Fashion shoot video

On Tuesday I posted some photos from the fashion & beauty shoot that I did on Monday. Here is a short video of that shoot as well.

You can see a high definition (720P) version on either YouTube or on Facebook!

Senior Shoot Video

Here is a video from this past Sunday's senior portrait session.

Fashion shoot - Linzy Anna

Monday, I did a fashion and beauty shoot with model Linzy Anna. In an attempt to "step up" the quality of my work, I had purchased some stunning designer BCBG Max Azria dresses and matching shoes. I also contacted a wonderful makeup artist (Robyn Taylor) and hair stylist (Laurie Gebhardt) to work with me on this shoot. Having a quality team, certainly makes a huge difference for fashion and beauty shoots. I was very happy with the results from the shoot, but did learn that the next time I purchase designer dresses and shoes, I should make sure that I get some designer clutches or purses to accessorize the look as well.

Senior portrait (and fashion photography) locations

Being in St. Louis, one wonderful location that seniors have access to for their portraits is Forest Park. From the Grand Basin and Jewel Box to the World's Fair Pavilion, the possibilities for different settings for senior portraits is almost limitless. I took some time yesterday, taking advantage of the cool, but sunny day to go around the park and take some pictures of some more out of the way locations that still make for wonderful settings.

In addition to making great locations for senior portraits, these are also wonderful spots for fashion photography shoots as well. Can't you just see colorful couture gowns being displayed in these spots?

Simulated sunset lighting (indoors)

Here is a photo taken at last week's fashion shoot. 

Notice the golden halo surrounding the model's hair and shoulders. This is a typical effect when you take photos at sunset time with the sun behind your subject. However, as you can see, this was taken indoors. The effect was created artificially by using a reflector heater behind the model - it gives off light similar to what you get at from natural sunset light (also called the golden hour), plus it has the advantage of not moving (like the sun does) and being able to use it indoors. Because we were not shooting in my studio (but my neighbor's sculpting studio) the reflector heater belongs to him. However, I have purchased one to play around with as well and see what other interesting "indoor sunset" shots I can get.

What to wear for my shoot?

A common question that I get is "what should I wear for my photoshoot or session?" When it comes to High School Seniors, I have a guide on the Senior Information page of my website. However, when it comes to family or individual portrait sessions, while those guidelines are still good suggestions, I have also started a new Pinterest board called What to wear ideas for people to check out as well. I will be searching out more ideas to pin there, but a general search on either Pinterest or Google will give people plenty of ideas. When trying to find coordinating family outfits, places like Old Navy and Gap are a good place to look for casual outfits to shoot in.

POTW (Dec. 3rd, 2012)

This week's photo comes from a photoshoot I did this afternoon. Despite a late start, we managed to capture some wonderful images. The shoot featured model Lo Victoria in a gown by Caroline Williard of CWCouture. My neighbor, Abraham Mohler, was kind enough to allow us to shoot in his sculpting studio.

This shot highlights both the model as well as the sculpture of the dancer behind her. As it was getting late in the day, rather than setup traditional photo strobes I used, available light, some fill with an on-camera flash, and a fan shaped heat lamp which cast the beautiful yellow-orange light on both Lo, the sculpture and background.