Hybrid video/photo productions are now the norm. That doesn’t mean they’re ideal or easy, but with the right pre-production and communication they can happen seamlessly with great success. I shoot set stills and direct video, so I have a respect for both departments. Coordination between the video and set stills crews is essential for both teams to create great work.
Here are some stills from a shoot I worked on recently as the on set photographer. Respect all around as the video team got what they needed and afforded me the time and space to create my portrait and lifestyle images.
For some time now I’ve been working to recreate a look I’ve been shooting on film for years. The “look” is from my Yashica Portrait series, shot on film, with a vintage camera. This new approach is all digital. These film characteristics combine a distinct color profile, graininess, and a bit of punch in the shadows. I also love how they retain the intimacy and rawness from the original series. I’m hyped to shoot more portraits using this new technique. Reach out if you or someone you know would be a good fit for this style of portrait. I’m always looking for interesting subjects.
One of the benefits of being a commercial photographer is the access it affords. I don’t mean political or celebrity, rather access to situations most people never want to venture into. For me, that means access to industrial work spaces. Blue collar work is endlessly fascinating to me. I find it so true and honest. I’ve always loved seeing (and photographing) how things are built and repaired. I especially love meeting (and photographing) the people that do that work. Industrial workplaces are exciting. They tend to be be very loud and often dirty, at least while the work is being done. I’ve photographed lots of industrial workers over the years. Some of my favorites are in the aviation and maritime industries. I guess you could say anything to do with transportation is pretty exciting. As a commercial photographer I am usually commissioned to document the work that’s being done – show the process. This involves photographing people using a fly on the wall approach. I am there, but unseen. Pete Souza used this approach to great success while shooting the Reagan and Obama White Houses. Totally different subject I know, but the same approach. The idea being the subject is so comfortable with you being there they go about their business as though you aren’t there. They get to the point where they don’t even notice you. That is my goal when documenting blue collar work.
Then there are the portraits. Inevitably there are workers and spaces that visually demand to be photographed as a portrait. This is not Fly on the Wall stuff. Their unique look, or their particular environment, sometimes both, beckon for a traditional portrait. I always seem to come away from these projects with strong portraits. I’ve built a trust at this point. My goal as a portrait photographer is to present these workers as heroic, as I see them, in the environment that I have so much respect for.
Independent filmmakers are by nature creative, tenacious and passionate. They embody all of the elements of craft, hard work and dedication that have inspired me to photograph and explore workers from all walks of life. I present here a selection of the passionate independent filmmakers featured at the 2017 San Diego International Film Festival.
Selling Isobel Writer and Lead Actress Frida Farrell “What you are about to see is not just based on a true story, it’s based on my story.” The most chilling line I’ve heard delivered in a trailer in years. There was a lot of chatter surrounding Frida’s film – must see, couldn’t watch it, too intense. I wasn’t sure what to expect when she arrived for her portrait. She was engaging and absolutely delightful. Her film is intense and worthy of the San Diego International Film Festival’s 2017 Break Out Feature Film of the Year.
Dog Years Writer and Director Adam Rifkin Winner of the 2017 Chairman’s Award
Resistance is Life Executive Producer Goran Zaneti (top) and Writer / Director / Producer Apo Bazidi Audience Choice for Best Documentary
The Lonely Italian Domenico Nesci (top) and Writer / Director Lee Farber Winner Best Comedy Feature Domenico leaps from the screen. The story is original and well played. Both he and Lee were thoroughly engaging during their portrait session, bringing the same high level of energy and humor they did to the film. Ben Fatto!
GUN Writer / Director / Producer Sam Upton What can I say about Sam, incredibly gracious and giving on my set. I can’t wait to see his passion project GUN. I just hope it’s on the big screen where it’s meant to be seen.
The Last Animals Director Kate Brooks (right) with Leed Keeper of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Jane Kennedy Winner of Best Documentary A must see film for anyone living on planet earth! Yes, you…
Butterfly Caught Writer / Director / Producer manny Rodriguez, Jr. Winner Best Ensemble Film
Juggernaut Writer and Director Daniel DiMarco
And Then There Was Eve Director / Producer / Co-Writer Savannah Bloch
Apache Warrior Pilot Allen Hahn Winner Best Military Film
I’ve been a member of the SDX Board of Director for several years now. I was recently tasked by the Communications Committee to create portraits of my fellow Directors for use on the SDX website. The board has grown in recent years to 30+ members. It’s a strong group of passionate individuals from the San Diego advertising, marketing and media fields. Given the large group of creative individuals I wanted to present the individual portraits as a complete, stand alone portfolio. I presented a mood board with candid black and white portraits. My approach was a theme that is popular with my corporate clients right now. I call it the “Moment between the Moments”. It is that split second when the subject has let their guard down and is no longer “posing”. Many of my corporate clients are looking for something a little different for their executive and staff portraits. The standard headshot is out. The environmental office portrait is waning. This candid approach has proven quite popular. I was pleased the Communications Committee approved the creative direction. All of my subjects bought into the concept as well. Everyone arrive inspired and ready for anything. In addition to the website, SDX created a series of ads featuring select portraits to run locally. The above ad features fellow Director Miguel Fenton, VP of Sales Local at Entravision. Below are the other portraits.
