Shot the most elaborate setup yet this week-- my friend Dan Richters had made dresses out of CDs which he used in several fashion shows in Nebraska, and after last week he let me pick them up and use them here in Arizona. Somehow my co-photographer Vania Elise and myself got 4 models willing to wear such ludicrous gear and we even took the time to rent a ringflash for added complications.
Alright, pros and cons, here we go! The costumes were amazing, everyone showed up and was positive, some great photos came out, and it was great to collaberate with so many people as usually it's either all solo or I get lucky and have a model with some ideas of her own to offer. Cons, some equipment didn't work as advertised, some of my props were trashed before they got used, it was uncomfortable for the models to be in costume especially on a cold day, and Mesa Arts Center personel kept a slightly uncomfortable eye on us. Also the video that was supposed to be shot did not get shot. Nothing too bad.
One thing I love about photography over more studio-style arts like painting and ceramics, and being involved out in a location environment with new people and new equipment, is there is no script, only the immediate experience and what you make of it. One camera had a problem and as a result the other photographer got to use my camera and seemed way happier with her photos because of it. I got to photograph this big dude who I didn't even know was coming as an escort to one model. One of my favorite photos has nothing to do with the shoot but was just an eye in the shed part of a palm tree. So many random happenstances amongst the plans.
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