New Lewi - My first on-location media shoot
Orville is a rapper extraordinaire. His shoot was both on-location and in the studio. Besides being the first media shoot, it was the first on-location adult shoot that I've done. It didn't last too long since it started to rain, but I enjoyed it the most. Being outside, finding locations in Manhattan that suited the look he was going for, seeing him in his element, it was fantastic. I didn't realize how much I absolutely love on-location shoots until I got to photograph Orville. I strongly prefer it to in-studio sessions. That has to be the biggest lesson there. Oh yeah, and that I'm short. I had to get up on a step ladder to shoot Orville in the studio so I could get him face to face. lol.
Lewinson Family - My first family shoot
The Lewinson Family shoot was also both on-location and in the studio. I got a lot of good practice photographing outdoor play. I also faced a new challenge...Isaac (my godson). lol. He's that in-between age where you don't have to chase him around to get a picture, but you can't exactly pose him, either. Getting a serious pose out of him was near impossible, but that made the pictures all the more genuine and fun to me. They were my first family shoot, and I realized it requires a lot of time. Before then, I thought I could "JC Penney" it and get a family in and out in 1/2 an hour - 45 minutes tops. Now I realize a full hour is needed for most family type shoots. I also enjoyed photographing the full range of skin tones in this family...absolutely gorgeous.
The Rolle Family - my first time with people who have their photos taken OFTEN
The Rolle Family was great fun. They are practically professional picture takers. Photographers building their portfolios should hire this family. They know how to pose and still look natural. They know how to be playful and still professional. Seriously, they should rent themselves out. Jo (mom) said I was too laid back and nice with their shoot. I don't know what they're used to, but they did everything I told them to do without any hassle. What's there not to be nice about? They were awesome. I learned that there are families out there like this who actually get their pictures taken often and come with certain expectations. I need to be aware of that and let them know ahead of time that my photo shoots are way more relaxed. Little by little through these practice shoots, I'm learning my own personal style.
I really like to capture the true essence of who people are in their photographs.
Kim McCray - my first on-location high-fashion shoot, and my first time shooting in Raw format
Kim McCray is absolutely stunning. She has been a good friend of mine for many years, and I've always thought she was beautiful - but this photo shoot showed me how breath taking she is. She was a natural. I had her climbing trees, walking through mud, treading over rocky and unstable ground - all while dressed completely in white and wearing heels...and she had a smile on her face the whole time. It was great practice for the practice "Trash the Dress" shoot I have coming up in May. The pictures from her shoot are my favorite so far because they captured her at the core of who she is. It was also my very first time shooting in Raw format (besides the few I took of Joshua in the house to get a feel for it). I always used to shoot in jpeg because I had a fear of the unknown in Raw. Yet Raw produces much higher quality pictures and most professionals shoot in this format. I decided to take the leap into Raw - and that very day Kim told me she's going Raw soon (foodwise). I was too thrilled. Perhaps I'll make my way back to raw foods, but I'm definitely an all raw photographer from now on. I also learned that I need an assistant for those types of shoots. She had all sorts of accessories she carried with her, and I would've liked to have someone else carry those things so she would've been more free to enjoy herself. It didn't seem to stop her, though. We both had a blast.
"Kiyeena" - my first little girl in costume
My last practice photo shoot of the month was Kiyeena. I have been forgetting to get model release forms signed, so I don't really know how to spell her name. Don't worry, these are all my friends...they won't sue me for posting their pictures without a written consent. lol. Ok, so honestly I didn't think I was going to learn much from this shoot. Boy was I wrong! This little girl was a ball of energy. She was rolling and entangling herself in the backdrop, having a blast. When she wasn't doing that, she was running at me (a la Joshua). A lot of time was spent waiting for her to settle into a spot where I could photograph her. I got a lot of cute shots of her on that bench...little did I know that the bench DOES NOT work with my chromakey green screen backdrop (which is what I had for her in the studio). I wanted to use the green so I could turn it into any color I wanted. Cool. The green backdrop bled icky green all over my subject and the props. Not cool. Even in the edited version, you can still see the green. From now on I will know not to use the green back drop with that bench, or the angel costume. I was so happy that her mom let me dress her up in a brand new costume I had bought. It was fun. I ended up taking her outdoors because it was just gorgeous out, and we got some great shots. Even Joshua decided to go for a run with his new angel.
All in all, April was a great month. I do not regret taking this time to learn and grow. I know that neither one of those processes ever stop, so I'm looking forward to more learning and growth ahead!
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5 comments:
just so you get the full range of potential customers, i'll be the difficult diva during my shoot :)
have my perrier water and fresh fruits ready for me when I come. don't look directly at me when speaking to me and please refer to me only as Ms. Jones.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! These look so good!!!!!!! That New Lewi guy is a hottie! :-)
I am very impressed. Now all you need is a pregnant lady and her hubby... I better hurry up and finalize my date with you before you get to busy. Your portfolio is really diverse, you go girl!!!
your pics are hot. i love the clarity...its so crisp. my fav is the one of kim. that reflection in the water is tight and its almost as if she's glowing. i love the shot of O standing against the wall...i could so see that as a poster he could sell at shows. the lewinson shots are of course great cause how could u not get great shots of that family? the rolles look like cool laid back people...oh wait, that's what they are! u captured them perfectly. i love the one of kiyeena in the grass looking down. its very natural. you're dope son...i'm excited to see what else you come up with.
Out of all the shoots that I've done in my lifetime (and I've done many) this is the only one that made me feel absolutely beautiful and free to be me with my new look, my natural hair. Your reactions when you found the right spot and when you captured the shot you wanted inspired me and motivated me to do what ever you wanted. Walk through mud... sure it's for Yadi! Climb that tree in these heels in this white outfit... sure it's for Yadi! Dip my toe in this stream... um...OK, it's for Yadi because she's fierce and on fire and I feel fierce and on fire!! I love the RAW format, it is exactly the feel the I wanted, it so works! I cannot stop looking at my photo (and I am so critical when it comes to photos of me) but not with your shots. It's amazing how you captured the essence of everyone and how you brought out even another dimension of each of us. I have to be honest I want to do all my future pics with you, all kind of ideas are popping into my head. You are so gifted and anointed! I'm so glad you decided to give yourself totally to this gift. You continue to amaze and inspire me (and I'm no pushover!) :D I am so glad to be a part of this new chapter in your life and so very proud of you! I'm looking forward to our next shoot!
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