Soup Factory Open House

The studio had its open house a couple days ago. It was really nice to make large prints (11x14 for me) and to be able to hang my work up, something I have never done before.

Unfortunately, the event fell on a day when everyone I knew was busy, away on a trip, or otherwise engaged. Even my own mother was in the hospital! She wanted me to show up and be seen, so I still attended. I saw her afterwards and showed her the photos in my phone.

 The essentials.

 

I got a chance to talk to a few people in "real life" and meet some new faces, like studio mates Nate Middleton and Aaron Stallworth Jr. plus the talented Andrea Harper. Watching Nate retouch in real time was valuable and informative; using some techniques I knew, and some I didn't. Who knew Photoshop's smart sharpen was actually that smart?

Stylist MelSlim Edmond

The most fun was the "unofficial" photographer talk session afterward, where I found out that while our experience and skill levels are different, we are all the same, with the same problems, insecurities, victories and defeats.

We talked gear, lighting, models, business, set backs, guys with cameras, TF, all kinds of stuff.

Times like these are when I am glad that I joined the studio and have a chance to talk with like minded minds, instead of sitting home.

My Lens - Rhym Shoot 2013

Rhym and I have not shot together in years, since my first attempt using softbox lighting. The results were okay, but there was a lot I wanted to do that I didn't. I have always wanted to get her back in front of my camera with my newer skills. 

I wanted to practice my portrait lighting, as well as my composition. Rhym was down for some testing, complete with her own assistant (shout out to Chris for his reflector holding skills)

Of course the plan went awry as Rhym and I found other interesting poses and light to capture. I loved how the back lit photo came out.

I still want to shoot Rhym's legendary Ninja Costume in the future. We will see.

My Lens - Bridgit Silva Shoot 2013

I've been wanting to shoot with Bridgit since I met her a couple years ago at a fashion show. I connected again with her when I was assisting another photog, Kory, on a shoot with him.

Since she ran track for her college, I wanted to do something with her amazing legs, and the numerous shoes she owned. The concept was to show her fancy shoes off as if they were featured in a magazine ad or catalog.

Although the focus was on the shoes, I didn't want to ignore her pretty face, so I worked with talented make up artist Denise Rice to give her a look that enhanced her features.

It was hot on the day we shot inside the studio, so the huge fan not only cooled her off, but added some 'drama" to her hair.

I was satisfied with the photos we took, but I suffered some backfocusing issues with my Sigma lens. I heard the beep indicating focus, but some of the photos was "off"  Dammit!!

My First Studio - Soup Factory Studios

Actually, this is my second because my first studio was my living room, and although I did good work there, I needed an actual studio with space and availability beyond sneaking around my family, plus not bringing strangers to my home.

I decided to join Soup Factory Studios after my test run/shoot with Megan last month. I loved being able to move around freely, without moving furniture, and having inspiration from various locations and backgrounds.

This is a big step for me, especially financially, but you gotta try new things, right? I can't keep complaining about what is wrong, and what I need without doing something about.

Lets see where this leads...

My Lens - Meagan Fitness Shoot 2013

Months ago I saw this photo of a very fit, beautiful woman lit with soft light and dark shadows. I fell in love with it. I would have loved to have a shot like that in my portfolio, but how could I make it happen?

Thanks to photographer Joshua Black offering me a test space, and Black Soup Studios, plus a rare Saturday off, my fitness model and old acquaintance  Meagan, everything came together to help me to make what I imagined a reality.

If I ever had a chance to shoot a female fitness model or bodybuilder, I wanted to get them away from their usual competition style posing and flexing and make them look more feminine and sexy. I didn't have to worry about that with Meagan because she is attractive. Most people would kill to look half as fit.

With her style and fashion sense, I didn't have to worry about her dressing in baggy patterned pants like someone stuck in the 90's; something I've seen bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts do. What happens to your fashion sense once you get muscular? I digress.

 We rocked it out, and I was glad to have had the opportunity to try some new lighting.