Ring Flash Fun

Chelsea and Lauren came to the studio today to play around with fake hair, swim caps and ring flash. It was fun and gave me a chance to use all the shiny material in the studio.

I've been trying to shoot this swim cap idea since April. But everybody canceled or moved or just didn't want to do it. This is actually the third time I tried to get Chelsea in the studio to shoot this. I'm glad she finally made it. I love the shots. This is my favorite.

As a bonus, Lauren, the makeup and hair gal, wanted some shots of herself. She got herself ready as I shot Chelsea. Since I had the ring flash out, I just kept using it. I really like this shot. It has a rough sophistication to it that amuses me.

Pink Cadillac

Cadillac Bob offered his two pink Cadillacs to Shannon who invited me to shoot her with them. What a fun day. I was at the location at 6 am. Shooting starting sometime around 7:30. We lasted until 11:30 at which time I melted into a puddle in my car.

These shots don't do the car justice. I got some good car shots, but my favorite shots only have hints of the car in them. It's just like me to crop out the focus of the shoot. Well, everybody else's focus, mine is always somewhere else!

This is my favorite:

The windshield shot took a circular polarizer to take most of the glare off of the windshield. It's one of those tools that I don't use often, but it is the perfect tool when you need it! I like the moodiness of the shot and that the focus isn't directly on Shannon. I feel like I'm in the car with her and I took the shot and know that I'm standing off to the side trying not to lean on the hood because it can't take any weight without buckling.

These are my next favorites. All shot with monolights in daylight. Most in the shade, but you'll see some sun peeping through.

Added: There's the car, so you know I wasn't lying! It had horns and everything. Gotta love a '59 Pink Cadillac.

Who Are You? First Three Shoots

I ran around town this weekend shooting what people do. I really enjoyed meeting these three people and hearing their stories. People do some pretty interesting things, so far all things that I don't do!

I Love What I Do

I had a good shoot tonight. I worked with a young girl, only 17. But she's just amazingly cute.

I was inspired to do a scarf shoot by another photograph. Luckily I had a vintage Pierre Cardin scarf in my closet (I don't think I've even worn it!) And, of course, my studio mate supplied the jewelry.

Tatum did the makeup, very strong since Carolina's features are very strong. And we gave her blonde hair for something unexpected.

I shot it with ring flash and it feels like the right choice. Looking at this picture makes me say to myself, "I love what I do."

A few more from that shoot:

New Series: Who Are You?

I recently came up with my new series idea. It's called Who Are You? I asked people on Craig's List to tell me who they are and we are going to take a picture of that. It's similar to my Perfect As Is series in that it will involve very little post-processing, but this series will have more location in it. So far I've arranged to shoot at a park, dance studio and a school.

I'm loving the replies I have gotten on Craig's List already. People are actually telling me who they are. Some give me a list of things to choose from. Some are just really passionate about one thing. This seems like a really good fit for me right now. I've told a lot of fiction in my photos, and now I'm itching to tell a real stories.

I should start having images next week. I'm excited.