About the Image
This dramatic and dark fashion editorial photograph of Hannah was shot in a Los Angeles studio for “Genlux Magazine”. The silk velo stretch long skirt with a tulle corset and a satin and a lace triangle bra along with the shoes and jewelry are all Dolce & Gabbana.
The “Little Problem”
We arrived bright and early, around 6:45 am, at the rental studio armed with the key to the space. Nestled within a vast industrial building that once housed a brewery, the studio is a small part of this expansive art complex, housing artists of widely diverse backgrounds.
Situated on the second floor, reaching it involved ascending a seemingly a never ending staircase of 40+/- steps. However, our contact had reassured us the freight elevator was at our disposal. Yet we hit a snag when we discovered a crucial detail: we hadn’t been provided with the elevator KEY.
I had the regrettable job telling everyone to grab the gear and start climbing. Our crew, comprising the makeup artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, BTS cinematographer, producer, three assistants, and even myself, had to embark on the arduous task of transporting all the essential equipment. Cameras, lenses, tripods, light stands, sandbags, booms, silks, reflectors, wardrobe, shoes, makeup, hairstylist gear, food, and drinks all hauled up the stairs.
Fortunately for us, one of the crew acquired the elusive elevator key when we started to load out, which started around 7:30 pm, marked the culmination of a long day filled with challenges and triumphs in the world of creative production. And yet we got some amazing imagery despite the extra effort used and time lost.
See below for Behind The Scenes photos.
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For Photographers
The Gear: Canon EOS R5 C digital camera, using a Canon 24-70 lens, f5.6, 1/160 of a second shutter speed, 640 ISO, sitting on a Sachtler FSB8 fluid head on a Gitzo CF tripod.
The Light: Profoto strobes, Sunbounce reflectors, silks, “black holes”, used to stop light reflecting off the walls, Chimera softboxes and a Profoto hard reflector with a gel.
See below for Behind The Scenes photos.
The Crew:
Producer: Andrew Matusik @andrewmatusik
Cinematographer: Franklin Whitatch @fwhitlatch
Makeup: Dale Johnson @bdale38
Hairstylist: Robert Steinken @robertsteinkenhair
Wardrobe stylist: Joline Towers @jolinetowers
BTS in the LA studio
BTS LA Studio – setting the light
Below, a snapshot of my styling crew at work. This was not staged, I just saw the action and took a photo.
