I just finished coming off of one of my most rewarding photo shoots. It was a personal editorial for print and the next installment in my ongoing #BEDSESSIONS series! I wanted to talk about just what makes up some of my biggest and most successful photo shoots. That magical thing is the true reason most of the big photo shoots you see out there come together. That magical thing being the crew you work with.
"I wanted to talk about just what makes up some of my biggest and most successful photo shoots. That magical thing is the true reason most of the big photo shoots you see out there come together. That magical thing being the crew you work with."
The Gurlz.
When I started shooting, I’d jump on any bandwagon and that was fine -- eating up as much experience as I could. As I continued to shoot over the years I learned that a shoot is a lot like Tetris. You really have to think about what pieces fit well together in the best and most colorful way. I say that because being on set with talented people who bring their own flair to it is infectious. Why work with someone for their talent if you’re just going to end up telling them what to do? My photos are hugely influenced by the way the people I am working alongside develop my mood boards.
The Verb Hotel is such a magical place!
Don’t get me wrong, having a solid plan/idea and directing the process all the way through is imperative. Take the time to find the right model able to convey the right emotion. Work with the right make-up/hair artists to develop the vision into something gorgeous, mixed with the right location, props and lighting to set the mood both in the photos and on set. It’s important for me to create a world right off the bat and have everyone on set feel like they’re in it.
"My photos are hugely influenced by the way the people I am working alongside develop my mood boards."
Priceless Hmua dolling muse Kayley France uppppp.
It’s a fine line, you have to be in control and put in the work to make it all happen, but then you also have to let your idea fly and be able to inspire the people you are collaborating with. It’s important to take the time to talk to them about it, figure out exactly what they’re thinking and making sure not to stifle their creativity in the process.
"It’s a fine line, you have to be in control and put in the work to make it all happen, but then you also have to let your idea fly and be able to inspire the people you are collaborating with."
On this last shoot I worked with an incredible crew. There were so many times throughout the day I rejoiced that we were all able to come together and create. Priceless Hmua took the mood I sent her and went above and beyond with hair extensions and played up all of the model’s features; we shot 5 different looks! Kayley was a must in front of the camera; she created this mysterious character and ran with it. I love a model that falls so deep into the moment that you find all these hidden gems when you’re going through the shots since they’re never truly out of character. I had my friend Louisa help me style the jewelry and be a phenomenal PA, she brought positivity and life along with some brilliant music cues! I had my favorite gaffer Jarvis on set in charge of setting the tones of the story with light.
Couldn't have asked for a more fun loving DIT/Jewelry Styllist for the day than Louisa!
"Create a family vibe with every shoot. People want to remember a great experience when they look back on your day together."
We were shooting at The Verb Hotel which is a fantastic new boutique hotel in the heart of Fenway. We had two luxurious rooms complete with balcony views of Fenway Park. Its sexy rainbow rock star vibe and the 70’s era props that came with the room really brought the shoot together. We also collaborated with a lingerie line that was ultra sultry, Kayleigh Peddie. I’d been following her work for a while and when I saw her latest collection – I knew it was time to make magic. All of these little elements and artists committed to creation made each shot possible. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s best to do it alone, the more creativity you can fill a room with – the better. Work with people who inspire you. Create a family vibe with every shoot. People want to remember a great experience when they look back on your day together. And give credit where credit is due!
Gaffer Jarvis basking in his own lighting.
Look for the funky photos from this set in Rogue Magazine here!