Today, June 28, was the day after the Whimsy Press photoshoot. Today was another errand day. This time I was sent to Sam Flax clear across town. I drove over there to buy vellum envelopes for Scott's mailers. Scott also me to research paper cutters and see if they make them longer than 11 inches. At "the flax" I found the vellum envelopes pretty easily and then walked to find a salesperson to help me with the paper cutter question. Apparently, after looking at the magazine that Sam Flax orders from and finding they do not make them any longer than 12 inches (Scott wanted 14 or 15 inches).
On my return Callie, Scott's studio manager called me and told me to get some lunch before I get back. I stopped at the restraunt next to SLP studio called Del Sol which is really great food and the lady who runs it is very nice. I got a grilled chicken salad and returned to the studio.
Upon returning I was asked by Scott to look up prices on Ebay of broken computers and other equipment to compare prices. I found prices on 2 seagate HDs, a imac G5 with a broken screen, a G4 tower, an external Lacie DVD burner, 2 apple laptop batteries, a 15 in power book, and a 12 in G5 power book.
At 3 30 pm there was a brainstorming meeting for a tool company calendar for Cyclone. Scott and the 4 other ad guys threw around ideas for location, demographics, and other details of the company product calender. They settled on the shop as location with hot girls. I know it sounds pretty cliche, but I am sure Scott will find a way to shoot it interestingly with a tiny bit of cliche.
After all the hour long meeting, another of Scott's assistants John Herre came in with a stylist friend, named Heather. She was from Atlanta but moved to New York to work and how she is back and looking for jobs.
While John and Heather waited for Scott, I was able to talk about working in the commerical photography world and eventually for Scott. They both gave me great ideas for learning an eye for commerical photography. Heather said to look in magazine such as ITALIAN VOGUE, NYLON, LOWMO, and W for ideas and rip them out and save them. John suggested writing down what you learned on each photoshoot and to diagram out lighting on any photo for ads.
These are great ideas that I will do. Thanks John and Heather.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Product Shoot
On June 26 was the second photoshoot I got to help with at SLP. We shot about 60 table top shots for whimsy press. Scott's fiance Wendy, Donna, Lisa, and Lisa's dog Trixie where all there to help guide the photographic journey. The three females acted as art director as we shot the notecards, bookplates, journals, stickers, baby clothes, and wrapping paper.
Scott used a white seamless on a table top with a white laminate board in the background to create a horizon line in the background. He also used a Molar on a boom stand for high and to the left lighing with the white laminate board as a reflector used as a fill. He also wanted to use his 35 mm tilt-shift lens but someone checked it out with another camera body so he was forced to use his 50 mm on his canon mark II.
My job on the shoot was as digital assistant. Scott gave me a print out of their digital work flow where they make sure that each picture is saved to 3 locations. He also showed me about the metadata with all the shot information written into it. The main point of my job on this shoot was to write all the metadata for each shot. This consisted of me copying and pasting the main metadata and then asking for the name of each product. Asking for the names was smooth at first because I simply used a phrase from the note cards like "Love is Lovely cards" or "Havannah Cards". However, when it got to the journals, stickers, wrapping paper, and others I had to ask on every single one because of the bizarre names. After about the 30th time of asking, I figured that of the three people they might catch on that I needed names and that they would offer it after each photograph but no, I had to annoy them by saying, "Excuse me, uh, Wendy? what is the name of this one?" and she would tell me. Or I would point at the screen and she would nod in approval and then I would say, "What is the day of this one?" and she would say, "Oh, it's Poppi Art" and I would say thanks.
All in all, today was a good day. I learned alot about art directors and how to ask the name of a product 15 different ways, among other things. I was there from 8 30 am to 4 30.
Scott used a white seamless on a table top with a white laminate board in the background to create a horizon line in the background. He also used a Molar on a boom stand for high and to the left lighing with the white laminate board as a reflector used as a fill. He also wanted to use his 35 mm tilt-shift lens but someone checked it out with another camera body so he was forced to use his 50 mm on his canon mark II.
My job on the shoot was as digital assistant. Scott gave me a print out of their digital work flow where they make sure that each picture is saved to 3 locations. He also showed me about the metadata with all the shot information written into it. The main point of my job on this shoot was to write all the metadata for each shot. This consisted of me copying and pasting the main metadata and then asking for the name of each product. Asking for the names was smooth at first because I simply used a phrase from the note cards like "Love is Lovely cards" or "Havannah Cards". However, when it got to the journals, stickers, wrapping paper, and others I had to ask on every single one because of the bizarre names. After about the 30th time of asking, I figured that of the three people they might catch on that I needed names and that they would offer it after each photograph but no, I had to annoy them by saying, "Excuse me, uh, Wendy? what is the name of this one?" and she would tell me. Or I would point at the screen and she would nod in approval and then I would say, "What is the day of this one?" and she would say, "Oh, it's Poppi Art" and I would say thanks.
All in all, today was a good day. I learned alot about art directors and how to ask the name of a product 15 different ways, among other things. I was there from 8 30 am to 4 30.
Errands and Stuff
The next time at SLP was June 19th. I had to go for a run to Publix for supplies. As soon as I arrived I was given a list of things to accomplish and groceries to obtain. Scott and company had a huge job for Aflac that they were trying to get done so they were working on that while I did the errands. After buying 103 dollars in 6 cases of 12 packs of coke, 2 cases of bottled water, gatorade, fresh fruit, and "healthy snacks" I had to take out the trash, refill the fridge, call to order more water bottles for the water cooler, and replace any burned out light bulbs. It took me about 2 hours for the hole process. What took me the longest was bringing in all the drinks. I had to use a hand cart to bring in the beverages.
After I finished the errands. Scott and Ryan had me check all of the AFLAC images for the correct names. Out of the 30 or so images there was 1 image that was named incorrectly and they quickly changed it. I then helped cut up the printed images for proofing and then the day was done.
Again, it was a nice day at SLP. I got to chat with Ryan Flynn, another of Scott's freelance assistants. He shared with me how he got started in photography. He thinks of himself as not a great teacher but he gives great common sense advice. I was there at the studio from 10 30 to 3 30 pm.
After I finished the errands. Scott and Ryan had me check all of the AFLAC images for the correct names. Out of the 30 or so images there was 1 image that was named incorrectly and they quickly changed it. I then helped cut up the printed images for proofing and then the day was done.
Again, it was a nice day at SLP. I got to chat with Ryan Flynn, another of Scott's freelance assistants. He shared with me how he got started in photography. He thinks of himself as not a great teacher but he gives great common sense advice. I was there at the studio from 10 30 to 3 30 pm.
Dillard's Debriefing
The next time at SLP was June 14th, the day after the Dillard's Shoot. I was there from 10 30 to 3 pm and all we talked about was Dillard's and what all I had learned from watching. I pointed out his "bedside" manner with photography. He noted that has helped him get into places he normally is not supposed to be as a photographer. I also pointed out that since in the background of Alge and his daughter photo he knew it was going to be blown out, but insisted that the workers at the horse barn let them run free. I asked if that was to get the workers out of the way and he said yes but also he thought it would be cool if they came up to them while shooting. He said later he knew what wouldn't happen. We also talked about his books. Scott showed me his two books that he sends to clients to show his work off. He had the books custom made to look like old leatherbound photography books. They were pretty awesome looking with a large brass plate on the from with his logo and name. He printed his images on double-sided enhanced matte paper, sprayed them with sealer, and then used linen artist tape to make the binds. He first used gum based tape but was too stiff and the pages would not fold down. The way he printed his images were like how the images might appear in ads with one large images on one page and 2 - 3 on images grouped together on the next. He also had two page pictures to mimic full spreads. His first book was his "lifestyle" photos and the other was photos he took while traveling. Overall, it was nice to talk to Scott one - on - one about the shoot.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
PHOTOSHOOT FOR DILLARD'S
Today was my first photoshoot assisting for SLP. It was at Lake Lanier in North Georgia and with Alge Crumpler, Tight End with the Atlanta Falcons for Dillard's department store. The shoot was in two stages, one shot with Alge by himself and the second with his daughter who is 4.
The day started about 10 30 am and by 11 we had everything packed up and ready to travel. After taking a break to eat, we all traveled the hour north to Lake Lanier and Pine Isle Resort. Upon reaching Lake Lanier Scott talked with Alge's handler, the manager of Pine Isle, and the Artistic Director for Dillard's (who meet us there) about places to shoot. Since this was a smaller shoot than normal the scouting was done the day of (Scott normally likes to scout the day before). We drove around on golf carts to several locations before deciding on one shot off of the hole 5 tee that when shot toward another hole looked like it was not in Georgia. The lighting and everything was set up before the talent arrived. We used a 7 ft strip soft box to light his side and wrap around to fill and another soft box as the key (we started to use a reflector as a key but it did not have enough pop). Scott used a 85 mm and 50 mm lens. Technically, I was an Assistant on the job. I did whatever needed to be done and went between the lighting and digital assistant jobs. I handled the CF cards and handed them to him when he asked. I also put in a new card and formated it whenever he out the one in the camera to show the images to the art director on a laptop.
After that shot, we quickly ran to the next location at the equestrian center where Alge and his daughter would be shot. The barn had no light, so the light had to be provided. We started with 3 large reflector but quickly lost light so resorted to using 2 strobes, one behind and one pointed at the ceiling. We still used a reflector as a fill light. I cleared items from the area and when done placed them back. I also helped with the fill reflector and the CF cards. The 2 other large reflectors were left outside and were attacked by the horses that were roaming outside of the barn. I also noticed how Scott was genuenlly nice to everyone he meet that worked in places that he shoots. He said this is so that if he ever needs to shoot there again he can be remembered as "the nice guy who photographed there". He also said he knows this works because he can get into places that have been closed off to other photographers.
I was at at the internship from 10 30 to 6 30 pm.
That was my first shoot and I am looking forward to the next one.
The day started about 10 30 am and by 11 we had everything packed up and ready to travel. After taking a break to eat, we all traveled the hour north to Lake Lanier and Pine Isle Resort. Upon reaching Lake Lanier Scott talked with Alge's handler, the manager of Pine Isle, and the Artistic Director for Dillard's (who meet us there) about places to shoot. Since this was a smaller shoot than normal the scouting was done the day of (Scott normally likes to scout the day before). We drove around on golf carts to several locations before deciding on one shot off of the hole 5 tee that when shot toward another hole looked like it was not in Georgia. The lighting and everything was set up before the talent arrived. We used a 7 ft strip soft box to light his side and wrap around to fill and another soft box as the key (we started to use a reflector as a key but it did not have enough pop). Scott used a 85 mm and 50 mm lens. Technically, I was an Assistant on the job. I did whatever needed to be done and went between the lighting and digital assistant jobs. I handled the CF cards and handed them to him when he asked. I also put in a new card and formated it whenever he out the one in the camera to show the images to the art director on a laptop.
After that shot, we quickly ran to the next location at the equestrian center where Alge and his daughter would be shot. The barn had no light, so the light had to be provided. We started with 3 large reflector but quickly lost light so resorted to using 2 strobes, one behind and one pointed at the ceiling. We still used a reflector as a fill light. I cleared items from the area and when done placed them back. I also helped with the fill reflector and the CF cards. The 2 other large reflectors were left outside and were attacked by the horses that were roaming outside of the barn. I also noticed how Scott was genuenlly nice to everyone he meet that worked in places that he shoots. He said this is so that if he ever needs to shoot there again he can be remembered as "the nice guy who photographed there". He also said he knows this works because he can get into places that have been closed off to other photographers.
I was at at the internship from 10 30 to 6 30 pm.
That was my first shoot and I am looking forward to the next one.
Second Day at SLP
My second day at Scott Lowden Photography was on June 12th and much more interesting to me than the first. Although I learned so about the business end of a working studio the first day, the second day I was introduced to Ryan, another freelancer alongside of Keith, and Scott himself.
I arrived at the studio at one in the afternoon to meet Ryan and talk to him about his role in SLP. When I spoke with him he was printing out the photos from the AFLAC campaign that SLP had in Columbus, GA (aflac's hometown). He explained to me that they use enhanced matt paper because the proof paper they used had a yellow tint that customers complained about, so they stuck with a cheap paper that had a white base. Ryan also explained to me how he got involved with Scott and assisting him. Ryan is usually the Digital Assistant on a shoot, meaning that he takes care of the CF cards (making for there are formated cards in the camera all the time), making sure that all the pictures from each card is backed up in 3 places (card, computer, external hard drive). Ryan also helps Keith (lighting assistant and Photoshop guy) with the lighting when need be. Talking with Ryan helped me to solitify everything that keith had told me about how a team works and the synergy it must have inorder to be successfull.
When Scott arrived the team promptly began to discuss the lighting for there upcoming photoshoot for Dillard's. Since Scott and Ryan were unsure of when and where they were going to set up for the shoot (they were scouting the day of) they thought of many scenarios.
Most of the time for me was listening to what they were talking about and watching how they interacted. Scott led the discussion with Ryan giving advice. Ryan, in fact told me, in a conversation about assisting, that "the best assistants give successful advice".
While unloading equipment from the storage closet for loading up next day, Ryan and Scott explained the equipment to me and what they would use what for. I was familiar with most of the equipment but since Scott prefers continuous lighting some of it I was unfamiliar with. After unloading from the closet and packing equipment for travel it was time to leave. I was at the internship from 1 to 5 pm.
The second day at SLP was excited because I met Scott and anxious because of the next day shoot.
I arrived at the studio at one in the afternoon to meet Ryan and talk to him about his role in SLP. When I spoke with him he was printing out the photos from the AFLAC campaign that SLP had in Columbus, GA (aflac's hometown). He explained to me that they use enhanced matt paper because the proof paper they used had a yellow tint that customers complained about, so they stuck with a cheap paper that had a white base. Ryan also explained to me how he got involved with Scott and assisting him. Ryan is usually the Digital Assistant on a shoot, meaning that he takes care of the CF cards (making for there are formated cards in the camera all the time), making sure that all the pictures from each card is backed up in 3 places (card, computer, external hard drive). Ryan also helps Keith (lighting assistant and Photoshop guy) with the lighting when need be. Talking with Ryan helped me to solitify everything that keith had told me about how a team works and the synergy it must have inorder to be successfull.
When Scott arrived the team promptly began to discuss the lighting for there upcoming photoshoot for Dillard's. Since Scott and Ryan were unsure of when and where they were going to set up for the shoot (they were scouting the day of) they thought of many scenarios.
Most of the time for me was listening to what they were talking about and watching how they interacted. Scott led the discussion with Ryan giving advice. Ryan, in fact told me, in a conversation about assisting, that "the best assistants give successful advice".
While unloading equipment from the storage closet for loading up next day, Ryan and Scott explained the equipment to me and what they would use what for. I was familiar with most of the equipment but since Scott prefers continuous lighting some of it I was unfamiliar with. After unloading from the closet and packing equipment for travel it was time to leave. I was at the internship from 1 to 5 pm.
The second day at SLP was excited because I met Scott and anxious because of the next day shoot.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Long Time, No See . . . .
I have an apartment. I have an internship. I finally have air-conditioning. I think the summer will be good. Eventually, Comcast will get its act together and give me the internet I paid for I will be able to post blogs more often.
More Importantly, the internship is going well at Scott Lowden Photography. I am learning so much about the commercial world and how it works on the inside. I am constantly surprised how much formal schooling leaves out of the "real world" of photography.
I will post later my last three times at the studio including a shoot I helped with in Northern Georgia and Dillard's.
More Importantly, the internship is going well at Scott Lowden Photography. I am learning so much about the commercial world and how it works on the inside. I am constantly surprised how much formal schooling leaves out of the "real world" of photography.
I will post later my last three times at the studio including a shoot I helped with in Northern Georgia and Dillard's.
Monday, June 11, 2007
First Day of Internship @ Scott Lowden Photography
First day at Scott Lowden Photography studios was on June 7th and mainly consisted of meeting the freelance photoshop guy for SLP, Keith Martin and getting to know the house manager Callie more. Scott was not there today because he is on the road coming back from a Miami shoot they had earlier in the week. He is also getting married soon in San Marco. With Callie we talked more about how her background in Advertising has helped her in this job and how she got into managing through her printing company. She said the best lesson that she ever learned was to ask for what she wanted because not everyone knows what you want. She also explained to me a little how SLP estimates all the prices, then sends the estimates to his Representative, Holly(?) at Rep Girl, and then she sends the estimates to the client. She then gets the invoice and compares it to everything else.
She also explained more about what she does for Scott by producing the talent, the schedule, arranging catering, hotels, and locations.
Keith is Scott’s post-production and lighting guy. He helps on set by designing lights for a shoot and helping setting up. He said he is more like a 1st assistant or Director of photography on a movie set. He was more than helpful explaining everything that he was doing to the photos he was cleaning up. Scott had spent 8 days in Columbus, Ga photographing for the AFLAC company this past March. The problem was that the duck had to be in some shots and since it isn’t real Keith had to remove the armature and puppetmaster. His technique was interesting because he used the same idea of the clean plate that we used for Steve’s Bear Religion photos the Issues class did. Keith also does work on the site in photography with bands and said he was more than interested in having me help him.
The thing that I learned today that surprised me was that most of everyone in the industry at this level is freelance. Keith is freelance, Ryan (who is the digital assistant and not there today), and others. SLP has them on file when they need them and calls them up when needed. In a place like Miami they are listed in a company and if they do well and get along with everyone they use them again.
At SLP studios there is another photographer, Ian, who does food and two web designers. SLP studio space is amazing, however Scott chooses to mainly shoot on location.
I also laid down some carpet squares in the web designers office.
I came into work at 10 am and left at 2 40 pm (about 4 hrs and 40 min).
She also explained more about what she does for Scott by producing the talent, the schedule, arranging catering, hotels, and locations.
Keith is Scott’s post-production and lighting guy. He helps on set by designing lights for a shoot and helping setting up. He said he is more like a 1st assistant or Director of photography on a movie set. He was more than helpful explaining everything that he was doing to the photos he was cleaning up. Scott had spent 8 days in Columbus, Ga photographing for the AFLAC company this past March. The problem was that the duck had to be in some shots and since it isn’t real Keith had to remove the armature and puppetmaster. His technique was interesting because he used the same idea of the clean plate that we used for Steve’s Bear Religion photos the Issues class did. Keith also does work on the site in photography with bands and said he was more than interested in having me help him.
The thing that I learned today that surprised me was that most of everyone in the industry at this level is freelance. Keith is freelance, Ryan (who is the digital assistant and not there today), and others. SLP has them on file when they need them and calls them up when needed. In a place like Miami they are listed in a company and if they do well and get along with everyone they use them again.
At SLP studios there is another photographer, Ian, who does food and two web designers. SLP studio space is amazing, however Scott chooses to mainly shoot on location.
I also laid down some carpet squares in the web designers office.
I came into work at 10 am and left at 2 40 pm (about 4 hrs and 40 min).
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