Your Gratuitous Pool Boy Awaits
Yes, I know that 94% of the people who read this site are male. But that does not mean I am not looking out for the other six percent. Or, [6%+(94%/10)-(6%/10)] if you want to get really mathematical about it.
To that end I offer this BTS video of a Harper's Bazaar shoot by Melissa Rodwell, whom I met last March in Dubai. There's actually some lighting stuff wedged in, so you can call it educational.
Melissa gets a little more into the overpowering-the-sun stuff and shows all of the final images in her blog post. But the blog itself is mostly about the vagaries of fashion photography, a world that is obviously completely foreign to me.
At least until my 17 pairs of cargo shorts come into style.
-30-
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Posted at 6:28 PM.
42 Comments:
Hey some of us males appreciate the male form as much as you do! (maybe more in my case)
Gratuitous pool boys are ALWAYS appreciated. I tend to learn much better when practical applications like this are highlighted.
Sigh.... thanks David :-)
Looks like a great photo location.
Thanks for looking out for those of us in the 6%.
What were the flashes she was using?
Fortunately, 94% of your readers have a sense of humor too...
Hey ! That's my back yard ! (I wish it was...)
Great video. I like to see the art direction as much as the lighting setup behind these big photo shoot.
@info Looks like Profoto D1 monoblocs or Profoto Compact monoblocs.
I approve!
And I agree with her: male models are kind of easier to work with. Probably because they don't care
Great to see how simple the setup is
Good to see they're using equipment that a mere mortal can afford. No top-spec profoto/broncolor rig and Phase One P65+, but a pair of standard looking monoblocs and a Nikon D3* body with 85mm lens.
So all I need now is the location, the model, the stylist, the clothes, the make-up artist, the art director, and the big client.
Not sure what you intended here, David, but when I plugged your formula into Excel the result came back as 15.4%! :)
Hey I do this fashion stuff and I will tell you something: when you are there on the day trying to get the models, makeup artists, hair stylists, assistants, props, agents, mothers and circus animals all organised and doing what they should be doing... you have between 2 and 2.5 mins to figure out your lighting.
Actually, most of us fashionistos visit the location beforehand, take reference shots and then make lighting diagrams for the assistants to use and setup on the day.
But, kudos to Melissa who always seems to take all that craziness that is fashion photography in her stride. She's a cool cat!
Go Melissa!
Heinz
I think I read that it was a Profoto flash.
I think I read that it was a Profoto flash.
yum. A great start to my morning!
That was an interesting read / watch. It is also good to get a reminder of how much work goes into a shoot like this and how the actual shooting is almost the easy part compared to the scouting, planning, prep, client relations, and so on.
Shouldn't you also be subtracting 10% from the 6% too? :-)
Oh, David honey, the other six percent thanks you!!!
I knew I should have gotten into pool boying rather than photography.
@-FD-
Indeed! Corrected.
from one of the 10% of the 94%, thanks. but i sorta wish they'd put tyler in the shoot instead. :)
Oh David, no one rocks the cargo pant better than you!! Thanks for the post about my Harper's shoot. It was a fun day!!
Love, love, love it. Just rockin'!
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Melissa's awesome. I love reading her blog, and this was my favorite shoot of hers!
Thanks for remembering us 6%.
Thanks for the post! I have been following Melissa's blog for a while now and I love her work.
Good to see some eye-candy that is not aimed just at the 94%.
What were you trying to do with that complicated formula?
Good thing you are a great photographer and teacher and not attempting to be a Mathematician.
Melissa is an amazing photographer. I love her work and appreciate you sharing this information with your readers.
This woman is AMAZING David. AMAZING.
I believe every Fashion Photographer had to learn - not just with her talent - but the way this gorgeous is like a person.
Just the fact she has to deal with that horrible people of fashion and this never change her for the worse, proves you don't need to follow the flow to be successful like professional.
Who doesn't know her work, even don't like the fashion photography, do not let the opportunity to know her and her "eye".
I'm part of the 6% who checks daily!..or rather, I'm in the 94th percentile. Thanks for this post!
This is a small point, but aren't pool boys traditionally dressed in white? I suspect this particular fellow is actually a Cabana Boy...
I've read your blog faithfully for almost a year now, and I had NO IDEA I was in a minority of women readers (???). I'm in grad school studying neuroscience so maybe I'm too used to hanging with the boys? What does this say about gender breakdowns in photography? Now I'm wondering. Most of the other blogs I follow are driven by women. Never thought about it before. Wow. Anyway, thanks for always spotting cool videos and sharing them. Have a great day!
Seriously? 94% of your readers are male? That's very surprising!
Well thanks for this post! The 6% appreciates it. :D I'm glad to see Melissa wasn't using crazy expensive equipment to get the shot she needed.
Now i just need to invest in a better body and the get the right lens.
I'm new to your blog but I have a feeling I'll be frequenting it quite often. thanks!
thanks for sharing this, I love this stuff, I guess I am of the 6%... a female :)
As photographers we are called on to shoot all kinds of subjects. Our job is to solve problems and communicate or clients message. From that perspective I didn't see this any different than Davids laser photo shoot. He used a light to simulate a laser and this shoot used water droplets. Male/Female it doesn't matter, it is all about the message.
As far as lights, in addition to the Profotos, if you start to look real close at around 3:20 in you will see also see she uses an Alien Bee Vagabond II and then a black Alien Bee as a back light.
Happy... so tired of women half dressed :)
In name of the 6% , thank you very much for remembering us :)
Check out the 2:45 mark, you'll see a Paul C Buff Vagabond Battery!!
It 's always great to see a backstage
Photograph also expect a female .....
thank you...and thank you........
I am sure you can pull off the hoist out of the pool in cargo pants though.
And here is another of your 6% commenting! I think your blog and info is just fantastic. Thank you for your generosity and humor!
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