the muse

3.10.11

the muse - September

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

September

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/9, natural light

September 28, 2011

For September we headed out to black rock. Black rock is located just South of the Great Saltair. It's not the hardest rock to climb but with all the gear, you had to be pretty careful. Kat doesn't especially love heights but she did awesome and can climb with the best of them. If you have never been to the top of Black Rock, I highly recommend it. We took up quite a bit of gear with us so it can be done. I recommend a lot of bug spray for when the sun goes down. A couple weeks prior, a buddy of mine and I were up there and it was great up until the sun actually set and then it was attack of the biting flies, mosquitoes, or whatever they were. It was like the movie 'The Birds', except with bugs, really. This time around we were better prepared and it wasn't too bad.

The opening image was captured from atop black rock as were the following-

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/9(standard exposure), single strobe

This first image is an HDR image from two bracketed images combined in Photomatix Pro.

Besides the friendship and getting to know Kat, one of the things that I have enjoyed most about 'the muse' project is the synergy. I've said it before and I am reminded of it when working with her, she works great with no direction. It's not necessarily that she does her own thing but more like we have the same thoughts for the pose and mood at the same time. I think she may even understand some of my jokes :)

This next image is also a bracketed exposure with a single strobe flash during the standard exposure. I love the feel to this image and how large the sun appears in the scene. One of the more challenging exposures on this outing but worth it.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/9(standard exposure), single strobe

This next image is probably my favorite from Black Rock. The mood captures Kat's personality perfectly.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/9, two strobes

We then headed out to do some light painting. Rusty Sessions, of Sidewinder media, and Whit Green joined us for the shoot on Black Rock and for the light painting excursion. Both are excellent photographers in their own right and are very skilled with light painting tools.

You may remember that during the May muse project I was practicing balancing model exposure and the exposure from the light painting tools. This was our mission. All of the following images are single exposure images with very slight Photoshop for balancing colors, etc. they are not composites.

We started off with some homemade orb tools. This went pretty well but they need a little fine tuning before they are ready for prime time so, stay tuned.

This first image is not of Kat but is her painting with one of the lights.

This next is an orb with Kat in the middle of it. We eventually let her out :)

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO125, 69 seconds, f/5.6

This next image was captured with Rusty 'spinning' burning steel wool. There really is a balance to keeping these exposures that are so dissimilar in the same shot.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO100, 126 seconds, f/8.0

This next image was a combination of strobe, gelled strobe, ambient, and EL wire. Kat really nailed the mood for it!

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO125, 105 seconds, f/5.6

This last image is our final from the night. Rusty is the Spinner again, this time on top of the bus. Rusty is great and will do anything for the shot.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO100, 57 seconds, f/8.0

It was great having both Rusty and Whit there to help out. Thanks Guys!

With all the travel and shot set-up it turned out to be a pretty long day. As always it was great working with Kat. I think I learn something new about her every time we shoot. To summarize the day I would have to say it was 'epic!'....... 'just saying' (inside joke).

We have three more scheduled shoots to wrap up the project. At that time I will release more of my personal insight on the project as well as images previously unreleased. It has been a great experience .

For October, we are planning on shooting earlier in the month. Hopefully we can do a location shoot and the weather will cooperate.

14.9.11

the muse - August

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

August

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO400, 1/50, f/7.1, one monolight

August 24, 2011

For August, we headed to Logan (about a an hour drive from Salt Lake). Usually I drive but Kat drove for most of this trip. She is a good driver I'm just not the best of passengers. We are probably both over it by now :). Just kidding, she did fine and I didn't worry at all.We did have a lot of time to catch up on things which was great.

We started by heading up to Ricks Springs near the top of Logan Canyon. It's a natural spring coming out of a shallow cave. The sun was really harsh but we made do. These two images are a balance of natural light and a single strobe used to freeze the motion of Kat. She holds pretty still but insisted on being able to breathe :)
This first one was actually a pretty quick shutter of 1/200.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO200, 1/200, f/1.8, one monolight

This next image was taken with my tripod in the water by the bridge. the camera was actually a little below the bridge just out of the water. To get the water to blur, the shutter was left open for a little over a half second.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 0.6 seconds, f/14, one monolight

We then headed over to Franklin Idaho to a location that Adam Reeves turned us on to. We started shooting out by the corn fields. As you can tell from the pictures, the sun was getting pretty low in the sky. These are balanced natural light with a single monolight.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/6.3, one monolight

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/7.1, one monolight

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO100, 1/80, f/5.0, one monolight

We then headed behind the old factory and took a few shots out in the field. As the sun was setting, there was a cool haze and warm hues.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/7.1, one monolight

We then put the flash away for a bit and used the available natural light. I have said it before but it is really great working with Kat. I can focus on what a photographer needs to focus on and I don't need to give Kat any direction. She just falls right in to the right pose and knows the look I am going for. The synergy makes for an enjoyable experience and really helps me to focus on lighting and other aspects.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO200, 1/800, f/1.2, natural light

This old window frame looked really cool but it is literally hanging on a thread. The board you can see on Kat's right is the only thing holding the rest of the frame up. We bumped it slightly and the top panes slide down about 6 inches. We propped it back up a little and set Kat up on the ledge. It is as sketchy as it looks. I was little concerned that if a wind came along or she bumped it that it may fall on her. We weighed all the risks and decided to work quick and careful. The frame never fell while we were there but I doubt it is still up. No Kats were harmed in the making of this photograph :)

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO200, 1/640, f/1.2, natural light

We then went back inside and took a few more natural light images. Kat really stood out against all the textures and character of the old building.

This building is also home to an owl family. They were not overly concerned with us. This is a shot of one of them from a month prior

By the old power panel.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO250, 1/100, f/1.2, natural light

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO250, 1/160, f/1.2, natural light

On the way out we stopped by this large rubble pile and grabbed a few shots. Below is one of them and the opening shot was also in this same area.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 85mm, ISO200, 1/50, f/7.1, one monolight

We definitely want to return to this area when we have a little more daylight. There are a myriad of possibilities here.

It's been a while since I have given an update on how the project is going. So, here goes. I still think it is going great and something I am excited about doing. I look forward to every shoot.

It has become more challenging which I expected. We still have a lot of ideas and things we are going to try.

The longer time between the shoots doesn't have a real impact. We can pick up where we left off which I don't experience the normal warm up time I do with on other shoots.

When we are shooting, we both seem to sense when we need to mix it up a little. Sorta a we've been there done that feeling and we come up with something new.

Kat has become a cherished friend and collaborator. The images in this project are a true collaboration and I can recognize our distinct styles and contribution in each image.

We will be shooting later in the month of September so the post will probably be up in mid to late October.

11.8.11

the muse - July

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

July

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO125, 1/100, f/4, natural light 4 image composite

July 27, 2011

It's been just over a month since our last shoot. Seems longer.

We talked about different things to shoot for July but nothing set in stone. Sometimes we just choose a general location and choose the look while we are out. On a side note, I have had quite a few people email and ask me how we come up with the shoot ideas. It really is a collaboration between the two of us. Most shoots I can't even remember who originally thought of it but it is always a result of teamwork. Kat is very creative and willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot.

We started at Big Cottonwood park next to an assisted living center. It was an overcast day and the lighting was great! It had rained really hard the previous day so the ground was really wet.

This first image is one of my favorites from the day. I don't usually catch candid shots of Kat and I really liked the feel to it.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO160, 1/160, f/4, natural light

It was really great to be out shooting with Kat again. We picked up right were we left off and got some great images!

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO160, 1/160, f/4, natural light

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO160, 1/125, f/4, natural light

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO160, 1/500, f/4, natural light

We then headed up by Cottonwood Mall. I wanted to do a collage inspired by some of the old Andy Warhol paintings. We grabbed a few images on the East side of the mall. Each with a different pose and different wall texture. The opening composite image is the result. I pushed the highlights farther then I normally would and went with obviously unnatural coloring. Most of what I shoot has to stay within certain 'standards' and it is great to get back following my own preference and finding the look for the specific image.

In the front corner parking lot was an old hobbit house. I think someone left it there for us to shoot :)

It had a large round door and was approx. 10 foot square. It was finished on the inside with wood floors and greenish walls.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/8, 2 strobes

These next two images were shot with natural vignette from gridded single monolight. I was going for a moody image with a spotlight effect. I think I try too hard sometimes to capture the Kat I know. When I back off and just let her be herself the images are a lot more natural. This first shot is my favorite from the day. I love focused and hard light creating the dramatic shadows to compliment drama in Kat's mood.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/9, single strobe

We stopped over at KFC and Kat bought me a couple BBQ sandwiches to eat on the way to the next location. I could get used to this. Maybe I will start leaving my wallet home :)

We ended up down in the west part of Salt Lake down by the freeway.

First couple images were captured just below Pictureline and the graffiti wall images are in the same general area.

I love the relaxed smile in this first one.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/50, f/6.3, single strobe

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/7.1, single strobe

On these next images we wanted to capture some with extreme perspectives and all the cool distortions that come with it.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/8, strobes

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/13, strobes

This last one is my favorite from the graffiti wall.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/80, f/8, strobes

The sun had set so we decided to get one more image that we had previously discussed. The shot involves dragging the shutter to exaggerate the motion of one of the trax commuter trains while flashing Kat with a single strobe to freeze her motion. We headed over to one of the station platforms and proceeded to do some test shots. We did a test shoot on a South bound train. Got everything set up to shoot the North bound train as it arrived at the station. Let me start by saying that I know better then to fire a flash into the eyes of a commuter train driver. It seems sorta obvious I think. However, the train driver must not have believed I knew better. As the train approached he slowed down and stopped just before getting to us. He then announced over his PA system that we couldn't be taking pictures on the platform and we needed to go somewhere else. Kat proceeded to wave at him with one of her fingers and this seemed to upset him a little. He rambled something and then announced that he was going to call the police. I think the driver is just ignorant of the law and especially the laws governing where and what you can photograph. Certainly he would have a point if I were firing flashes in his face but that was not the case. Anyways, we knew there was not an issue with shooting so we basically ignored his request and waited for the next South bound train. The South bound train came a few minutes later and we got the shot. After we got the shot, a transit officer approached us to talk about the situation. Her only concern was if we were on the tracks and if we were flashing the driver (you know what I mean). She was fine with everything we were doing and seemed a little frustrated the driver had called her out. We were actually done though so no problems. We really need to stay out of trouble :)

Here is the final image. It is a 1/2 second exposure with a single gridded light source

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO125, 1/2 second, f/4, single strobe

It was great working with Kat again! I forgot how much I missed it and the synergy we share on a shoot. I'm looking forwad to next month.

25.7.11

the muse - June

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

June

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 1/200, f/5.6, single strobe

June 21, 2011

For June we headed out to Antelope Island. We teamed up with Lindzee Rae Floyd who is an amazing make-up artist. Here is a pic I took at the end of the night of Lindzee and Kat. They both did awesome and we had a great time. Hope we can pull this team together for a shoot sometime later in the year.

We started with a project that I had been wanting to shoot for a while. To accomplish this, I needed the lighting and the clouds to be the same which required a very quick changeover from one outfit to the next. We also had to change the make-up, location, and lighting for each of the five images. Everything went really smooth and Kat and Lindzee worked great together.

On the web, it is a difficult to see the detail in the image so, please

click the image for a larger view.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 1/200, f/5.6 - 9.0, single strobe, 5 image composition

Kat had brought along a retro styled swimsuit and we headed over to the beach area for some classic pin-up shots. It took a little longer to get to the other side of the island then I planned so we were pushing it to get set-up before the sun set.

Kat and Lindzee did awesome on recreating the look and the lighting was perfect. We even ended up with some unknowing extras in the background on a few shots.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO50, 1/125, f/5.6

The bugs were even a little worse on this side of the island and we all received many bites. After the shoot, we headed off the island. By the time we got to the other side of the causeway, the front of the car was covered with bugs. Not just a few but every inch of it at least 1/4" thick. In fact as we were driving back it sounded like rain hitting the windshield. When we got into the city we had to find a gas station to wash the windshield just to be able to see.

With the exception of the bugs, it was a great day! I got to work with two very talented ladies and got some great images.

Kat and I have ideas for the July 'muse' shoot but no firm plans on location yet. Now that we are on a monthly schedule, the posts will be less frequent then they have been. I will post on my Facebook page as I update the blog but it will at least be once a month through the end of the year.

16.7.11

the muse - May

If you have not read the introduction to the project, please do so by clicking here

May

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/5.6

May 20, 2011

For May, we headed back out to Wendover. A couple buddy's of mine had been wanting to get together for a shoot out by the airbase so we decided to combine it with that. This allowed us to shoot for two days. Well, one and a half days.

We checked Kat in her room and drove around in the mountainous area (more like big hills) on the North side of town. It had rained lightly earlier in the day and some dramatic clouds remained and the lighting was fairly soft. However, the bugs were pretty thick. So, we doused ourselves in bug spray went to work. It's hard to tell from the following shots but this rock Kat is sitting on has some very sharp edges.

These next two were both shot single strobe and ambient.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/6.3 , single strobe + ambient

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/200, f/6.3, single strobe + ambient

This next image was captured on the Utah side. Like the sharp rocks above, these tracks were not the most comfortable or cleanest of places. But Kat never complains and keeps can do attitude. We have ruined many an outfit but I think the images we get are worth it.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/5.6, single strobe + ambient

While we were waiting to meet with my friends, both named Brian, we scouted locations. One place we had wanted to shoot was by the raceway on Salt Flats. However, when we arrived there, it was flooded. Right next to the road was about a foot deep. So, we headed out to find a new place. It actually worked out great because the location we found was awesome!

We headed back to grab a few things and then went then met the Brians at the location. We had only been shooting for about ten minutes when we were approached by the property owner. It appears that it was secretly private property. The thing that made it so misleading is there is a huge sign at the entrance that read 'commercial vehicles must yield to trucks' and then in small letters, I found when I left, it said, private property no trespassing. I guess no harm but it only allowed us to get a few shots which was unfortunate because the lighting and clouds were awesome!

The opening image was captured there as well as theses next couple images. All lit with a single strobe and ambient.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/5.6, single strobe + ambient

This next image and the opening one are my favorite from the day. Kat fell right into character and I love the feel of them.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/5.6, single strobe + ambient

This last shot was just as we were packing it in. 'Little Brian', shot this for me. On second thought, this is actually my favorite shot from the day. Kat and I have developed a great relationship where we are comfortable together. We both get each other and know what expect. To me, she is more of a bud then a model.

I'm the one on the right :)

After we left, we headed back over to the raceway with the Brians. We were going to attempt some balanced shots of spinning steel wool with the model, lit well and sharp. We started with Brian's wife Megan spinning out in the middle of the water. Then, for the shots we wanted to get, we had Kat do some spinning on the road. The first practice one went well. The next shot is where things went awry and it hit Kat in the head. On the bright side, she was fine and we were also able to make her disappear from the image.

I hope to work on this in a future shoot.

The next image is the one that went awry with Kat spinning.

Canon 7D, 17-40mm, ISO100, 121 seconds, f/7.1

We headed back to the hotel and met up with the others from some dinner and planned out tomorrow's shoot.

May 21, 2011

We headed over to the old airport. We wanted to get on the base property to shoot but could not get clearance. So, we headed over to the barracks area that I had shot Kat in a few shoots prior.

The light was getting harsh fast so we started shooting inside the buildings. These next images were captured in the same building that I shot the image with Kat watching the TV from week 6. This next shot turned out exactly as I hoped and is one of, if not, my favorites from the day. I was shooting with a very wide lens and wanted to work with extreme angles, lines and color. I like the depth to the shot with the walls coming closer together as they draw closer to the floor. And Kat's submissive look up towards the camera adds a lot of drama to the image.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/160, f/9, two strobes + ambient

Around the corner from this area was an old ladder device leaning against the wall. Really don't know exactly what it was used for. It was pretty dusty and dirty so we decided to dress Kat in white :)

I think the shots turned out Awesome!

Here are a few-

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/7.1, two strobes + ambient

We then headed to the backroom of this building. Below are a couple of the shots. These show a lot more relaxed and natural Kat.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/7.1, one strobes + ambient

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/9, one strobes + ambient

We headed back for lunch and to make battle plans for the afternoon. After lunch Kat and I went out scouting for locations again. We hiked up to a cave or whatever you call them when they don't go very deep. It appeared to be someones home. so we decided to keep looking. We also found a really rocky area that we will shoot in this evening.

Before meeting up with the Brians, we captured a few images just outside of town. This image below is captured with a Canon 20D that has been converted to a dedicated infrared camera.

Canon 20D infrared, 17-40mm, ISO800, 1/160, f/20

We headed over to the old Wendover swimming pool to meet the Brians. It is a really cool location and looks like it was a really active place in it's day.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO100, 1/400, f/5, natural light

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO100, 1/640, f/5, natural light

After we finished shooting at the pool, we headed to the rocky location we had found earlier in the day. When we arrived there the bugs were starting to get really bad. Back to the bug spray :(

We found an area that had graffiti on it and had a little fire pit in front.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 70-200mm, ISO100, 1/640, f/5, natural light

These next images turned out Awesome! And was a great way to finish the day. I was excited to have the lighting that we had and was really fortunate to be working with Kat who needed no direction and was quick to get ready and in postion so we didn't miss out. We were only at this place for anout15 minutes so it was great to be able to work so smoothly.

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/100, f/5, one strobe

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/5.6, one strobe

Canon 1Ds MKII, 17-40mm, ISO100, 1/100, f/5, one strobe

For June, we are going to be heading out to Antelope Island.

...............................Stay tuned