About the Image

This fashion editorial photograph of Hannah was shot in a Los Angeles studio for "Genlux Magazine". All Ferragamo: Red laminated mini dress, "Eva" pump and tights.

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.

Feel free to share, this is the shortcut link:
stpvd.com/23/8

See the "behind the scenes" photos and BTS video below.

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 the "behind the scenes" photos and video below.

The Crew:
Producer: Andrew Matusik @andrewmatusik
Cinematographer: Franklin Whitatch @fwhitlatch
Makeup: Dale Johnson @bdale38
Hairstylist: Robert Steinken @robertsteinkenhair
Wardrobe stylist: Joline Towers @jolinetowers

The photo below was not staged, I just took a snapshot of the action.

We are based in Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California both in the USA & Milan, Italy, and serve the nation and travel worldwide for projects, both video and stills. On average we travel 175 days a year from all over the USA, to Singapore to Japan, Europe and the Middle East. We are normally in Europe 2 or 3 times a year, mostly Italy and Germany, shooting for clients there.

If you would like to use this image, or any of my images for mock or comp use, please just ask. There is never a charge for this service. Educational use is permitted without charge, unless published, but please ask first. All commercial use is available only with a limited copyright release prior to use from the copyright holder, Steve Thornton. Thanks for looking!