Headshots with Lauren

I recently shot some headshots for a friend who wanted some new profile picks for the web. Having a nice looking avatar photo in the social media world can separate you from the crowd as a real professional. Nothing makes you look suspect and hard to take series like a profile pic from your phone in the mirror or the infamous at arms length shot. Two of any photographers pet peeves.

  Lauren came over with several outfits and Athena helped with hair and makeup. She now has several different looks to get her through the next year by changing up her profile photos and keeping it looking professional.

Denver model photography

A couple saturdays ago, I got to do some model photography in Denver. Jay Kilgore over at Club Supershoot was going over the business side of shooting models.

We discussed all the aspect of running a photography business from incorporating to marketing. Jay brought us all up to speed on some of the new laws covering model photography and what we should do to cover our asses. The main goal was to have great shots to build a model portfolio. This included a head shot, full body and a product shot.



The class also got to see the downside of models as only one out of the three models showed up. Joelle arrived on time & was a bubbly fun girl to shoot all day.

One of the pluses of the day was seeing first hand the contributions the MUA can bring to a shoot. Julie Gallahue of Goldie Mae Productions was a crack up and did an amazing job on the hair & make up. I'll definitely be using a MUA on shoots when I can.

Glamour Photography with Club SuperShoot

Several months ago Colorado SuperShoot recently had a Glamour Photography workshop were I got to shoot several models all dressed up in fancy makeup & outfits.



Jay showed us how he shoots glamour style with his big diffusion panels, soft boxes & umbrellas. He set up three separate stations that we all got to shoot to see the difference the light modifiers made.



I don't know how late they stayed as I had to leave but I guess it went in late. Beside getting some cool photos, this experience has broadened my lighting views. I've become more comfortable using studio lighting thanks to these shoots.

Model Photography with Club SuperShoot

This last summer, I got to shoot some model photography here in Denver. While surfing the web I came across the Colorado SuperShoot website. They had an event coming up so I signed up.

I haven't had much practice shooting models in the past. I've usually just shot friends, family & a few other clients. Model photography is a whole other world then what I'm used too. It's easy to ask you brother to just wait while you compose this shot, or your friend to try that trick one more time to make sure it's awesome. But having a model willing to do what I ask her. Way different!



The guy putting it all together is Jay Kilgore who is quite comfortable shooting anything. The shootout had about 20 photogs show up and although some of the models didn't, the models that did.... were terrific! Thanks Reese and Mihaela.



We started out with shooting only available light. Later we added a reflector, then some people started using on camera flash & a couple of us did some off camera flash. I pulled out my SB-800 and pocketwizards and got some rim light to seperate my subject. Later, Jay even did a demo using a big Elichrome Ranger that everyone got a chance to try.



The big ol' ranger on the light stand started to act as a lightning rod once the rain & lightning came. This bit of danger kinda forced the session to end early.



All in all, it was a good day. I left with a smile on my face & some good shots in my camera. Hopefully next time there will be more models to talk to. I've got to get more comfortable directing them and this kind of opportunity really helps.

Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai workshop

Not to long ago I got to take the Natural Lighting Portraiture workshop from Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai . It was one of the funnest workshops I've ever taken. First off considering I'm way more comfortable with off camera flash this was a very challenging time. CJ reminded me why I bought a light meter and recommended even though I shoot digital I should use it for available light. All the photos taken this weekend were shot with available light - no flash. -Yikes!




The main draw to the workshop was the "how to talk with models and/or your subject". Cheryl did a terrific job explaining how she works with a new client or model. Now I truly understand how she gets that connection in her photos.



We got to turn our photo shoots into "getting to know you" Interview shoots. To me it sure is easier to understand lighting and how radio transmitters work then sitting down without hiding behind my camera then getting to know my subject



So for two days I didn't fire a flash or hide behind my big camera. I talked, communicated, listened and got wrapped up in the storys of what makes the person special to the world and why am I photographing them. This shows up in the fact I only got one good shot of Phelyx. (I've got to spend more time with that guy to get some more shots. We talked for 45 minutes & I only took 4 frames.) (oops)



So to make things harder on us. CJ decided to invite some very talented local performers. A couple burlesque dancers and a metal bending magician. O'ryan is a fun girl who loves a martini and a good book. She will climb all over trains for a shot. She has a great Pin-Up look that photographs well.



Shotza is a bubbly dancer that is willing to try just about anything. She is quite funky to have around and has huge dog that's twice her size.





Next was Phelyx, the only guy I know who is kicked out of Blackhawk & Central City and it isn't for counting cards. He is very talented and has some amazing stories. He'll even bend a fork right in front of your eyes and barely be touching it.



The workshop is absolutely a blast I had a great time. To find out more about CJ's next workshop checkout her web. You can see more of all these characters down at Lannies Clocktower Cabaret. - even CJ as she sings down there sometimes too.