highlights and shadows quite
challenging. We also did a few shots in my hotel room, which came
out pretty nicely. She was very pleased, and passed the word onto
one of her coworkers who I also ended up doing a shoot with (Sasa
also talked with one of her friends who wanted to shoot, but she
wasn't available until after I'd be leaving Guangzhou).</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Overall,
it was a really great trip. I arrived in Guangzhou with no
definitive plans to do any model shoots, but still managed to have
four separate shoots. I had one “off” day where I strolled
around and took in some local color, as well as snapping a few
pictures of street life there (I welcome you see some works in my
“other” Flickr site:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
often reflect on how much of a thrill it is for me to be involved in
photography, and especially being fortunate enough to create images
with the lovely women I meed along the way. This pursuit leads me on
many interesting adventures and provides a pathway of meeting many
good friends along the way.<span style="text-decoration: none;"> I
know I'm a lucky man.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmQrVO7fSzk/T4eI1g2C3mI/AAAAAAAAAGc/tD4jIuC2XbE/s1600/DSC_4477-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmQrVO7fSzk/T4eI1g2C3mI/AAAAAAAAAGc/tD4jIuC2XbE/s320/DSC_4477-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-89557065437999592002012-03-03T15:20:00.002-08:002012-03-04T07:40:07.113-08:00Notes from My Recent Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkuMdGNTwtU/T1Kl4RkTerI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tr8Xzv5wp_E/s1600/DSC_3547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkuMdGNTwtU/T1Kl4RkTerI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tr8Xzv5wp_E/s320/DSC_3547.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just got back, well let's say about a week ago, from my trip and now I'm more or less adjusted to the time difference, and (somewhat) adjusted to my day job. That is, mild mannered, cubicle confined program manager for a software company. Whenever I get back from a trip, I feel the withdrawal and the stark contrast of living a "creative" life day by day, and being surrounded by "life" as I wander the streets of various Asian cities. It's not easy for me to put myself back in a box, and go back to the daily grind. But, it "pays the bills" as they say, and keeps me funded for travels, photo shoots, and life in general.<br />
<br />
During this past trip, I stopped in Bangkok for about four days, prior to hopping back to Hong Kong, which was really just a gateway for me into Southern China. I only stayed one night in Hong Kong. I had elected to go to Bangkok for a few days mainly to get away from cold weather for a few days, leaving fairly cool weather back in San Francisco and knowing it would be even colder in Southern China. I also wanted to visit a few friends in Bangkok, and do a couple of shoots with some models that expressed interest in working with me. I'm really glad I made the stop in Bangkok, and much as I wanted to stay, it turned out to be just the right amount of time.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Below is a shot of Nardia, pretty much out of camera, that I took while in Bangkok. There will be more on my Flickr stream as I get around to doing the editing work.<br />
<a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/nardiaaaa" target="_blank">http://www.modelmayhem.com/nardiaaaa</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, "Lucida Grande", "Sapir Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXzdR603ePA/T1KljcZqXXI/AAAAAAAAAFs/uUpfPzLyf_k/s1600/DSC_3685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXzdR603ePA/T1KljcZqXXI/AAAAAAAAAFs/uUpfPzLyf_k/s320/DSC_3685.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, "Lucida Grande", "Sapir Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, "Lucida Grande", "Sapir Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
Bankok, actually Thailand in general, is a very easy place to visit. It's modestly priced, especially the hotels, and one can get by speaking almost no Thai. I can speak a little bit, which I find helpful in establishing a little more "street cred" when catching a motorbike taxi, or inquiring on the price of something. I had pre-booked a rather large room with many generous south-facing windows, with the idea of doing a few shoots in there. I'd been to this hotel before, so I was pretty confident it would work out well (if my models materialized). I was not disappointed.<br />
<br />
My first day there, after very little sleep and plenty of jet lag, I hopped on a motorcycle taxi bound for Ital Thai Pier, where I boarded the water taxi en route to Platinum. I've mentioned this extraordinary discount clothing mall in earlier blogs, so won't go into much detail here. I knew I could find a few things that would be useful for the upcoming shoots, and I also figured I could buy some items to bring home since the prices and selection are so incredible (even if quality is mixed). It's a fairly complicated ritual to actually find something specific, and a buyer is a bit better positioned if they're just browsing opportunistically. However, I did specifically want to find one or two shops I'd visited before. Even having been there a couple times in the past, I had a heck of a time locating the one (women's costume) store I was seeking. I DID eventually find it, though I had a fairly substantial collection of other items in my bag by that time.<br />
<br />
One example of something I found in Platinum was the red and white pullover sweater that you can see Nattimus wearing in some of our shots. This was a case where I walked by the store (they're all very small shops), saw that sweater on a mannequin, and immediately thought, "That's Natti!". I was so pleased when she came to the shoot and seemed as happy to model it as I had felt when I saw it. I had similar experiences with other items, and so it was that my first morning was soon used up and I was back in the water taxi bound for the hotel and my upcoming afternoon shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-gBVqKS38s/T1KmRJHKpwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/JrUHzAebef8/s1600/DSC_3330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-gBVqKS38s/T1KmRJHKpwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/JrUHzAebef8/s320/DSC_3330.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That first day, I had what was mostly a "fun shoot" with a friend of mine (Arm, above) and one of her girlfriends (Jan, top of the blog) who had never modeled but wanted some nicer pictures of herself. It was a good chance for me to try out my travel gear without much pressure of working efficiently or worrying about results too much (on top of being in a blur due to jet lag). <br />
<br />
My travel rig evolves with each trip. The last time I traveled with plans to do model photo shoots, I had brought one of my monolights, along with a honking and heavy power line transformer (about 10 pounds worth). It was nice to have abundant power at my disposal, but not so nice to drag that along through airports and train stops. So this time I brought only two Vivitar HV 285s, one light stand, a universal grip head, umbrella, and 5 in one reflector/diffuser. I wasn't sure if I'd have enough lighting power to get the results I was hoping for, and I knew it would be a pain thinking about batteries and recharge time, but in the end I'd say it worked out pretty well. Here's a picture of how I typically used the setup, without the umbrella shown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vY0EDTf0Y/T0_impleAAI/AAAAAAAAAFk/sh9BMfRN09A/s1600/DSC_3669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vY0EDTf0Y/T0_impleAAI/AAAAAAAAAFk/sh9BMfRN09A/s320/DSC_3669.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I pretty much used the two lights aimed at the same umbrella most of the time, though sometimes I would aim one through the umbrella and another at the ceiling for diffuse light, or bounce both off the ceiling at different angles. I used both lights most of the time, which allowed me to set the power to 1/4 or 1/8. That helped to get the flash cycle time to be quicker, and I figured it would allow my batteries to last longer. So, double the number of lights, but set at half the output compared to just one flash. It was definitely a compromise compared to having my monolights, and I had to set my ISO at 200 instead of 100 for normal studio shoots. I'm pretty happy with the results, all things considered.<br />
<br />
I'll write more about my trip in a second entry, just to get this published and keep it from being too long.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-86144486324899786432012-01-14T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-14T17:00:46.075-08:00Getting Ready to Hit the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4auArhKsxd0/TxIYtmUZ8NI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Y1lU5KaxVPs/s1600/DSC_1571-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4auArhKsxd0/TxIYtmUZ8NI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Y1lU5KaxVPs/s320/DSC_1571-Edit.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just booked a ticket a couple weeks ago, and soon will be on my way to Bangkok and then Hong Kong and southern China. I doubt that the flight attendants working on my flights will look anything like the model (Jessica) I recently shot above, but I like to travel anyway. Even I enjoy the 13-14 hour flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong. It is, admittedly, quite a brutal grind, but I use the time to read or write in my journal, and of course, sleep. I very seldom watch movies on the flights, but sometimes I'll watch one which seems to put me to sleep. If I'm especially lucky, I'll find someone interesting to talk to on the plane.<br />
<br />
My last trip to Asia included very little photography of models, though I did a lot of street photography of ordinary people in some seldom-visited-by-tourists cities. I was lucky to have a friend along who is a native Chinese speaker, and she translated for me as I interviewed a number of regular working-class people. I've been gradually writing about that experience, and recording the interviews, though I have yet to publish that anywhere. A work in progress, and something quite extraordinary. That trip changed many things about my perception of China, Chinese people, and even the government of China. That's for another time and place, though (note - check my non-Model link to Flickr if you're interested in seeing some of the photos from that trip:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28312772@N04/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/28312772@N04/</a><br />
<br />
This trip coming up will be much devoted to photography of beautiful women.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCR83U0uql0/TxIa0ZhhxPI/AAAAAAAAAFI/mA-IcXbHPco/s1600/DSC_7548-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCR83U0uql0/TxIa0ZhhxPI/AAAAAAAAAFI/mA-IcXbHPco/s320/DSC_7548-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
By the way, that's Xanny Disjad above, there. A great model to work with, but I won't be shooting her (I don't think) this time.<br />
<br />
I have been so busy lately, as I've had one or two photo shoots every weekend that I don't have my girls, and there is always so much preparation to do beforehand (getting props, wardrobe, preparing my house to transform into a studio, setting up backdrop and lighting,. etc), followed by file management and editing afterward. So I've sort of decided to not do any shoots for the next couple of weeks as I get myself organized and ready for my trip.<br />
<br />
One of the things I spend a fair amount of time on (as I'm sure any photographer does) is getting in touch with and selecting models. I'm quite particular about which models I want to work with, as I have a certain look I'm going for, and the amount of time and effort is the same whether the model has "the look" or not. By the time I have a connection with a model and we've worked out the theme, location, and other details of the shoot, I've probably spent at least an hour for each model I've shot (maybe more if I factor in dead ends, and even more if I fold in time spend on flakes...).<br />
<br />
I've already booked about five models for the first leg of my trip, which is in Bangkok. I still have more arranging to do for Hong Kong, and if I shoot in Guangzhou I have to make arrangements for that city. I'm a bit undecided of how many shoots I want to book for the time I'm in Hong Kong and China. I like to keep flexible and roam around when I travel, but that is sort of counterproductive if one is trying to book suitable models and decent hotels. So for now I'm kind of floating once I leave Bangkok.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpEzvzK1SkQ/TxIiw4uUI6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/zLJs0sOwJCU/s1600/DSC_8442-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpEzvzK1SkQ/TxIiw4uUI6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/zLJs0sOwJCU/s320/DSC_8442-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
The last time I included a string of photo shoots incorporated with vacation travel was when I went to Thailand about 15 months ago. That was still fairly early on in my glamour photography career, and I learned so much by having 5 days in a row where I had shoots planned. It was quite tiring, but it surely helped me evolve quickly in terms of my style and approach. So from that standpoint, I'm excited to see where this next trip will lead me.<br />
<br />
As far as equipment is concerned, that is also a challenge when it comes to travel and glamour photography. That last trip I brought one of my monolights, but also had to bring a really heavy line transformer (my lights can't take 220 V). I also had extension cords, a reflector, umbrella, etc. Made for a pretty heavy set of suitcases. I think this time I'm just going to bring two battery powered strobes (I have a pair of Vivitar HV285s), a couple light stands and diffusion umbrellas. Even that is a bit bulky, but will certainly be a lot less to cart around than a pair of monolights. I just hope I'm able to get enough punch out of them, or do enough shooting during daylight hours.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned. I should have some good stuff to post, though if you know me, you know it will take me time to sift through all the shots and finally get around to posting some of them. Now, time to start working on my packing list, my calendar,...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f6yEcficZo/TxIk0D3NVUI/AAAAAAAAAFY/J34KkHsWopo/s1600/DSC_3897-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7f6yEcficZo/TxIk0D3NVUI/AAAAAAAAAFY/J34KkHsWopo/s320/DSC_3897-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-30268652091929653012011-12-26T19:45:00.000-08:002011-12-26T19:45:39.970-08:00PhotoshopPhotoshop - love it or hate it, it's definetly a game changer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_V1an_gWg8/TvkvI4XM0dI/AAAAAAAAAEU/XC2z5fJKUl0/s1600/Annie+Before-After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_V1an_gWg8/TvkvI4XM0dI/AAAAAAAAAEU/XC2z5fJKUl0/s320/Annie+Before-After.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The shot above shows a shot I took recently, with the first one being out of camera and the second one showing after I decided my work in PS was complete. I would not classify myself as a PS expert, but I've learned and practiced enough of it by now to realize I can afford to post very few unretouched photos as examples of my work. It's just a given in the world of fashion/beauty image creation.<br />
<br />
I didn't start off with this point of view. The first few models I shot were posted without any retouching at all (you can still find some of them on my Flickr stream). My reasons were not based on any purist religion, nor any well thought out strategy. It was mostly a matter of my not having any suitable software (LightRoom or Photoshop), and not being interested in investing the time to learn them. But I eventually came to understand that this is part of the image creation process - akin to working in a digital darkroom. It was only a matter of time before I came around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcY1CpxcPwY/TvkxHhL91SI/AAAAAAAAAEg/of2kS_pX78I/s1600/DSC_9952-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcY1CpxcPwY/TvkxHhL91SI/AAAAAAAAAEg/of2kS_pX78I/s320/DSC_9952-Edit.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I know there are still folks out there, perhaps considered "purists" who work exclusively in "no-PS" mode, but my skills are either insufficient, or the images coming out-of-camera are not what I'm really trying to create. I suppose in some ways this is similar to some people being able to work in film and achieve outstanding results, but I haven't reached that level (for the record, I've only been doing this for a bit under two years as I write this).<br />
<br />
I first started retouching using LightRoom (LR), since I saw some demos and realized I could buy a copy fairly inexpensively (I do believe in actually purchasing legit software for these purposes). I bought a good book on LR and learned it pretty extensively. I was amazed at what I could do with images - change exposure (even in selected areas), adjust white balance, saturate or desaturate colors, eliminate or hide blemishes, even smooth skin (sort of). It wasn't long before I could not imagine handling or publishing any images without LR. <br />
<br />
I even became transfixed by it when I wasn't retouching photos. I'll get to that a bit later.<br />
<br />
After about a year of using LR, I ran into increasing numbers of images where I could not retouch at the level I wanted, nor could I fix certain image problems. There were a lot of images I simply could not use as I became more critical of my work. I considered getting PS for a long time before I finally made the jump. One thing was the cost (it's something like $700 retail); the other was knowing there would be a steep learning curve. But late last summer I found someone who had an extra copy that they didn't need and were selling it for about half price. This was my trigger; I made the leap.<br />
<br />
I knew that, for me, I would be lost without at least one good reference (book) to lean on. So I had actually bought at least one fairly thick guide before I even bought the software. Then I went to the library and checked out several books over the course of several months, and read straight through several of them. Some books were much better for me than others.<br />
<br />
It was a very short period of time before the realization hit me that PS is like the Pacific Ocean compared to LR being Lake Tahoe in terms of capability and complexity. I still feel like I've only scratched the surface, and will probably feel that way for a very long time (forever?). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynu8clROvJg/Tvk1PC0MFtI/AAAAAAAAAEs/V2L86Iwn4Ao/s1600/DSC_1035-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynu8clROvJg/Tvk1PC0MFtI/AAAAAAAAAEs/V2L86Iwn4Ao/s320/DSC_1035-Edit.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had lots of philosophical revelations as I've come to be more familiar with PS. In fact, I could write a good many blog entries (maybe I will) on that topic alone. One such revelation hit me as I scanned one volume I had reserved from the local library (it's called "Body Shop", by Birgit Nitzche). This wasn't a book I found particularly helpful for my own purposes, but nonetheless I realized something as I scanned the different retouching techniques covered in the book. For example, they showed seemingly quite fabulous models' bodies being transformed. Detaching the legs, narowing the hips, and then reattaching the legs, turning serious faces into smiles, moving the foot position, on and on. I surmised that these techniques are probably widely in use in the industry, expecially for professional models, photographers, etc. involved in the commercial beauty industry.<br />
<br />
It surely was impressive to me that this kind of extensive work actually went into a single photo. At the same time, I have to admit that I felt a bit bothered by it - for this reason. Those of us involved in creating images of beauty, especially women's beauty, are distorting reality in an unbounded manner. I see this as a bit of a problem insofar as how we create and shape peoples' image of beauty. It is probably not a big stretch to see this as destructive in some ways. For example, it's a sure bet that countless women look at commercially produced images and compare themselves to that "perfection". Gosh, who can compare to those images? I can tell you - not even the model on whom the image was originally based on.<br />
<br />
I mentioned above that using these editing programs has even affected my own thinking and perception in some subconscious way. Really - it's weird. Sometimes I'll be having coffee or something with a woman friend of mine, and I'll imagine using the "blemish remove" tool to go over various little freckles and spots on her face. It's almost embarrassing to admit it. I wouldn't tell them that, and surely there are a lot more things that would require "fixing" on my own face! But I mention this to illustrate how this idea or manufacturing images of human perfection is in some ways invading our subconscious - well, at least mine.<br />
<br />
Even though I use the word "perfection", I should add that my own idea of achieving a satisfactory image is in fact NOT perfection. In fact, one of the things I find quite distasteful in some images I see is overly perfected women's skin. In fact, it's very easy to create a soft blur on every inch of the skin, with the end result that the model looks like a mannequin with human eyes. Yuck! When I look back at some of my early retouching efforts I can see that I was indeed guilty of that. Since that time I've learned some of the nuances and subtlety required to soften skin and yet retain some of the texture, some of the human character, of the model. This is what I want to achieve - retouching that doesn't look retouched. This is a continual learning process, and one area I'm going to keep honing my skills.<br />
<br />
I've written in at least one previous blog on how the photographer is compelled to spend large amounts of time in front of the computer after the shoot. Whatever I said before is all the more true at this point. Since I started applying more sophisticated techniques, it is quite common for me to spend an hour or more on just a single image. And that's <em>after </em>doing the initial file backup, cataloging, and selective editing. Maybe I'm realizing how lonely the pursuit of photographic excellence can become. In this way, it's much like any other art - you've got so spend a lot of time alone doing the work.<br />
<br />
As much as I'm compelled to follow my usual workflow for catologing and editing photographs, there are still some occasions when the model just has the right look, the lighting is just right, and the composition works well enough, where I don't really need to do any editing at all. It's quite rare now, since my own ideas about what being "done" have changed, but sometimes I get some captures that are pretty darned nice "as is". This photo below is one of those:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5pR7BBH5Uc/Tvk8EXIk5tI/AAAAAAAAAE4/E24StypL29A/s1600/Jessica-NoEdits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5pR7BBH5Uc/Tvk8EXIk5tI/AAAAAAAAAE4/E24StypL29A/s320/Jessica-NoEdits.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
We have indeed led ourselves down the path of tending to adjust and fiddle with everything in the digital domain (especially images), but there is one truth I'd like to not lose sight of. Photography has taught me to simply <em>look</em> at the world that surrounds me in a different way. It's taught me to take time to examine and absorb the beauty that's always been there, though perhaps gone unnoticed. This "true beauty" exists in its purest form, and needs no enhancement.<br />LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-36077129485524338792011-09-09T20:45:00.000-07:002011-09-09T20:45:39.981-07:00Pleasant Surprises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5vum_Rz2z4/TmrcaeuIuRI/AAAAAAAAAEA/4Bu6zYc6N-I/s1600/Elly+White+Jacket-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5vum_Rz2z4/TmrcaeuIuRI/AAAAAAAAAEA/4Bu6zYc6N-I/s320/Elly+White+Jacket-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had kind of a strange experience last weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my twin girls on alternate weekends, so can only do model photo shoots on the weekends I don’t have them (and, yes, I have a “day job” so can’t normally shoot on weekdays, either).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend was one in which I had my girls, so wouldn’t have been able to shoot except that on the holiday – Labor Day – I wouldn’t have them and could do a shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had planned this in advance, and was going to do a shoot with one of my favorite models (she shall remain unnamed here…). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had made preparations on several fronts, including purchasing some wardrobe items I knew would look especially flattering on her, and getting some props for the shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my usual conversion of “home into photo studio”, which is a fair amount of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was all ready for the shoot, but in the morning as I logged onto my computer, I saw a message from her telling me she suddenly realized she had to go to a family barbeque that day, and could not shoot. </span></div><a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWf2hGBJbBg/TmrcsvdC-5I/AAAAAAAAAEE/YoxXikbLUww/s1600/Elly-WhiteCoat+Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWf2hGBJbBg/TmrcsvdC-5I/AAAAAAAAAEE/YoxXikbLUww/s320/Elly-WhiteCoat+Portrait.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK, here we go again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life offers many opportunities for disappointment, and as I grow older, and hopefully wiser, I learn to avoid asking myself “why”, and instead focus on “what”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, “what” am I going to do about it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still quite early in the morning, so I decided to head off for a run into the forest and grass covered hills just up the road from my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one route I take is really quite a grind, and at the peak I’m a good 500-700 feet higher in elevation than where I started from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it to the summit, and eased down the dirt trail that skirts along the grassy covered hilltop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I glanced to my left, to my surprise I saw a four point buck (that’s referring to his antlers, which means eight points in total).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a grand specimen, and since bucks are rarely seen, it was a glorious treat and reward for my toil in grinding up to the summit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I felt amply rewarded as I made my way back home, and tossed around ideas of how to spend the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heaven knows I have loads and loads of pictures waiting for sorting and post-processing, so I thought I could possibly do some of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had also made a tentative plan to do a quick “get to know you” shoot with a model late in the day if I finished my primary shoot early enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was just going to be an outdoor casual shoot, with no special plans for wardrobe or even location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a chance to see if we did good stuff together, and liked working with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an idea – I could contact her and see if she wanted to do a more involved studio shoot with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a long shot, but what the heck – worth a try.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I texted her after I had returned home and had a chance to shower, and sure enough, she indicated she’d be happy to give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing left to do was set up the lights, pick out the wardrobe items (she has a different look than my original model, so had to re-think that), and hope for the best.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have learned that seeing a model with my own eyes for the first time is often quite different than seeing her in the portfolio she offers the world to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be no surprise, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone will pick the shots that show them off best, and with PS retouching, the real person is often quite different than the one in the shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was pleasantly surprised when Elly arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one thing, she had already applied her makeup (which save us time), and for another – she was just great looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice complexion, beautiful hair, and a body which was better in person than in the photographs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPxsKYACAek/Tmrc7WgPahI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ycY4dlRSogU/s1600/Elly-Blue+Shirt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPxsKYACAek/Tmrc7WgPahI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ycY4dlRSogU/s320/Elly-Blue+Shirt+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We quickly got to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only had 2.5 hours to complete the shoot, and I had laid out five or six wardrobe settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very professional, having brought with her two bags containing her own wardrobe, a selection of shoes, and her makeup touchup kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick chat and a mutual choosing of wardrobe sets, we started the first set. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a pleasure to work with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could just give her a starting pose, and from there she’s improvise in just the right ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came up with some great expressions, followed directions as I asked, only offering ideas to enhance things, and we were off and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working with her was like two musicians playing together who had jammed together for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person trusted the other to improvise when needed, and then both would return to the main strain at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The time flew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I changed backdrops twice, and lighting setup three or four times, as she changed wardrobe into five different outfits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked stellar in each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have been happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only (slight) disappointment was that she had to leave in a hurry when we finished, so didn’t get the chance to look at the finished work on the computer. (I always like that chance to review the shots for the first time with the model – like opening Christmas presents together!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a great day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so stoked by the time I had looked through the shots, and felt it was indeed a very productive and enjoyable day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, once again, I’m reminded about how things often work out: when one door closes, another one opens up in an unexpected area and takes you on a rewarding journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to remember to let go, not try to control things too much, and just enjoy the ride.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrNej2HTXmM/TmrdL8seTGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/tVE6DMw2BBY/s1600/Elly-Bench-BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrNej2HTXmM/TmrdL8seTGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/tVE6DMw2BBY/s320/Elly-Bench-BW.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-21437114907261348402011-06-12T13:59:00.000-07:002011-06-12T13:59:16.856-07:00Back in the Saddle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_23G2b-1ziY/TfUgOPgwvfI/AAAAAAAAADw/r1KAuQ8FmS4/s1600/Grace+-+Cube+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_23G2b-1ziY/TfUgOPgwvfI/AAAAAAAAADw/r1KAuQ8FmS4/s320/Grace+-+Cube+square.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Just settling down for a latte and the chance to write a bit here. I mentioned in a recent post that I hadn't had a photo shoot for a couple of weeks. In fact, I hadn't had a "good" shoot for something like six weeks. That's all changed today, after having a shoot yesterday The shot above here is from yesterday's set (pretty much an "as shot" picture). On top of having some great shots, I had that special dividend of encountering a really special person along the path of getting the work accomplished.<br />
<br />
Just like most any shoot I do, I was busy for several days before the shoot shopping for shoes, dresses, and props as ideas were coming to me specifically aligned to this model (Grace). I have to admit I was a less enthusiastic than most of the time leading up the shoot, as a recent couple experiences with cancelations had really let the wind out of my sails. But I'm really pleased with a lot of the images, and especially, with seeing the realization of some things I had been thinking about for some time. It's a great feeling to start of with this seed of an idea, and slowly piece together the implementation details, then finally find the right model who's going to pair up well with the concept. So I'm feeling pretty good about this endeavor once again.<br />
<br />
One of the really cool things that happened in leading up to this shoot was related to pulling off an idea, and like I've said before, encountering some wonderful people along the path.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DS5U8EPlE8/TfUnZL5O5pI/AAAAAAAAAD0/KnXLNEg3oRQ/s1600/DSC_6725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DS5U8EPlE8/TfUnZL5O5pI/AAAAAAAAAD0/KnXLNEg3oRQ/s320/DSC_6725.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
I'd been thinking of using a saxophone in a shot for awhile, and this week I thought I'd give that a go. Problem is, I don't have a saxophone, and I don't really want to buy one and then pile it up somewhere in the house. (Aside - Isn't this ever the problem for fashion/model photographers? How do you get props together without spending loads of money and accumulating a bunch of junk you can no longer use?). I decided to try looking in Craigslist, to see if someone was selling a used sax somewhere nearby, and maybe I could rent it from them for a day or two.<br />
<br />
I couldn't find anyone nearby selling a sax, so I started improvising. My search was redirected to any kind of horn, with the main emphasis being proximity. I found somebody selling a trombone. Perfect! I can't imagine why anybody would really want a trombone, except for as a prop for a photo shoot, or something to annoy the neighbors, but there it was - the perfect prop. In my mind's eye, the trombone can be quite sexy instrument if held in the right hands and in the right pose.<br />
<br />
I had never contacted anyone on CL before for under this pretext, so wasn't sure what kind of reaction I'd get. I was pleasantly surprised. The lady selling it told me she had a buyer already, but I could borrow it for a day if I wanted. I went to pick it up, and tried to hand her $10 for her trouble, but she absolutely refused. She was a wonderful person. Here she is trusting a complete stranger, and unwilling to take a small bit of compensation for her trouble, even as I drive off with her trombone! <br />
<br />
These are the kinds of encounters that really encourage me in this whole artistic pursuit - the connections made. I just dropped the horn off at the lady's house this morning, along with a bouquet of flowers. I figured she could refuse the money, but would have to take the flowers. Hehe. I was right; she was so delighted. By the time I arrived at the coffee shop, she had sent me a really nice thank you note. Really made my day - and hers! <br />
<br />
So, let me summarize by saying the following. Yes, I was really pleased with the work we did yesterday, but perhaps even more so was this special chance to meet and connect with another human being, even a complete stranger, and make life a little bit better in someone's life for just a few moments. Maybe that's what keeps me going. ;)LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-21432611815965704722011-05-28T18:26:00.000-07:002011-05-28T18:33:03.071-07:00Down Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgg7Y8__lU/TeGXrAAC9rI/AAAAAAAAADk/RT9M9hTsFnE/s1600/Xanny+on+Chair-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgg7Y8__lU/TeGXrAAC9rI/AAAAAAAAADk/RT9M9hTsFnE/s320/Xanny+on+Chair-1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There's something a bit awkward about blogs. It's a combination of a personal journal, a work of reflection and personal insight, and yet it's public to whatever extent anyone cares to read it. Because of that, there's a tendency to write "positive" things, stuff that will help others to feel you're on top of everything, and everything's going well for you. I haven't written in a few weeks, partly because I haven't been feeling totally on top of everything. I haven't felt like writing here, because I just haven't felt as positive about things as I generally am. But here goes - I'm writing and everyone will know that I'm a human being, complete with flaws, doubts, and all those weaknesses we're all harboring to one degree or another.<br />
<br />
Actually, when I make this point, it's specifically with respect to photography that I'm feeling a struggle these recent days. (Yeah, my car did break down today, but that's kind of a separate matter...). <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It started about a month ago, when a model I'd spent an afternoon shooting with suddenly became quiet and sullen; not her usual self. I never really found out what it was that bothered her, but this was our third shoot together and we'd had a lot of fun up to that point. After the shoot, I never heard from her again. She never answered email from me, and basically she just disappeared. I really struggled with that, as I am the kind of person who wants to make peace with everyone. If there is some kind of misunderstanding, my hope is that we can talk and have a better idea of how things look from one another's perspective. I just don't like the feeling that someone's unhappy with me, and I especially don't like not being able to do anything about it. Acceptance. That's all I could do here. Accept this as something I can't change.<br />
<br />
I had another shoot a couple weeks later (I can only shoot on alternate weekends, since I'm a single father with care of my kids on half the weekends). That shoot went pretty well, and we got some shots we were both happy with (except the model developed a pretty bad allergy during the shoot and that kind of messed up her complexion).<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I was exchanging emails quite regularly and frequently with a model planned for the next shoot. This model and I had a pretty good rapport going, and had been planning a fairly intensive production with a particular theme. This compelled me to go out and start gathering lots of different props and wardrobe items for the shoot. All along she's sending me mail about what she's gathering at her end, and how excited she is. What more could a photographer want?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhuv8ErXny8/TeGbz9FQwhI/AAAAAAAAADo/g-r9tGJkeUI/s1600/YB+bluejean+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhuv8ErXny8/TeGbz9FQwhI/AAAAAAAAADo/g-r9tGJkeUI/s320/YB+bluejean+skirt.jpg" t8="true" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Then the shoe drops. The morning of the shoot, I get an email from her telling me she has to cancel. Ouch. I had gone to quite a lot of effort to get ready for this shoot, and I could hardly believe what I was reading. I restrained myself in my email response, knowing that it would only make things worse to rant or carry on in some way. So, I just made other plans for the day, as best I could.<br />
<br />
I've been in that situation more than a few times. Models come in all shapes and sizes, and in various levels of committment versus flakiness. I know that the same is true of photographers, as many models have complained to me about photographers cancelling at the last minute. What can we do about it?<br />
<br />
One of the things I did with my Saturday is go down to the library and check out some books covering the work of some famous photographers. It was inspiring on one hand, seeing really powerful photos that had clearly required a lot of thought and insight on the part of the photographer (and model). At the same time, I had even more so this feeling of conflict within myself. I was reflecting on how great it would be to really focus in on getting a certain look, arranging for a special location, or setting up the lights in a particular way, or getting the right look in terms of wardrobe.<br />
<br />
But, at the present time, this was a frustrating thought. How can I put a great deal of effort into the setting up of a shoot if I can't be sure the model will really materialize the day of the shoot?<br />
<br />
Models sometimes declare that they don't want to be pursued by a "GWC" (guy with camera). Yeah, I don't blame them. But what is the corollary? Is that a GWL (girl with looks)? That would be a pretty girl who has the idea that being a model is just a matter of being pretty and showing up at a shoot, assuming she still wants to do it when the moment arises. Nah, a "real" model understands what it takes to set up a shoot that is something more than "hot summer nights", or a "shootout". She knows she needs to get plenty of rest a day or two before a shoot, so she'll look her best. She knows that a serious photographer will go to great lengths to prepare the set, or select a location, and she'll faithfully follow any guidance on what time the shoot should be held.<br />
<br />
I don't know. I guess I still have these doubts. Is is possible that I'm expecting too much? Should I just show up the day of the shoot with my camera in hand, and just click away on whatever appears in front of the lens? Honestly, it's not what I want. I'm not interested in recreating the same thing we've all seen a million times. I'm not sure I'll be able to do what I really want; I need to connect with another model (I've worked with a few) who wants to join me in the effort of creating something new - some kind of art.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PqXM2K6wQE/TeGgJ9fCVOI/AAAAAAAAADs/PZRRxbJLwT0/s1600/Mint+Dark+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PqXM2K6wQE/TeGgJ9fCVOI/AAAAAAAAADs/PZRRxbJLwT0/s320/Mint+Dark+BW.jpg" t8="true" width="212" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-19688255760207134422011-04-24T16:11:00.000-07:002011-04-24T16:11:03.323-07:00Which Shots are the Best?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guy1Qmey9z0/TbSmWEBzYkI/AAAAAAAAADY/6-fgLb7Z62k/s1600/Xanny-Floor-BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guy1Qmey9z0/TbSmWEBzYkI/AAAAAAAAADY/6-fgLb7Z62k/s320/Xanny-Floor-BW.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Ever wonder which shots of yours (assuming you're a model, photographer, or other photographic arts participant) are the best? Maybe there is some proven recipe that's documented between the covers of some photographer's bible somewhere, but that's still undiscovered by myself. So, how do I, determine which are my best shots? This entry is not an undertaking to answer that question, but rather an opportunity to ponder the question and muse about the factors that weigh in on the consideration. We're all faced with the decision in one way or another, and it would be interesting to hear how others approach this question.<br />
<br />
One of the things I've learned fairly early on is that rarely do people (observers, viewers) have agreement about what is "best", or even on what looks pleasing to the eye. People are all over the map. I have shown pictures to friends and acqauintances, usually some shot I'm pleased with in one way or another, and noticed that people's reactions are anything but predictable. Some will say it's great, others will indicate they don't think the model is that pretty, some are bold enough to tell me flaws in the photo (ouch, but it is helpful to learn from), others don't say much at all. The takeaway for me is this: I have to decide for myself what is pleasing in my own eye.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8X52aPb4Qk/TbSl-WQoApI/AAAAAAAAADU/mrFA_5DSp6o/s1600/YouBeenSportyBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8X52aPb4Qk/TbSl-WQoApI/AAAAAAAAADU/mrFA_5DSp6o/s320/YouBeenSportyBW.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
It coule be that art depicting human beauty is much more subjective than other forms. Photographing a woman, especially a model, involves so many variables. Certainly one does have to satisfy the technical demands of proper exposure, ISO, composition, lighting, etc. In addition, there is a whole separate dimension of the model's facial expression, her pose, wardrobe, and even her mood. All of these things come into play in the finished work. No wonder it's no simple matter to separate our best work from the stuff that's a rung or two down the list.<br />
<br />
The first undertaking for me after a photoshoot, once I've backed everything up, is sorting through the photos to delete the "mistakes", and create collections sorted according to the ranking I give each shot. It is a bit of a tiresome task - I'm making a spot decision potentially relagating any given photo to a fate of obscurity or even deletion. As I work my way up the pecking order and narrow things down further to get to the "best" shots, it becomes increasingly difficult.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZKLFjGBWiA/TbSsAMadc0I/AAAAAAAAADc/FjT5z9MsJIc/s1600/Shan-Umbrella-BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZKLFjGBWiA/TbSsAMadc0I/AAAAAAAAADc/FjT5z9MsJIc/s320/Shan-Umbrella-BW.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
I've found that I have a different perspective on qualifying the merits, or appeal, or a shot if I take a month or more away from the material and come back to it later. Maybe I'm just too close to the experience of having just finished the shoot, or I'm becoming fatigued with the material, to have that fresh eye. I've just found that I often find a "gem", previously overlooked when I go back over the full collection six or more months later. Likewise, some of the shots I had previously chosen strike me as lacking something when I go back and look at it at a later time.<br />
<br />
Maybe my taste changes? Maybe my idea of what is better executed artistically or technically changes? I'm not sure what it is, but this process of sorting out photos is a delicate task and can be just as important as any step in the process of producing a finished work. Like bottling a fine wine, it just takes time.<br />
<br />
I was recently exchanging some messages with another photographer I'd met through Flickr, and this person mentioned they had removed a lot of their photos because those hadn't received very many comments. I have to admit, it is tempting to apply some validity to this metric, but I think I have to be my own judge. We can easily get lost if we are in some way playing to a particular audience. We'll never be able to outguess the fickleness of such respondents. Besides, the joy of creation - especially with art - is unearthing something from within our soul, and expressing it for its own sake. It may or may not speak to others. Hopefully it does, but it might be more important to achieve something that goes deeper, even if that only appeals to a small crowd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDERrn-nJbA/TbSsYTZWPnI/AAAAAAAAADg/EeuIiFqsxHQ/s1600/HanaBeach-BW1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDERrn-nJbA/TbSsYTZWPnI/AAAAAAAAADg/EeuIiFqsxHQ/s320/HanaBeach-BW1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-11060177594262322742011-04-10T15:42:00.000-07:002011-04-10T15:55:54.402-07:00Uncharted Destination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZYyQ6RvtXM/TaIg-o_XscI/AAAAAAAAADA/yTAsqzq10bI/s1600/Pang+Under+Bridge-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZYyQ6RvtXM/TaIg-o_XscI/AAAAAAAAADA/yTAsqzq10bI/s320/Pang+Under+Bridge-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes having to feel our way along the path leads us toward an opportunity to discover something new, spurring our creativity in unforeseen ways. Like many aspects of my work, it's this adventure that's one of the most rewarding dividends.<br />
<br />
Just came back from doing a shoot yesterday. It had been a fairly prolonged interchange of emails and endless text messages, working out a date and time for the shoot with Pang <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/2008764">http://www.modelmayhem.com/2008764</a> so I was glad to finally have it all set. We were hoping to shoot at my studio (well, I was), or near my home where I have many spots eyed out for location shoots, but in the end she could not get the car to drive down to my area. She lives about two hours drive from me, and in a an area I had not rightly explored - in fact, I'd never been to that city. It was a question of going to her location, or not working together this weekend.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et10sbSdMf4/TaIoXVHGbYI/AAAAAAAAADE/goMCXqwrl4E/s1600/Pang-ParkingLot-BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et10sbSdMf4/TaIoXVHGbYI/AAAAAAAAADE/goMCXqwrl4E/s320/Pang-ParkingLot-BW.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I wasn't completely enthused about the idea of going up there for the shoot initially. I have such a backlog of locations and studio ideas I want to do around home, and I'd really hoped to check a few of those off with Pang. Also, we had no indoor locations available to us, and the weather is not all that predictable this time of year. A few days before the shoot, Pang told me about an abandoned house one of her photographer friends had mentioned, and she planned to get the details from him, if possible (that idea had me pretty stoked). In the end, and of little surprise, the photog friend was not forthcoming with any information on the abandoned house, so I was pretty much left to my own devices.<br />
<br />
However, I know from past experience that heading off for the "uncharted destination" does hold the promise of adventure and surprises - hopefully pleasant surprises. This turned out to be that kind of day.<br />
<br />
A first I thought of renting a hotel room and doing at least some of the shots from there. Once I looked online, however, all I could find were things like Motel 6, Marriott Courtyard, Hampton Inns, ... whatever. Pretty much the same old boring hotel stuff. Not my cup of tea. If I could have found some old relic of an inn from days gone by, I'd be all over it. But those are pretty hard to find in California. So more creativity was called into duty. I did some virtual "driving around" on Google Maps, taking in some of the rural roads and mapping out some potential spots, including an old cemetery, a somewhat famous bridge in the area, and various farms that had interesting looking barns and outbuildings. I printed out a few maps the day before, with "X-marks-the-spot" notes of sights to scout out.<br />
<br />
We weren't scheduled to meet up until 2:00 PM, so I'd planned to get an early start and do some reconnaissance for a few hours before we'd meet. That didn't quite work out, though, as my Saturday morning was quite hectic getting all my gear squared away (prepare for anything), and lining up the wardrobe. I assembled nearly all of the wardrobe for this shoot, as I'm inclined to do for most shoots these days. In the end, I didn't get to her area until about one hour before the shoot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUlqwCbX8Ao/TaIroeygvwI/AAAAAAAAADI/Z9zb6ZSb-SI/s1600/Pang+Barn+Backlit-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUlqwCbX8Ao/TaIroeygvwI/AAAAAAAAADI/Z9zb6ZSb-SI/s320/Pang+Barn+Backlit-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I took the first exit to check one of the country roads I'd spotted just before getting to town, and visited the old graveyard. It looked pretty cool, but I was feeling a little bit ambivalent about doing a photo shoot in the cemetery. Made some quick mental notes and drove on down the road. I saw a few cool looking farms, and stopped at a few of them to inquire if I could shoot. Nobody was home at two of them (one was very spooky looking - "Texas Chainsaw Massacre?"), but the third spot was the jackpot. A woman answered the door, and when I explained I was looking for a loc for a fashion model photo shoot, her pre-teen daughter (listening at her side) exclaimed, "Mom, that is so cool!!!" I think that was the clincher. The woman was so kind, she walked me around the grounds and showed me the various barns and whatnot that we could use. I was so pleased! I gave her my card and told her we'd be back in the late afternoon, to catch the sweet light.<br />
<br />
I was running low on time, so made my way toward town. I spotted a few possibilities along the way, including a seasonal creek, a railroad track, various mental notes made. Then I made a wrong turn (wrong turns are a key ingredient for adventure and happy accidents) and found myself on the grounds of the local college campus. Made a few more mental snapshots of the structures here, then found my way back to the road I was supposed to be on, and went on to meet Pang - I even got there on time.<br />
<br />
Pang and I had a fairly long day of it, but I don't think either of us wanted to stop. By the end of the shoot we'd picked off six locations, including the college campus, a dormant vineyard, a grassy creekside setting, a grafitti coverd bridge tressel, a railroad track, and a farm - replete with old tractors and implements, cattle fencing, and musty old barns. I'll be posting a of the shots over the next few months, but for now I'm keen on sharing the experience in itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp3kb3wfvO0/TaIuTv5UodI/AAAAAAAAADM/4yjz8-UK4xw/s1600/Pang+Hay+Rake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp3kb3wfvO0/TaIuTv5UodI/AAAAAAAAADM/4yjz8-UK4xw/s320/Pang+Hay+Rake-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Reflecting on the day, I can say that it's doubtful I could have "designed" as diverse and rich a setting as we serendipitously happened across. At the same time, I can say that it often turns out this way. I was explaining to Pang, as we drove from one site to the next, that the photographer's eye is tuned in to look at the surroundings differently that a casual observer. I find that I'm typically blocking out the panorama, and cropping everything out to find that little nook, that special corner, that sculpture, or fountain, or sheet of glass that can make a potentially great backdrop for a takeaway shot.<br />
<br />
I would be remiss if failing to mention the added bonus of connecting with other people along the way. I've mentioned this in other blogs - the hotel staff, the manager of the coffee shop, this time the woman and her young daughter at the farm - it's really enriching to make these even brief acquaintances that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been on this quest. How lucky am I!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zef78YQGbBw/TaIwG-4eNgI/AAAAAAAAADQ/f0rIgK-ZLsA/s1600/Pang+Under+Bridge-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zef78YQGbBw/TaIwG-4eNgI/AAAAAAAAADQ/f0rIgK-ZLsA/s320/Pang+Under+Bridge-2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-19852735509444223012011-04-02T11:12:00.000-07:002011-04-02T11:12:15.120-07:00Photoshoot Hangover or Postprocessing Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2hKjS8zdiQ/TZKmBTjnZTI/AAAAAAAAACw/t-uWEyP7bM0/s1600/DSC_0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2hKjS8zdiQ/TZKmBTjnZTI/AAAAAAAAACw/t-uWEyP7bM0/s320/DSC_0998.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
So, I've just finished a photoshoot with a model, it's been a blast, she's gorgeous, been extremely cooperative and inventive, and now comes the really fun part - uploading the files to the computer and taking a closer look. If possible, I like to do this with the model present, because I love seeing and hearing her reaction as we look through the pics together. It's always a case of her (and me) being super excited as we sift through them. Actually, this part of the "workflow" is like Christmas to me. It is so much of a rush to open the pics, and see them in all their glory. It's like being a kid and opening presents on Christmas morning. Really! I don't think that feeling will ever fade away for me.<br />
<br />
But soon afterward comes the part that, to me, isn't so much fun. It's kind of like having a hangover after a late night of drinking and having too much fun. That's right - the post-processing phase. It starts with getting organized in the filing system, adding my metadata, making two backups, etc. That's the easy part, actually. The hard part (or maybe I should say time consuming, and somewhat like drudgery) is sorting through 500+ photos to pic the best, then narrowing it down so a handful of shots I'll actually do detailed editing on. Then, finally - editing them. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8HxkwFYCOA/TZY3wviwJhI/AAAAAAAAAC0/PRWZMaXsT7Q/s1600/DSC_8742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8HxkwFYCOA/TZY3wviwJhI/AAAAAAAAAC0/PRWZMaXsT7Q/s320/DSC_8742.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
At one point in my photographic life (this was before I shot model portraits - things like street photography and landscape shots) I shunned any kind of editing. I conveniently discredited it as "cheating" in some way, and figured the real challenge is to capture a great image "as shot". Then I stumbled across an article somewhere along the way (my apologies for not remembering where, therefore not being able to credit this insightful author) that compared digital post-processing to the film equivalent of darkroom skills. The author recounted how Ansel Adams had reportedly commented that half the task of getting a great shot was in the field, and the other half was how it was processed in the darkroom. (Again, my apologies for possibly butchering the exact words, but the intent is here intact). Once I read that, it was like I was suddenly nakedly holding forth the idea that "as captured" was somehow righteous. I had to admit it now - I was wrong. I would need to confront my modern day "darkroom" ignorance, and begin to immerse myself in the possibilities that post processing presented. To this day, I remain convinced of this truth (though my own preference is for a subtle touch in area of post work).<br />
<br />
And so, enlightened and inspired, I set out to know more about the digital darkroom, equipping myself with a copy of LightRoom 3.3 and an excellent instructional book by Scott Kelby. (Note - I haven't yet delved into Photoshop per se, since I haven't yet found a need for it, and since LR does most of what I'm looking for so far. I'm sure that will change someday...). Indeed, I have learned about so much than can be done to bring lackluster photos back "to life", or further enrich an already pretty tasty shot. At this point I have a pretty standard workflow I follow with most of the model photographs. The photos do look better as a result, and I haven't posted a "raw" shot in a long time now.<br />
<br />
I don't honestly know how film photographers doing their own processing could have sequestered themselves into the darkroom for what must have been endless hours. Maybe part of it was that this was the place where they would "unviel" their shots for the first time, and that would build enough excitement to keep it going. Things are a bit watered down for us digital chaps; after all, we see the shot initially in the viewfinder, then see it again - larger this time - when we upload to the computer, and then see the shots again and again as we catalog and sort through the pictures. When we finally get to the point where we're doing specific touchups on a particular photo, things aren't quite as fresh and exciting as they were initially.<br />
<br />
Realizing that the touchups, white balance tweaks, skin smoothing, iris enhancement, teeth whitening, cropping, sharpening, dulling, etc., etc. are absolutely necessary and part of the gig, I spend those hours in front of the computer screen. I have to admit, though, that I'd much rather be unshackled from the computer, and out thinking about, buying clothing for, scoping locations for, or shooting my next model. Yeah, for me, the energy flows freely and abundantly on the upside of the shoot, and doing the post work is a bit like cleaning up after doing some kind or art of construction project. <br />
<br />
Not sure why I'm relating all of this, after all. Maybe I wonder if other photographers feel the same way? Maybe it's a long explanation of why I cringe when a model says, in a cavalier tone of voice, "Oh, just Photoshop that out...". Easy for her to say...<br />
<br />
As an aside - sitting here with my laptop in the Coffee Society, drinking my latte and writing in my blog - that I totally enjoy. Hmm, maybe it feels more creative to me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZbRx4zPLeM/TZdlAD8LWOI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HJBMCWvNke4/s1600/DSC_7960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZbRx4zPLeM/TZdlAD8LWOI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HJBMCWvNke4/s320/DSC_7960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-53111635000034326652011-03-13T16:34:00.000-07:002011-03-18T13:11:25.999-07:00Would I quit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kTXFKx3TJV0/TX1GeoJnfmI/AAAAAAAAACk/nGm3UN5TICg/s1600/DSC_9858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kTXFKx3TJV0/TX1GeoJnfmI/AAAAAAAAACk/nGm3UN5TICg/s320/DSC_9858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I haven't been shooting models for very long, at least compared to many other photographers. It's been a bit over a year since my first "model" photoshoot. Since that time I've probably done 25-30 photoshoots. I know I'll look back someday and realize how this really is just geting started, even though I do put so much effort, creativity, and energy into every shoot. Also, despite not having done this for a long time, I feel it's become part of my existence, part of who I am, and the desire to keep creating is a life-giving force to me. That's was pretty much the extent of my awareness of this pursuit's "hold" on me until fairly recently.<br />
<br />
Since I'm a single man, I had not had to give much thought to what some potential partner's reaction to all this might be. However, a couple months ago I did have a string of dates with one particular woman - not a model, but just someone I dated for a bit. She became aware of my photographic interests fairly soon into our knowing each other, and it was quite obvious she was not comfortable with the idea, even as she visibly stiffened when I mentioned it, and tried to explain why it was an interest to me. Her first pre-judgment was that this was somehow involved with sexual impropriety, or something along those lines. She hadn't even seen any of my work, and she was already dismissing this as something unacceptable.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lhoae0yM968/TX1LaSSB5ZI/AAAAAAAAACs/lFdlmuD6XUs/s1600/DSC_2155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lhoae0yM968/TX1LaSSB5ZI/AAAAAAAAACs/lFdlmuD6XUs/s320/DSC_2155.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<br />
"If my boyfriend did that, he would have to stop", she declared. "Of course, you're not my boyfriend, so it's fine for you. Yes, you can go ahead and do whatever you want. I'm just saying that for me, if it was my boyfriend, I could not accept that". <br />
<br />
I was a bit stunned at first. I scrambled and fumbled around trying to explain to her how this kind of interest can be an expression of art, of beauty, or at least of celebrating the beautry of women. But I could easily see that my words were like paper airplanes being flung against a three-inch thick oak door, bouncing off without any measurable impact. So I gave up fairly quickly on any attempt to change her mind, or open up her eyes. (I can add that any interest I had in her at that point dropped substantially, but that's a separate story). It did, in fact, cause me to think a bit about myself, however.<br />
<br />
That was the positive to that conversation, in fact. This woman's comment/observation, gave me something to reflect on in myself - something I hadn't really thought of up to that point. Suddenly, numerous questions and thoughts entered my mind. Would being attached to my photographic interest (models, in particular) put a wedge between any potential relationship I might have in the future? Was there some unhealthy aspect to this that I hadn't heretofore considered? What would I replace this outlet with if I did actually stop? Getting really deep - was I at a subconscious level avoiding a committed relationship and putting obstacles in place to prevent myself from getting into one? Gosh, what is the whole point of all this - my spare time, money, my preoccupation with looking for shoot locations, interesting props at the Goodwill store, etc.? Am I crazy???<br />
<br />
To avoid boring the reader to excess, this entry won't delve into excessive detail about how I waded through all my thinking to arrive at conclusions to these questions, but I did come out the end of that period of reflection with more assuredness of where I'm going.<br />
<br />
I realized there are many things that fulfill me as a person through doing photographic work. I tend to be both a creative person, and also a person who likes to build or construct things. I feel some kind of energy from the whole process of getting an idea, and then putting the pieces together to create something that did not exist before. The process of conceiving an idea, and then transforming that into an actual physical manifestation in some ways defines me as a person. For example, I recently found a large box that I painted and converted into some kind of "light chamber" in which I had the model climb inside and pose. In fact, that idea came into my head the moment I saw the discarded box. I remember getting this thing ready a couple days before the shoot, waking up early in the morning and jumping out of bed to go outside before work and paint this thing - stuff like that. Maybe other photographers - certainly other creative souls and artists - have experienced this feeling. It's as if some hidden energetic force overtakes the body and makes ordinary bodily maintenance (sleeping, eating, etc.) seem an annoying distraction. I like that feeling (well, not all the time) - I get a buzz out of it!<br />
<br />
On top of this, I'm discovering how a certain kind of community unfolds before me as I find my way along discovering my art. I have met so many interesting models, for example, and a good many of them are just as beautiful on the inside as they are in the appearance department. There have been many times where the photoshoot with a model became a bit of a gateway into a new friendship, sometimes leading to introductions to other friends of theirs. I recently did a shoot with a model, and afterwards we attended a gallery open house for a friend of hers who was displaying his painting work. She introduced me to several friends in attendance, all of whom were involved in art in some way. This was really a gas for me (my "day job" is working with engineers and technical people - really the polar opposite in terms of personality types). That evening, we all ended up going out after the show, having dinner and partaking in a karaoke session that ended only in the wee hours of the morning. I just love this opportunity and the adventure of following new paths, socially as well as artistically. This is just one example, and there have been many similar episodes.<br />
<br />
On the topic of community, it seems one can't mention the word without adding the prefix "online": the "online community". Honestly speaking, I'm not always a big fan of that term, inasmuch as I fear that for many of us the online world tends to eclipse the "real" world, and real interactions with live humans. That said, there are truly some rewarding relationships and bonds that form through the internet world, and of this I am truly a believer. It's really enjoyable - even exciting - to hear from folks on Flickr, for example, who comment on my photos, and likewise, to see thier work and learn from them and exchange ideas. I am quite sure that some of those online meetings will continue over time, and some will even result in face to face meetings some day. Yeah, it's pretty real, and the connection is very meaningful to me.<br />
<br />
So, what about the obvious aspect of model photography that might raise concerns for a girlfriend, wife, or partner? Are those legitimate? Yeah, they are. I mean, the feelings of suspicion and jealousy that might arise are understandable and real, even if they are unfounded. I do understand that part. I've asked a number of my women friends about that, about how they would feel about their partner being involved in a hobby, or even a profession, such as this. My unscientific research leads me to believe that somewhere between half and two thirds of the gals I'm likely to meet would not be able to accept this. It isn't a good or bad thing, it's just a complex formula tied to things like our family upbringing, societal norms, self assuredness, religious views, past experiences, and even things like the person's sympathy with artistic endeavors. Some women I talked to told me they'd have absolutely no problem with it (I'm talking photography, not fooling around), where others flatly admitted they could never accept it. Not surprising, and that's all good and okay.<br />
<br />
But, for me, and back to the opening line... "Would I stop?". Would I stop doing photography of beautiful women, looking into the camera with their beckoning eyes, sometimes scantily clad, and arguably some of the most lovely of God's creations on the planet? Would I stop if I met someone that loved me, I loved deeply, and with whom felt the kind of soulmate attachment we all dream of finding? Would I stop if this person could not accept it? Well, in spite of all my reflections and compelling thought lines substantiating this photographic passion, I'd have to say - yes. I would stop for love. Just as most any of us will sacrifice anything, maybe even our very lives, for the ones we love, this is something I would sacrifice if the situation called for it. But, we're not there yet, and I kind of hope that when I do find that person, she'll be able to undestand and support this form of creativity.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'll keep pressing that shutter button...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dgyg4Z-ATg0/TX1LSa_j4tI/AAAAAAAAACo/Nq9kd-b6n1Q/s1600/DSC_9182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dgyg4Z-ATg0/TX1LSa_j4tI/AAAAAAAAACo/Nq9kd-b6n1Q/s320/DSC_9182.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-5601036785998107652011-02-13T14:33:00.000-08:002011-02-13T14:33:52.367-08:00Falling in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TUjVvRfU_5I/AAAAAAAAACc/d55ZHXse-II/s1600/Mint+on+a+Park+Bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TUjVvRfU_5I/AAAAAAAAACc/d55ZHXse-II/s320/Mint+on+a+Park+Bench.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I wonder if other photographers have had the feeling of "falling in love" with their models before. I know it might sound a little bit silly, but as I was reflecting on my own feelings around the time of a photoshoot (before, during, and after) I think it's not such a far-fetched notion. I can understand how these kind of feelings would emerge. <br />
<br />
How could that be? On the surface the entire episode is grounded in nothing more than externals: appearances and even heavily produced and edited to elicit a desired effect. Ah - but what is that desired effect? I suppose it's different depending on the photographer, but for me one of the things I try to create is a hunger, a thirst, in the viewer that is left somehow unquenched. So, if this is really the end product, perhaps it's not so surprising that I can fall under the intoxicating effects of my own "drug". Maybe this is like the occupational hazards a bartender faces...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TUjYLDobHyI/AAAAAAAAACg/a-cZPkiXVOk/s1600/Mae+Against+the+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TUjYLDobHyI/AAAAAAAAACg/a-cZPkiXVOk/s320/Mae+Against+the+Wall.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>I want to explore this experience a little bit, even by writing about it. So some of these thoughts are just coming to me as I write; that's something of a disclaimer. Let me also make clear that I've always prided myself in treating all models with a great deal of respect, never touching them in any inappropriate way, or making any kind of advance on them. Maybe the shroud of professionalism that envelops the model-photographer interaction adds to the mystique in some way. Something like the teacher-pupil relationship.<br />
<br />
Let me also clarify that this feeling does not exhibit itself at all occasions of doing a shoot, not does it manifest to the same extent. I clearly remember one photoshoot where I really was looking forward to the end, and I scarcely get myself to look at the pictures (let alone spend time post processing them) after the shoot. It was that bad. But that is definitely the exception, and I'd have to admit to some degree (more or less) of lingering fondness after the shoot ends and the model slips away, leaving only her images.<br />
<br />
The reality is, the photographer-model interaction is, in fact, a relationship. For me, it starts when I first encounter the model through an online or in person introduction. Perhaps I'm looking at her portfolio for the first time. As I look, and I do this conscious or subconsciously with every model portfolio I view, I'm imagining how we might do a shoot, what her personality might be, and if her and my styles would resonate. If the answer isn't an immediate "yes", I might let her images float around in my mind for a bit, and try to imagine her with a different look under my own direction. For those times where I sense the potential, there's already a bond forming.<br />
<br />
Most of the models I've shot have come through networking via something like Model Mayhem. So I'll typically contact the model through the portal and mention my interest, and invite her to check my portfolio. Sadly, there are times when I don't so much as get a response, but other times I'll get an enthusiastic reply. If she demonstrates a lot of appreciation for my work, this is of course, flattering and brings me one step closer to her.<br />
<br />
I've mentioned elsewhere in here, I prefer to meet a model before we do a shoot to get to know her a bit and find out what kinds of themes we'd both get excited about. Even if we don't meet, it's pretty much a minimum that we exchange a number of emails to clarify what we have in common in terms of a desired theme, what her comfort levels are, location and wardrobe ideas. By the time we've squared things away for the shoot (in person meeting or otherwise), we're getting to know each other a bit, and invariably kidding around while building up excitement for the day of the shoot.<br />
<br />
During the final days leading up to the shoot, I'm often busy rounding up things we might use - props, wardrobe items, etc. I'm typically making notes about different ideas I want to try, specific details about locations, getting my gear ready. By the day before the shoot, I'm fully engaged. If it's a studio shoot, I'm probably cleaning up the house, moving furniture around, and setting up the backdrop and lighting. I'm not so lucky to have a standalone studio, so I have to convert my domicile for the purpose. By this time I've invested a lot in the project which my model and I will collaborate on. All the way along, the model is somewhere on my mind.<br />
<br />
So, finally the day comes where we do the shoot. In some ways, it's a matter of getting down to business and going about executing on the plans for the shoot - getting to the location, changes of wardrobe, adjusting lighting, etc. Beyond the mechanics, though, there is some measure of interplay between the photographer and the model. I frequently show the model the pose I'm looking for, for example, and continually dialog with her about what she's doing that's "working", and what to tweak to be more effective. Of course, I think part of my job is to help her be as attractive as she can be, so I like to praise and encourage her - all these things to build her confidence and comfort with me. For her part, the model is in a way "making love to the camera", or at least exerting her powers of seduction towards it. As the man behind the camera, it's possible (probable?) to deceive myself into thinking she's directing that look at <em>me</em>. Of course, on an intellectual level, I know better. Despite the logic, though, there's something very powerful and intoxicating about a beautiful woman fixing her stare upon me - even if there's a camera between her and I.<br />
<br />
Overall, the hours of shooting can be a very powerful experience. It isn't always this way, but when we connect, we have a great time together and share some very intimate moments. It's quite a unique experience, this level of confidence and intimacy shared with such immediacy, and little foreknowledge of each other. Add to that the fact that both of us would tend to be creative people, working to create a joint work of beauty, and when it comes together we're jointly celebrating in that creation. One of the greatest moments of the whole process for me (and I suspect, for her) is when we upload the shots to the computer for the first time, and see a full sized view of what we've accomplished together. It is really a gas, and I just love seeing her reaction when she see's herself in some of the best shots. Yeah, it's a very seductive experience, working in an intimate setting and creating something we're both pleased and excited about. It creates a special kind of bond.<br />
<br />
Alas, all good things come to and end, and at the end of the photoshoot the model packs up her wares, hops into her car and is on her way down the road and, for the most part, out of my life. That in itself is a strange feeling - going from a frenzied pace in a highly stimulative environment with this other person to suddenly being on my own. I'm usally exhausted by this time, and still have a lot of cleanup to do (putting away studio gear, unpacking things if we did a location shoot, etc.). Then there's the fairly onerous task of managing all the files - importing them into Lightroom, making backup copies, etc. It's a palpable letdown compared to the shoot and everything leading up to it, but part of the job and something that must be done.<br />
<br />
Even with the model well on her way, and off to the normal routine of her regular life (or another photoshoot) several days later, my affair with her lingers on. Well, I guess at this point it isn't really even an interaction with "her", but with an image created with her as the foundation. She is no longer with me, but her image is there. Is it really her? No, not really.<br />
<br />
At this point, as I work on post processing to perfect and shape this image of art, the person who was the object of the original photograph is left behind in deference to the image that's being created. An image intended to arouse emotion or desire. To accomplish this, we photographers rely on all kinds of tricks - changes in color tonal balance and saturation, strenghthing shadows here, adding highlights there, removing slight (or not so slight) facial blemishes, smoothing skin, enhancing irises, whitening teeth, moistening lips - you name it, we'll try to do it.<br />
<br />
As I'm making these tweaks to the photographs, including which shots to set aside and which to promote, I'm doing some kind of gesture of "love" in that very action. That is, I'm putting my energies and efforts into making that person look as good as she can. Yes, it's not really the person anymore, but rather the image of that person, but the feelings to get intertwined and mixed up to some extent. Spending hours or portions of hours looking at closeups of a model, I get to know every freckle, birthmark, pimple,wrinkle - all of the little things that make this person uniquely who she is.<br />
<br />
At some point in the process I sometimes develop some doubts or questions about whether or not I'm doing the right thing. After all, her I am involving myself with divorcing the real person that was originally photographed from the person represented in these images. Is that the right thing to do? Am I in some way saying this person isn't already perfect in the way they are? I comfort myself in acknowledging that, in fact, they might be perfect in their true skin in my eyes, but in modern times nobody in the modeling world is presented as who they really are.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wonder what the model is thinking. Does she ever have any misgivings about the images promoted on her behalf are not really a true representation of who she is? Does she ever feel any sense of attachment with the photographer through this somewhat intimate, if short, engagement?<br />
<br />
Not long after my immersion in post processing, I'm on the path of setting up a shoot with another model. Soon my suspended reality, my fantasy, gives way to the reality and the hard work of preparing for that next shoot. And so, the cycle begins anew... ;)LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-54017689152673979932011-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:002011-01-02T12:42:30.576-08:00Paralysis and No-shows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDbSrYNirI/AAAAAAAAACM/C5nOarQPjEg/s1600/Huong+BW+face+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDbSrYNirI/AAAAAAAAACM/C5nOarQPjEg/s320/Huong+BW+face+closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have time to write in my blog today, although it was a little bit unexpected. That's because I had a photoshoot planned which ultimately got scuttled by a model no-show - the veritable "flaking out" phenomenon. Maybe she didn't really flake, but we had scheduled the shoot one week back, and I set aside time accordingly. She had not returned a follow up email I sent earlier this week, but I knew she was travelling so didn't see that as cause for alarm. However, when I called her yesterday evening to confirm, she did not answer the call and did not return it. At that point I became paralyzed - were we on or not???<br />
<br />
(By the way, these photos are just here for your enjoyment. This model has nothing to do with this topic. :)).<br />
<br />
What is someone in her position thinking? Well, I should say that I'm willing to consider the possibility that she had an unfortunate occurance in her life, and due to the dire circumstances was unable to contact me to set things right by properly cancelling or postponing. So I will allow for that possibility.<br />
<br />
That said, I will go ahead and share my thoughts on this subject. Maybe it will give some model, who might read this, pause before she could consider bailing on a modeling appointment without providing due notice.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDboeo4R6I/AAAAAAAAACQ/UpJZUN3hBj0/s1600/Huong+Stairway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDboeo4R6I/AAAAAAAAACQ/UpJZUN3hBj0/s320/Huong+Stairway1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Before every shoot, I spend a lot of time preparing. (See my entry elsewhere in this blog):<br />
<a href="http://lazyeyephoto.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-shoot-even-starts.html"><span style="color: cyan;">http://lazyeyephoto.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-shoot-even-starts.html</span></a><br />
I run over ideas in my head for what this shoot might best be, where we should shoot, line up props and wardrobe, etc. If we're going to shoot indoors, at my home studio, there is a great deal of work associated with getting my place ready. I carefully clean that area of the house (including any rooms we might end up using), move furniture around to make room for the shoot, set up the backdrop, pull out the lights and lightstands, connect the wireless triggers, on and on. <br />
<br />
If we're doing studio shoots, I've found that it takes me two or three hours to get ready for that. I can't just wait for the day of the shoot to prepare, as it will be too rushed and that will cause me to mess something up, or just impede the creative thinking process. No, I like to get things ready well in advance, and as I'm preparing I jot down little ideas for variations on a theme of our planned shoot. Sometimes, days or weeks before the shoot, I will go to the store and buy props or wardrobe specifically chosen for the shoot. Some of those items I will eventually return to the store, so it's not as much a monetary thing as a point of spending a significant amounts of time getting the items.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDe2ju_fKI/AAAAAAAAACU/LEeDJ2jgYtc/s1600/Huong+Rocks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TSDe2ju_fKI/AAAAAAAAACU/LEeDJ2jgYtc/s320/Huong+Rocks1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
For location based shots, the amount of time spent is no less. The only difference is that in some way, I can "reuse" the time spend scoping out a location. I'm referring to my investment in time to actually go to a location ahead of time and do some investigation work. Where is the light coming from at different times of the day? Will passers-by be a problem, and what time of day will that be a minimal distraction? Will I need to bring any portable lighting? Will there be potential issues with getting the right to shoot there? How about parking and getting to the actual shoot location? Where will the model be able to change clothes? Is there a rest room somewhere nearby?<br />
<br />
As I mentioned, this pre-work can be reapplied later with a different model if the chosen model happens to not materialize on the day of the shoot. However, as I've said elsewhere, my thinking at this point is highly tuned into the specifics of the model in question. Everything under consideration is being evaluated from the standpoint of the model being planned for that day. So my vigilence is heightend and tuned towards the particular model and what we'd hoped to accomplish on that day.<br />
<br />
All this says nothing about whatever plans I might have made for myself, my friends or my daughters had I not planned to do a shoot that day. Nor does it address the opportunity lost should I have had the chance to book the date with a model that really did follow through with the appointment.<br />
<br />
I frequently see models mention in their profiles that they "won't flake", as if this is a special talent or ability they uniquely possess. I've been fortunate that today's occurance is really the first time this has happened to me, but it's a bit of a sad state where a model has to highlight her professionalism by pointing out that she will not "flake". Well, I guess that one word speaks to the whole point - professionalism. <br />
<br />
All of us has to make a decision for ourselves - are we going to behave in a professional manner, or are we here for something else? As for me, I know my answer. Hope you do, too.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-61375018331033291722010-12-18T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-02T09:31:12.270-08:00What will you use the photos for?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQ0GjNVHXjI/AAAAAAAAAB4/xPSx4vSUgMc/s1600/DSC_8832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQ0GjNVHXjI/AAAAAAAAAB4/xPSx4vSUgMc/s320/DSC_8832.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes, before a shoot is fully arranged with a model, I will get asked, "What will you use the photos for?". It's an interesting question. Maybe it will be good to write about that - somebody might read this and have some idea of my answer ahead of time.<br />
<br />
Well, if it were an ideal world. I would answer, "These photos will be published in a widely circulated publication" (fill in your favorit - web site, magazine, book, whatever). That is my hope, and I should think in general, the hope of most any model. I realize there are some models that might not want any of their pictures published, and for most models, some pictures taken that they don't want published (that's why I make a provision in our release agreement that allows the model to identify certain pics they would not want published). But for most of us in this pursuit, it is something of a dream or aspiration to be published.<br />
<br />
For now, my answer is basically this: to build up my portfolio and my aresenal of skills to pave the way to be someday published.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I don't know exactly how that is going to happen, but I do think it will happen someday. I have been reading a bit recently about the different avenues a photographer can take to get his/her work published. It's great to read about this, and become more informed. I'm learning things that are already affecting certain things I do as I build my portfolio and collect more photos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQ0KBARmB3I/AAAAAAAAACE/8rz7T9-rXR8/s1600/DSC_7205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQ0KBARmB3I/AAAAAAAAACE/8rz7T9-rXR8/s320/DSC_7205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I expect that someday, somehow, some publication will get a glipmse of some work I've submitted, and they'll suddenly ask for MORE. They'll want to see more photos of a certain model or theme. So, I'm trying to do what I can to be prepared for that. If a magazine sees a submission they like, I can't run out at that moment and grab the model and quickly reel of some more shots. It has to be there in my portfolio already - ready to go. Maybe I will not have done all the post processing work, but I've got the raw shots to work from if somebody asks for it.<br />
<br />
As I become more aware of what it actually does take to get published, I'm feeling more hopeful. Sometimes I can almost "taste" it - that moment when some editor responds to my prompt and makes a call to me to ask for more of what I've got.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, until that moment comes, I'll keep on thinking of new ideas and looking for new talent to build up that reservoir of what I think is interesting, and what might stir the soul of some other onlooker. I'm enjoying the creative process for the sake of the creation, not for the sake of publication. If I really wanted a guaranteed audience, I'd be photographing weddings.<br />
<br />
Hope you'll join me in that journey.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-46646914084460448352010-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:34:25.143-08:00Before a shoot even starts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQJyeEuhdEI/AAAAAAAAAB0/b0J486u9qGQ/s1600/5244251940_e57728348c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TQJyeEuhdEI/AAAAAAAAAB0/b0J486u9qGQ/s320/5244251940_e57728348c_b.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Recently I think I've been making some progress as a photographer, and hopefully, as an artist. I can feel and see the difference in my approach to the work over the past six months or so, and I believe it's showing in the shots I've been posting. Actually, as this blog is addressing, I'm not even keeping up with posting many of my shots. It is no simple matter to sort through the shots after a shoot and then pick one or two to post as the best.<br />
<br />
In any case, even with a small sampling of my recent stuff being publicly visible, it seems that more and more these days a model I contact will respond that "yes", she would like to work with me. This in itself is a marked change since I first started photographing models (about a year ago). It used to be that I'd write an email (through Model Mayhem) and never get a reply. So I'd write more, and more, and on it would go until somebody would respond. I completely understand that. Who wants to work with a photographer who's just starting out, and hasn't demonstrated competence with the basics, let alone established their own unique style and approach?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Things are a little different now. Being a single father (part time) I have somewhat limited time. I have my twins on alternate weekends, for example, and weekends are the most likely times for planning a shoot. But I'm acutely aware of the reality that the shoot is only a tiny part of the entire process of capturing and creating meaningful photographs. As much as I like the act of clicking on the shutter button, I realize I have to discipline myself by not over-committing to schedule too many shoots. There is a lot of time spent both before and after the shoot, and if I short-change any part of that, I won't reach the full potential from our time together.<br />
<br />
For me, it starts with getting to know something about the model, and what we could create together. If I don't know much about the model - her personality, her desires, her shyness or boldness level, even what she looks like prior to applying the wonders of post-processing - I am like a chef that doesn't know about his raw ingredients. It might not be this way for every photographer, but for me it is. I've found that if I know at little about the model before the shoot, I am more able to imagine a scenario where she's going to naturally come into her own. This carries over into choice of location settings, how I might set up the studio, and wardrobe choices. At this point, my work is on the less complicated side insofar as makeup is concerned, so I haven't found myself pondering hair styling and makeup choices.<br />
<br />
During our first meeting, I like to get a feel for each others' personality, and just see how well we can communicate and how easily ideas flow between us. Do we have a comfortable dialogue? Why does this person like to model? What are some things she's been wanting to shoot but hasn't had the opportunity? Where is her comfort level in terms of different kinds of wardrobe (or even partial or full nudity)? Does she prefer outside locations, or looking to do studio work? What did she see in my profile or my approach that interests her in working with me? Usually, I will have a dozen or so ideas I've jotted down even before our meeting, and I'll run over those to try to peg her interest against them. More times than not, there will be some new ideas that come up in our discussion. When this happens, I start to get a good feeling about the shoot.<br />
<br />
At the conclusion of the initial meeting (hopefully we've had one), it's time to start narrowing down the setting and the wardrobe items. By now I've got some ideas about wardrobe, and will have (or soon have) an idea of what she's able to supply. If there's something I really want for the shoot that I don't have, I'm going to have to start shopping. This can take awhile, as I'm always trying to keep my costs down and that means looking for a bargain somewhere. Often times I'll simply end up adapting the idea we initially conceived of based on what I could find for a good price, or what I found that seems to just jump out to fit into a shoot idea or the model's personality. For instance, recently I was planning to get an Asian fan (one of those paper or silk fold-open numbers) for a model to "hide" behind in an implied shot. I couldn't find one that was attractive enough, but in the stores I was looking in I came across some really gorgeous silk umbrellas that were only about $4 each. So I bought one, thinking maybe I would use it. I did end up using it, and looking back, I would say that the shots we did with that umbrella were among the best shots we took in our entire session.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'll talk more about various things I need to do before a shoot in my next post.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-61221622658916977302010-11-29T19:51:00.000-08:002010-11-29T20:02:58.403-08:00Hotel Stories - II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TPR2YU3Y9DI/AAAAAAAAABs/YmKUr4wYXbs/s1600/DSC_9195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TPR2YU3Y9DI/AAAAAAAAABs/YmKUr4wYXbs/s320/DSC_9195.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Since I had a couple days before I would venture into Isaan area for a short trip to the countryside, I decided to use some time to scout for my next hotel in Bangkok, for when I'd return. I knew I'd be staying in Bangkok for about 6-7 days, and had planned to book as many shoots as possible during that time. So I wanted a good space.<br />
<br />
I checked my favorit online booking site, and found a few candidate hotels. One was "Jasmine Suites", which I'd stayed at many times. I gave that some consideration, but the rooms I'd had there in the past were highly variable. Some would be amazing for a shoot, others would be lame (not enough window space). Also, the pool wasn't the ideal space if I wanted to do any pool shots. One new hotel showed up on my search, and looked promising. I decided to go pay a personal visit to check it out.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
This turned out to be a fortuitous choice. The hotel was small - something like 50 rooms. But every room was a large suite or one bedroom apartment type accomodation. It was quite new, and I think some of the floors had not yet been occupied. When I entered the lobby, I noticed immediately that this was a high fashion, very stylistically appointed place. The assistant manager greeted me with enthusiasm, and happily showed me the three different room types. The first one was the smallest (and least expensive), and already I was impressed. The mid-size room was bigger and nicer, but it faced the north side of the building, so I was a little less enthused about it. When I saw the largest room, I was amazed. It was south facing, many windows, and had numerous spaces where one could set up and stage a shoot. Already the wheels were turning in my mind about whether or not I could afford this big spread.<br />
<br />
I ended up negotiating with the senior manager, and thought we'd arrived at a tempting figure for renting out the biggest room for the week. I told them I would get back to them the next day, as I planned to check another place. In the end, I settled for the mid-sized room, as the big luxury place was almost double the price of the mid-size, and I realized I was just getting a bit too greedy (funny how we fall into temptation, and ratchet things up so easily...). I was a little disappointed that I had to "settle", but I was in store for a nice suprise when I returned from Udon Thani.<br />
<br />
I spent about four days in the Udon Thani area, which is another story in itself. My trip back to Bangkok was on the overnight train, luckily being fortunate enough to land a berth in first class. I slept really well, and arrived in the capital city fairly early in the morning. Combined MRT and taxi rides got me to the hotel doorstep at around 9:00 AM, and I was greeted with a warm smile from the assistant manager. "Kun Eric!", he exclaimed, remembering me from my scouting visit. It was a pleasant bit of news that my room was ready, and he escorted me to my room right away. As we approached the room, and noting it was at the end of the hall, my anticipation was rewarded that, indeed, I had been given a corner room. Wow! Wonderful light. Four large windows, two facing north, and two facing west. I won't expect to get that lucky again in any hotel, though as it turned out, very few of my shots were actually during daylight hours.<br />
<br />
This hotel was one of the best storied of my Bangkok photoshoot story. Since it was a hotel with few rooms (only about 50) and all of them larger, higher class lodgings, the place was extraordinarily homey and quiet. After a couple of model visits, I had explained to the staff (who quickly became familiar with me) that I was a photographer doing photoshoots. So all week long they would greet me and joke with me about my pursuit, even as they saw me carrying an armload of women's clothes to my room, or a bouquet of flowers. One day, as I was readying for a shoot, the housecleaning ladies saw me ironing some lingerie. They were all joking with me, suggesting that I should photograph them, as they performed mock poses. It was really quite enjoyable, and it warmed my heart when one of those gals brought me a spray bottle to help with my ironing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TPR3TZ5LP_I/AAAAAAAAABw/_c1Q1qYCYMg/s1600/DSC_8619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TPR3TZ5LP_I/AAAAAAAAABw/_c1Q1qYCYMg/s320/DSC_8619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of the really special aspects of this hotel was the lack of tall buildings in the immediate surroundings. This allowed quite a large amount of daylight to enter my room, and also meant that the rooftop swimming pool was mostly surrounded by open sky and distant skyline. I took quite a few shots poolside, and even used the adjacent fitness center for a few shots. What made this even more approachable as a setting was the lack of other hotel patrons present. Sure, there were a few times where there was someone in or near the pool, but that was a marked exception.<br />
<br />
I even got a chance to do some nighttime poolside and pool deck shots. This was a first for me, as I had not used my lighting in an outdoor setting. I was a bit limited, since I could only find two electrical outlets, only had one monolight, and simply didn't have enough extension cord to reach the places I would have liked to set up. But simply having the chance to set up outside, in the evening, alongside the pool presented me with a great chance to learn more.<br />
<br />
I had a great stay, and really felt welcome and well treated by the hotel staff. I'd love to stay there again sometime, but most likely I will chose another hotel next time, since I like to have a variety of settings. Hmm,... maybe a dingy, roach infested room in the skid row area...?LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-62181886706196526672010-11-01T20:40:00.000-07:002010-11-01T20:40:13.356-07:00Hotel StoriesThe prospect of doing a photoshoot in a hotel could be a nightmare, or a photographer's dream. For most photographers, the expense involved in any aspect of the work is a serious consideration. Basically, that means that getting a "dream" location out of a hotel room (or building) will be very challenging for all but the most well-heeled (or financed).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TM-AUwY2V_I/AAAAAAAAABk/CTuKOKoR1BU/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TM-AUwY2V_I/AAAAAAAAABk/CTuKOKoR1BU/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are a number of challenges faced with shooting in a hotel environment. In most rooms, for example, there are only windows (actually, most of the time only ONE window) on one of the four walls. So natural light is in short supply. To make matters worse, we might have little say on the exposure (North, South, East, West) of that room, and in a city the lower floors are typically shadowed by towering buildings nearby. Not an easy problem to be faced with.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Additionally, there is an aspect I'll call "photographer friendliness", which I'll just use as a category for all the things besides the hotel room itself. That would include, for example, any common spaces - how accessible they are, if they could be realistically used, how much impairment is imposed by other hotel guests, and does the hotel staff look kindly on having their facility included in any photoshoots.<br />
<br />
I knew these would be some of the obstacles I'd face as I pondered the whole notion of trying to set up any photoshoots in Bangkok. Underscoring the importance of the hotel room/facility was my knowledge of Thai women and Thai culture in general. That is, they tend to be quite modest in any kind of public space. So shooting in, say a park, would be somewhat difficult and limiting. On the other hand, Bangkok has many, many splendid hotels, and as Asian cities go, there are some decent hotels to be had at a modest price. Overall, I figured I could come out on the winning end of the equation, and it's one reason I decided to pack all that gear and plan on some shoots.<br />
<br />
My first hotel was one I'd stayed at in the past, so I knew pretty well what to expect. I didn't have the freedom to make a personal visit before making the booking (remember, I was in San Francisco when I was making my travel plans). This hotel (all of them will remain unnamed in this post) had pretty good sized rooms - in fact they are all suites of a sort. So that part worked out to be within my expectations. What I hadn't counted on was the construciton under way immediately outside the hotel, including the area adjacent to the pool. Also somewhat disappointing was the dismantling of the fitness room, again due to the construciton. I had in mind that that space might be usable for some shots, but alas - it simply didn't exist any longer.<br />
<br />
I was able to do a few shots in the pool area. Here's one:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TM-HFECUEkI/AAAAAAAAABo/FZKZRmLGLhk/s1600/Xanny+by+pool+-+Legacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TM-HFECUEkI/AAAAAAAAABo/FZKZRmLGLhk/s320/Xanny+by+pool+-+Legacy.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Actually, we were able to get a few pretty good shots in, though it was very late in the afternoon and the light was fading quickly. I had to discard a few of the shots, or simply not take any from many angles, as the backdrop would have been scaffolding covered with tarpaulins. The pool of this hotel is located directly outside the lobby, so that meant that any hope for privacy was completely unwarranted. During the poolside shots, I had to avoid a couple of guys floating in one area of the pool, who didn't particularly try to avoid being in the photo. And we had an audience. <br />
<br />
I'd asked one of the hotel managers if it was going to be okay for me to shoot the model by the pool, to which they responded it wouldn't be a problem at all. But during the shoot, I think just about every hotel staffer working on the first floor was clustered around the doorway, trying to get a peek of what was going on. Add to that about a half dozen Japanese businessmen lounging around the pool, all with their eyes glued to Xanny. Well, at least she wasn't a shy gal, and this had little effect on her.<br />
<br />
I would leave Bangkok for a few days' journey into Isaan, but before I left for that trip I knew I had to do some intelligence work on where my next hotel would be when I returned. More on that in my next post...LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-66629921165061399602010-10-26T20:40:00.000-07:002010-10-26T20:40:14.612-07:00Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMeYN7Z5sgI/AAAAAAAAAA4/B5Q3Fj6RB9A/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMeYN7Z5sgI/AAAAAAAAAA4/B5Q3Fj6RB9A/s1600/Flower.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A photographer can not expect to achieve their desired result if a great amount of attention is not paid to details. I have made so many mistakes during different photoshoots. It's much more noticeable if I make a mistake during a photoshoot, because I review the results much more carefully (compared to say, a photo of my kids or a travel snapshot), and often the same errant setting is carried over through an entire series of shots. I hope I will someday learn to avoid these mistakes, but for now, I seem to still be in the learning mode. An example is where I cranked up my ISO setting as daylight was fading, and then failed to turn it back down when I switched over to artificial light. Argh! I have to develop a mental checklist of things to keep cycling through: ISO, white balance, f-stop, etc. These things need to be adjusted whenever conditions change, or the perspective emphasis changes, and it's easy to overlook this when our only avenue for review of the shot is on the camera's small display. But there are other details, as well; I'm learning more about how that brings a big impact to the shot.<br />
<br />
See that flower at the top of the page? Perhaps you can recognize where it appears in one of my photos. It didn't appear by accident. The day of the shoot, I spent time walking around the main areas I planned to do the shoot, and made mental (followed up by written notes) of where I would position myself, the lighting, and the model. I also made a list of different props I thought would add something to the photo. Included in the list for this shoot was the flower shown here, some cran-grape juice (wine is redicuously expensive in Thailand), a wine glass, a Japanese girl's magazine, various pillows, and some necklaces. That's on top of the wardrobe items, previously discussed (all the items in the shoot with Wanyberk were supplied by me).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I remember making my list a couple hours before the shoot, and then racing around the local Sukhumvit neithborhood pulling together all of the items. The flower was one of several I purchased, and at the time of the shoot, I just looked at Ying (Wanyberk) and thought - "yeah, this is the one", and chose the flower you see here. Looking at the shot now, I think that really made the photo sing. It wasn't hard to come by the faux wine, as that was as far away are the nearest Seven Eleven (one on practically every corner in Bangkok). The wine glass was a little uncertain, as I did not have one. But I asked the good people at the hotel (more on the hotel later) if they happened to have a glass I could borrow (they knew by this point that I was doing photo shoots with models). A few minutes after I asked them, the hotel manager knocked on my door holding up a choice of three different shaped wine glasses! How wonderful these people were.<br />
<br />
The one item I expected to have some difficulty acquiring was a Japanese girl's magazine. I was planning to use this as part of a "schoolgirl" theme I had planned. I stumbled upon an incredible bit of luck in this account. I had noticed a used book store not far from my hotel, and in fact, it had labeled itself as an "international" used book store. I entered the cramped quarters, the place stacked nearly to the ceiling with rows of bookshelves (I guess earthquakes are unheard of in Bangkok), weaved my way to the cashier and asked him if they had any Japanese magazines. After some initial confusion, he led me to an incredibly diverst collection of such, and I found what I was looking for, costing me 30 Baht. I was so delighted with my find.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMee-VGXkQI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Q8D4riI4vGs/s1600/Magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMee-VGXkQI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Q8D4riI4vGs/s320/Magazine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Not all the items I acquired were used in the shoots, and some of them had more impact on the visual result than others. The overall experience was probably the most valuable lesson for me. I realized that this additional area of detail - conceiving of the type and use of props, as well as acquiring them - was yet one more key stepping stone in working my way towards producing something I could be satisfied with. Getting one step closer to producing art.LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-45784029446182998742010-10-22T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:29:28.097-07:00Embracing the Wardrobe Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMNhlAHRjMI/AAAAAAAAAAg/cPy8Wt6Vsoc/s1600/Shoe-Laurie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMNhlAHRjMI/AAAAAAAAAAg/cPy8Wt6Vsoc/s320/Shoe-Laurie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Halfway through my final week in Bangkok, I made a bit of a push to get as many photoshoots in as possible before leaving. I had a great location (other posts to come on that topic), ample time on hand, plenty of inspiration, and potentially a source of models. There were a couple of models I had made some contact with, but had not yet firmed up a plan to shoot. So I made a concerted effort to fill up those last couple of days in booking a model. It worked out well, and I was especially pleased to have worked out a plan to shoot wtih Wanyberk - <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/503416"><span style="color: lime;">http://www.modelmayhem.com/503416</span></a> - on what would be my last full day.<br />
<br />
Knowing I had at least two shoots left, and wanting to make the most of them, I decided to fully embrace the aspect of wardrobe. I had a plan in mind - a selection of clothing items I would try to get hold of for each of the two models upcoming. With that in mind, I got up early on Tuesday morning, grabbed my breakfast in the form of a bowl of noodles for 30 Baht, then hopped on a motorbike taxi headed for ItalThai Pier. From here I could take the water taxi which would drop me practically at the doorstep of Platinum.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMC32atKVMI/AAAAAAAAAAY/TVjubZseckE/s1600/Thailand+Jan09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMC32atKVMI/AAAAAAAAAAY/TVjubZseckE/s320/Thailand+Jan09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who have not spent time in Bangkok, it might seem odd that I would comment on my mode of transit for getting to my shopping destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, I could have hopped in a taxi and simply told the driver where I was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But anyone who’s been in Bangkok around 9:00 AM will know that traffic is so heavy you can’t really even call it traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure that if I took a taxi it would take me about an hour to get to where I was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the motorbike taxi, then hopping on the water taxi, I made the trip in less than twenty minutes, and had a breeze in my face most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the feeling of being on the move when I have a purpose in mind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having looked at the portfolios of two models I’d be shooting over the next two days, and folding in my own ideas of what I’d like to do for the shoot, I had a pretty clear idea of what I was looking for during my shopping mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not one who likes to shop for the sake of shopping; I like to go in with my hit list, check the items off, and be on my way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I had made it a special point to get into Platinum soon after they opened, before the crowds impaired my ability to move quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From my previous trip to Platinum, I knew at least one store where I could find women’s lingerie and similar items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I made that my first stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way I saw a few other stores I perused, and picked up a few small items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the lingerie store (I already forget the name), I purchased several items, including a “school girl” outfit I’d seen during my last visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt a little strange to be carefully examining things like garter belts and panties, but I soon shed any awkward feelings and tuned into the fact that I was doing a job here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear in my mind that I was fulfilling a purpose – I was looking for very particular items to match what I had in mind for the photo shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I got strange looks from merchants or other customers, I couldn't afford to be concerned about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have time to worry about other people’s thoughts, and couldn’t concentrate on my “work” if I let that thought enter my mind.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wandered through the rows of stores and saw many, many things I could have used for a shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest problem for me was to keep things narrowed down, to keep a focus on a few specific outfits I would assemble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was finding myself entering into a different realm, where I was feeling excitement and energy in looking for women’s clothes, letting my imagination soar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized I was “embracing” the aspect of wardrobe. Okay - it did feel a bit weird, but I was also feeling this is jumping into my work fully.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The one concern, or thought that was haunting me, was the question of over-spending and accumulating too many items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I’d think, "Maybe I'm being a bit crazy".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I was filling up these shopping bags with women’s clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never done that before and it was a bit of a strange feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would I do with all this stuff when I got home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These kinds of thoughts tempered me just a bit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After picking up a few dresses, some undergarments, stockings, and the schoolgirl outfit, I decided to grab a latte at the Black Canyon Café, and sort out my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once settled in with my beverage and an ample sized table, I took inventory of what I’d purchased, and made a list of what other matching items and accessories I would need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This helped me to feel more confident about further purchases, and gave me more of a sense that I wasn’t just making random purchases that wouldn’t make sense when I got back to my hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon taking my inventory, I realized I needed to get a white lingerie top (either a camisole, or bra – but decided on camisole since size would be less critical), some white socks, and black necklace of some sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had other ideas, too, but I decided to pull the reins in a bit and call it a day once I had secured these items.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had made rapid progress up to that point, but now that I had very specific items in mind I found that my progress was much slower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a heck of a time finding a shop that sold socks, for instance, and the accessory necklaces were much more expensive than I'd figured on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, by this time it was nearly 11:00 AM, and the aisles were filling up with shoppers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, and a bit weary by this time, I completed my shopping and made my way back to Platinum Pier, making my way back to the hotel. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-6754405777301487222010-10-20T16:35:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:31:46.083-07:00More on WardrobeHaving had that experience with my first photoshoot in Bangkok, I was immediately aware of the importance of having assembled some wardrobe items ahead of time. My second shoot was a rather brief bikin shoot, poolside (with Xanny), and I didn't have any wardrobe needs since she brought her bikini. We only shot for about a half hour, as we were late in the day and quickly losing light.<br />
<br />
As I prepared for my third shoot, I was in the fortunate position of having a chance to meet the model ahead of time to discuss the shoot. After we chatted about ideas over lunch, I mentioned that I'd be going to "Platinum" to pick up some wardrobe items. She was interested in coming along, thinking maybe she'd see something she wanted to wear for the shoot. Great - all the more fun. <br />
<br />
Platinum is this huge, windowless, no-frills outlet that houses hundreds of small vendors selling clothing and accessories. It spreads across seven or eight floors, and can be quite daunting for the unitiated. I discovered it myself a few years ago when a Thai girlfriend I once had led me to this treasure trove. The place is amazing, but the shopper has to be aware of a few things. For one, it is a wholesale outlet. So one has to be prepared to buy at least "three" of something, or pay a substantially higher price. Secondly, the clothes are sometimes displayed on a hanger, or even a mannequin - but when you but the item, you will be handed a little bundle with your item tightly folded or bound in a plastic bag. It is not Nordstrom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMCq2Y-SWvI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_NUJKnpKQP8/s1600/platinum2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMCq2Y-SWvI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_NUJKnpKQP8/s320/platinum2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Also, for me at least, I know that I need to buy early in the process of shopping. If I "shop" too much, I will soon become overwhelmed with choices, and find myself locked into a mode of indecision. Even if I think back of an item I saw earlier that I want to backtrack and buy, I have learned that I may be unable to find that little shop again. They all look a bit alike, and there are rows and rows of stores, with very little signage. So, I've learned the following: if I see something I "might" want (for a photoshoot, that is), buy it. It's remarkably inexpensive. Quality may be a bit on the marginal side, but it will surely last through one photoshoot - so it's the perfect place for a photographer in search of a particular look.<br />
<br />
My model friend (Aaew) hung out with me for about an hour at Platinum, then left at some point while I continued my search for thigh-high stockings. I was determined to find them, but it was certainly not proving to be easy. Finally, on the basement floor, I found the mother lode. A store with all kinds of lingerie and naughty outfits. I was getting some funny looks from the shopkeeper, an elderly Thai woman, as I asked for a closeup look at several different pairs of stockings. I was interrupted at one point, when a woman asked me which outfit I thought would be sexier (she was asking me as proxy for her husband, who she hoped to surprise). I couldn't resist teasing her, and told her she'd have to put it one in order for me to tell, but we just laughed and I gave her my opinion (to me, simpler is better).<br />
<br />
With my black thigh-highs in hand, and like a rat in a laboratory maze, I found my way back to the escalator, reached the ground floor, and darted for the door. By now it was dark outside, and raining! Yikes - one of those late afternoon Bangkok downpours. I was at least 15 minutes walk to the SkyTrain station, so I got pretty well soaked before reaching cover. I wasn't phased, though, as I was still feeling pretty stoked about my find.<br />
<br />
More to come...LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178492708028054752.post-7877140024405142182010-10-16T11:15:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:50:44.413-07:00What about Wardrobe?The first few photoshoots I did with models were a learning experience, as would be true for any photographer. One thing I hadn't really put any thought into in the early going was that whole topic of wardrobe. I mean, of course it was important to me, but I was under the (misguided) assumption that the model would take care of that. <br />
<br />
I quickly learned that the model does not necessarily take care of that. I remember one of my first shoots, the model telephoned me on the drive to our chosen location to say that she had forgotten to bring any clothes with her. She asked if it was okay, and we could just shoot nude. Well, that wasn't what I had in mind, at least not for the entire shoot (let's get there gradually, if we do...). On a different occasion, I was so pleased to have a model arrive with three enourmous plastic containers full of lingerie, blouses, undergarments, skirts, etc. That was a particularly fun shoot, because we had so many choices to select from as our ideas evolved during the shoot. But that latter case was a marked exception. Wardrobe is something the photographer has to sort out if he/she hopes to achieve any particular result.<br />
<br />
So, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I had assembled various pieces of lingerie prior to leaving for my trip. It was a good decision for many reasons, and it was clear as I was packing that these items took very little space in my luggage. During my trip to Thailand, my experience took me to a new level in terms of preparing wardrobe.<br />
<br />
The first model in Thailand I shot was not the first model I met. I met Xanny Disjad <a href="http://www.xannydisjad.com/"><span style="color: lime;">www.xannydisjad.com</span></a><br />
a few days before our initial shoot to discuss what we'd do, and get to know each other better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMNlWYvQ65I/AAAAAAAAAAs/WgeW1AkvxkI/s1600/DSC_7629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bh7VIfyIbOo/TMNlWYvQ65I/AAAAAAAAAAs/WgeW1AkvxkI/s320/DSC_7629.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
This is a practice that should be done with every single shoot, as I've found every aspect of the shoot to be much better and it shows in the end result. But it's not always possible to arrange this, for a host of reasons. When I first saw Xanny, I immediately placed her in the category of "professional" models. First of all, she had as much interest and prioritization on meeting me in advance of the shoot as I had. This was a sign to me that she takes the work seriously. Secondly, immediately apparent when seeing her was her attention to detail. Her makeup was impeccably applied. She wore a bright red blouse atop black slacks, and accents including matching red earrings. She popped out of her surroundings the way we photographers want our models to pop out of the page. Our meeting went very well, and I pretty well knew I did not to worry too much about wardrobe with her. Anything I had brought would just compliment what she'd bring to the shoot.<br />
<br />
My next encounter was with the first model I actually shot. I won't reveal the identity of this model, because so much of my experience with her put her in marked contrast with Xanny. She did bring some shoes for the shoot, but aside from the clothes she was wearing, she brought nothing for wardrobe. Luckily, I had brought seven or eight lingerie outfits with me, and we were able to put together enough to accomplish my goals for the shoot. <br />
<br />
One of the less pleasant surprises for me with this model was her facial complexion. While this is somewhat removed from the topic of wardrobe, it is related inasmuch as a photographer's need to have as control over the shoot as possible. I mentioned the importance of having a pre-shoot meeting, and that's an example of what we can do to minimize negative surprises and again, have more control over the end product. With all the options available for post-processing images in this day, some folks might dismiss the importance of having a "perfect" complexion. Well, perfection may not exist, and actually isn't all that desireable anyway. At the same time, I want to spend my time creating ideas, collaborating, and shooting models. I don't want to spend time using Lightroom or Photoshop to recreate something that was never there in the first place. Just my personal perspective on that (others may feel differently). So, one more lesson learned - or rather emphasized - during my Thailand experience.<br />
<br />
There's more to say about assembling the wardrobe - to be continued in my next post...LazyEyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12306254035010661458noreply@blogger.com0