The Farinaz in all of us...

Today was our editorial shoot on the quick. Our client needed 20 separate editorial shots for a women's shirt line. The print deadline was fast approaching so we kicked the tires and lit the fires. Megan our many faceted make-up, hair and wardrobe stylist/creative director put together 4 looks that would translate into one cohesive image bank for a commercial look book and publication editorial. Now shooting a look book is one thing, shooting editorially is another, but Megan and I sat down and put together an idea that could facilitate both needs.
We sourced a vintage parachute to create our silk cave to shoot within and decided based on some client go-by's that gunning colored light into the rear surfaces of the silk would provide a dreamy feel. We were going for a pastel mood with an editorial light.

Shooting editorially is the photographers dream, to have the ability to crop with emotion and move with the subject is my idea of heaven, shooting for knock outs or web is fine and you can add your thumbprint to most projects you do. But when a client gives you the creative reigns to really create a vision it makes the shoot a challenge, a good challenge.
Even though our hands were tied as to lighting and set changes we felt we produced a very diverse campaign while sticking to the need for a prolific shot list.

"Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be..."

One of the best things about shooting Kids is their Honesty.

We shot a group of young people today that really proved to be a very talented crew! We shot 4 kids all lifestyle oriented for portfolio and marketing purposes.
It's always a treat to work with professional "please and thank you" kids. So many times working with kids can be exhausting, the old rule is "you shoot in their world, not yours...". Everyone of the kids we shot were on time, professional, polite and gosh darn it, just good looking!
We kept a story line with all the shoots, allowing each shoot blend in with the next. It's cold this time of the year so we didn't have the option of venturing outside too much, so we kept it simple, 4 lighting sets for 4 kids. Each talent shot in each set and this produced a story that flowed through the entire shoot.
Here are a few images that we think stand out from the entire day.. We enjoy shooting kids simply, show their expressions and personality. Its too easy to fall into the "portrait" mentality when shooting kids, so we talk with them while we shoot, joke around and look for those "happy accidents" that happen when you let the youngsters let loose!

Saving the world, one sip at a time...

I found this amazing charity today that helps to supply clean water to developing countries .
Their statement is-
charity: water funds projects that include the installation and rehabilitation of freshwater systems, as well as the formation and training of local water committees who are empowered to maintain the systems, and promote better sanitation and hygiene for the community. charity: water projects seek to maximize the overall improvement in quality of life that comes with clean safe water.
I'm constantly amazing by how each person can make a difference on the other side of the world, amazing...

A shirt for every occasion...

As some of you know, we've been working with Tommy Hilfiger for months now, doing product photography for their eCommerce site.
It's been a great time, working with the creative team out of NYC, being able to create a new look and strategic branding for their new direction in web sales. We photographed 42 shirts for them this week with our stylist friend, Ally Jones.

Sounds of the Seasons

In the sometimes futile effort to expand my musical horizons beyond what I find on local radio, i look to the web and the denizens of cool that linger there...

I recently stumbled across Refinery 29 and their seasonal playlist

It's a beautiful site that carries all sorts of eclectic items for both sexes such as the wallets from our friends at Entermodal.

You don't have to be cool to listen to good music but it helps...