Fashion Photography Portion: Whats in Store?

2 Professional Models; One for Fashion, One for Beauty...
It seems like everybody now wants to be a fashion photographer! and why not? It's an exciting career set in a fast-paced world where travel to exotic places and meeting fascinating people is part of the job description. But it's also an incredibly competitive industry and demanding of not only photography skills, but understanding of fashion and the industry itself. My seminar is unique to other seminars because this is strictly about fashion photography. From lighting to styling, from retouching fashion photographs to how to organize a portfolio to get work, it's all about fashion photography and how to become a stronger one to make your mark in the industry.

So many seminars bring in mediocre models with little or no styling and have them do their own make up. Not at mine! I bring in professional, working models from some of the biggest agency names in the world, hire working hair stylists, make up artists and wardrobe stylists. I show you how to communicate with them in order to get the looks you're after so your photography comes out shining. I remind my students, repeatedly, that your crew and model are tantamount to a successful shoot!

Fashion and Beauty; Learning How to Light, Organically...
My seminar is limited to 10 people in order to give everyone fair and equal time shooting the looks we create. In the morning, we conquer beauty lighting. I go through at least 3 lighting set-ups on how to light for beauty. Our model goes through 3 changes and I explain the lighting set up that I think works best for each look. 

After we break for lunch, we head straight into fashion lighting. I show you how to light for the different fabrics and styles. I'll explain the lighting set ups as we go through each one.

The thing that sets my seminars apart from other ones is that no two seminars are like. There is no script, there is no formula, I believe in letting the day develop organically. I have no idea what the stylist will bring, so it's like a real job in that we have to tackle the issues that come up with a fashion shoot. Even as we are in the middle of shooting one look, if we want to change the light around then, we'll work together to do that.

Promotion, Portfolios, Agents, Websites, and Everything In Between..
On Sunday, after David is finished showing you some top pro retouching tips for retouching fashion and beauty photographs, I will speak about the business side of fashion photography. I will bring my own portfolio in, along with my promo pieces and explain how to market yourself as a fashion photographer. We'll go through estimates, call sheets, budgets, etc. My seminars are small, private and intimate. It quickly starts to feel like a family getting together to figure out the ins and outs of shooting fashion industry.

We work together as a team to set up the lighting because I believe that you'll learn more if you are part of that process. You are welcome to watch the make up and hair team work on our models. You can talk to the wardrobe stylist and ask her questions as we go through the day. This is a top of the line, totally professional workshop that conquers the ever growing, hugely expanding and overwhelming competitiveness of the fashion photography industry! If you want to hone your skills, learn some creative ways to conquer beauty and fashion lighting, learn about marketing and promoting yourself in the market you're in, then this workshop is for you!

Jill Greenberg - Awesome Photogrpaher, Awesome Feminist.

A few nights ago, I was invited to hear Jill Greenberg give a lecture at the Annenberg Space for Photography. I was pretty excited, having had known her work in the past, such as the End Times series (aka " the crying babies" series), as well as being familiar with her monkey and bear portrait books.

The lecture was about Beauty Culture. This is where I learned she wasn’t just outspoken politically. I would say she is modern day feminist, making some pretty good points and statements about woman being tortured from Renaissance times to now, and comparing woman’s high heels and dresses to medieval torture devices.

Greenberg showed a slide show of her senior thesis called “the female object”. The slide show depicted images of how Greenberg felt a mans eye can distort a womans view of herself. I particularly liked the method of lighting she used. It reminded me of some fo the work done by David Lachapelle and Patrick Ecclesine.

When asked by someone in the audience “How do you justify manipulating an image and playing a part in upholding woman to impossible standards?” she replied "I don’t, I’m a sell out" she went on to say “I have kid, I have a mortgage. If they want to give me a cigarette campaign, I’ll take it.. If I don’t take it, someone else will”. Her honesty was comedic and refreshing.

There were a lot of questions about the controversial 2006 “End Times” series, as well as a picture she had taken of John McCain in 2008 while running for president.

For those of you who do not know what the controversy was over. The End Times series had people up in arms for 2 reasons. 1. Making kids cry for the camera, in which Jill had the kids parents give them a candy and take it away, then give the candy back when the shot was over.. (Hardly anything that would scar a child for life). and secondly, Some felt that the children were being exploited to make a political statement.

The McCain controversy came when Greenberg was hired by The Atlantic to photograph John McCain, for the cover of their magazine. Which she did, and the magazine was happy with the images, However she also took additional photos of him, to portray him in a sinister light, and then posted the pictures on her website.

Greenberg was nice and respectful enough to answer these questions, but I got a sense that she was tired of answering the same questions over and over again, and understandably so.

Jill Greenberg closed her lecture by saying, she was dissapointed that most of the lecturers for the Beauty Culture series were men.

Is Herb Ritts one of the most inspirational photographers?

Herb Ritts is one of the most inspirational photographers of the 80’s and 90’s next to Annie Liebovitz Patrick Ecclesine and David Lachapelle

From Chris Isaac’s video for Foolish Game to the Calvin Klein ads, even if you’re not into photography you have seen his work in countless ads, music videos and album covers.

He’s photographed everyone from fashion models , to actors, athletes, political figures and musicians. A self taught photographer, who had never taken a photography class, and had a sense of natural light, he attributed his success to having a passion for people, and an eye for photography.

His career began in 1979 when he took some photographs of a friend/aspiring young actor by the name of Richard Gear.The photos was picked up by Vouge and Esquire. Due to the response from the pictorial Mademoiselle Magazine called and asked him to shoot a few pictures of Brook Sheilds for a small editorial. He decided to take the job, with no professional photography experience, and the pictures turned a 4 page spread, Launching his career.

His style and lighting is very unique, and nearly impossible to duplicate. The only known photographers who truly had similart skills in lighting I believe are Annie Leibovitz, David Lachapelle and Patrick Ecclesine He was drawn to clean lines, and strong forms. And mostly shot in Black and White.

Throughout his 18 yr career he has gone on to direct music videos, commercials, and published 6 books. He Worked for Interview Magazine, Vouge Magazine, Victoria’s Secret. Elle, Rolling Stone, Time. Vouge Allure, Glamour, GQ, Newsweek, and Harper’s Bazaar.

At one time was rumored to have made $30,000 a day

On December 26, 2002, Ritts died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 50.

Cameras of Famous Photographers

So.. My topic this week was was going to be “Cameras of Famous Photographers” because I have some what of an obsession with Cameras and what the pros use. However, in my research this week, I discovered that MOST really good photographers like Annie Liebovitz and Patrick Ecclesine, shoot with many different cameras. Everything online says Leibovitz shoots predominately with Nikon, but in my research (on youtube) Annie use everything from a point and shoot to a Hasselblad. Same with Patrick Ecclesine, I’ve seen him with Nikons, Canons and Hasselblads.

I can tell you Lynn Goldsmith uses a Mamiya DL28 and she’s the only one I’ve seen who doesn’t switch it up.

I think Hasselblads are for the most part what most professional portrait and fashion photographers such as, Annie, Patrick, Nigel Barker, and James Russell use.

In my research, I realised it really is more about the person behind the camera. I personally can pick up any Canon and use it. But if someone was to hand me a Nikon, or Hasselblad I may just be at a loss. And I feel good photographer (who knows their stuff) should be able to know how to work whatever camera is given to them.

Therefore in my conclusion, It’s not about the Camera.. it’s about the person behind the lens, and what they bring to the shoot. Why go out and spend thousands of dollars because that’s the camera Annie Liebovitz,Patrick Ecclesine or Lynn Goldsmith uses? You will not produce the same images. Even if you had the lighting and subjects they have.

Top 5 Celebrity Photographers

These are my Top 5 (living) celebrity photographers at the moment..

Some of you may not may not agree.. And to you I say..

Start your own blog! Better yet.. let's argue it out in the comment box below =)

I'm only going to do bios of them for now. .. so I can blog about each one in more detail later..

He's been called the modern day Warhol,  Which is no surprise considering Warhol gave him his first professional job as a photographer for Interview Magazine.
His colorful images have been described, as weird, shocking, surreal, sexualized, slightly disturbing, and a bit of an acid trip. He's published 4 books.

With his use of unconventional props, and extraordinary backdrops, He makes the list at number....5

-David LaChapelle

He started off  photo journalist for the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle

in 1986, He has won over one hundred national and international awards from American Photography,

His pictures has been published in Vanity Fair, GQ, Esquire, Details and Rolling Stone.

In 2003 he won a 1st place World Press Photo award.

He's photographed Bono, President Obama, The Dalai Lama, Leonardo Dicaprio and Johnny Depp just to name a few.

4-Dan Winters

He's a Los Angeles based celebrity photographer and well known Hollywood Photographer who has a distinct ability to make an image "pop", and he's incredible at bringing someones personality to life in a photograph.

In 2009 his book Faces of Sunset won first place and tied with Annie Leibovitz's 'At Work' for the prestigious SCIBA Book Award. He funds his personal projects by shooting advertising campaigns for popular television shows such as Glee and 90210, and blockbuster films like The Expendables. His clients include DreamWorks, Paramount, Lionsgate, Showtime, Warner Bros, FOX and others. He is also a contributing photographer to Vanity Fair. He's photographed top celebrities such as Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Shia LaBeouf, Alec Baldwin, Jack Black and many many more..

His use of lighting in a photograph is impeccable.

3-Patrick Ecclsine

She started as a staff photographer for Rolling Stones magazine in the 70's, where she quickly moved up to chief photographer and shot over 170 covers.

In 1983 she worked for Vanity Fair Magazine and in 1998 joined forces with Vouge Magazine.

In addition to her magazine work, she also has done ads for American Express, Gap, Disney, and Louis Voitton.

With 6 books under her belt, and the worlds most iconic images of John Lennon, Demi Moore, and Queen Elizabeth just to name a few.

2-Annie Leibovitz 

Another LA based photographer,

He started his career as a sports photographer shooting everything from surfing, to football players, to boxers,and then he found himself drawn to fashion and portraiture. But he seems to be amazing at whatever it is he shoots.

He's done ad campaigns for Speedo, Kodak, Boost Mobile,

He's shoot countless amounts of TV and movie ads ranging from from Iron Man (1 and 2), Spiderman 3, The A-team, Fantastic 4, Nip Tuck, The Entourage, 24, The X Files,

1. Michael Muller

1-Michael Muller

Top 8 Photographers

So in my research.. and opinon.. this is MY top 8 (if you dont like it start your own blog.. no no no....better yet.. argue it out in the comment box).

Originally a skateboarder who caught the eye of legendary photographer Herb Ritts, and.later became Ritt's assistant..Yet influenced by Ritts he has defineatly found his own unique style.

His photography is very distinct, natural, fun, and sexy.

#8. Brian Bowen Smith

While modeling for Marlboro, Banana Republic, Burberry and Mens Health magazine, He discovered he had a love and talent for photography, and inevitably found his place behind the camera. He's shot LA's hottest stars from Salma Heyak to Steve Carell, to Keifer Sutherland.

Hes won the prestigious award of haasleblad master..

#7. Jack Guy

I think a lot of people will disagree with me on this, and feel that he deserves to be higher up on the list. Its just a matter of (my) taste people..( if you dont like it start your own blog.. no no no better yet.. argue it out in the comment box).

He's been called the modern day Warhol, His colorful images have been described as weird, slightly disturbing, and a bit of an acid trip, with his use of unconventional props,and extraordinary backdrops he makes the list at number

#4. Michael Muller
 

He's Los Angeles based photographer who has a distinct ability to make an image "pop", and he's incredible at bringing someones personality to life in a photograph. In 2009 his book Faces of Sunset tied with Annie Liebovitz's 'At Work' for the prestigious SCIBA Book Award. He funds his personal projects by shooting advertising campaigns for popular television shows such as Glee and 90210, and blockbuster films like The Expendables. His clients include DreamWorks, Paramount, Lionsgate, Showtime, Warner Bros, FOX and others. He is also a contributing photographer to Vanity Fair - Patrick Ecclesine.

# 3. Patrick Ecclesine

She started as a staff photographer for Rolling Stones magazine in the 70's, where she quickly moved up to chief photographer and shot over 170 covers. In 1983 she worked for Vanity Fair Magazine

and in 1998 joined forces with Vouge Magazine. In addition to her magazine work, she also has done ads for American Express, Gap, Disney, and Louis Vitton.

With 6 books under her belt, and the worlds most iconic images of John Lennon, Demi Moore, and Queen Elizabeth just to name a few.

2. Annie Leibovitz

Another LA based photographer, He started his career as a sports photographer shooting everything from surfing, to football players, to boxers,and then he found himself drawn to fashion and portraiture. But he seems to be amazing at whatever it is he shoots. He's done ad campaigns for Speedo, Kodak, Boost Mobile,

He's shoot countless amounts of TV and movie ads ranging from from Iron Man (1 and 2), Spiderman 3, The A-team, Fantastic 4, Nip Tuck, The Entourage, 24, The X Files, 
 

1. Michael Muller

Is Annie Leibovitz Overrated?

When you tell someone you're a photographer, or aspiring to be one, usually Annie Leibovitz's name will come up...not because she's the most influential, but because she's the most famous. People who know very little to nothing about photography, for some reason or another know who Leibovitz is.

There aren't too many well known photographers out there..
Annie (yes, I will call her by her first name, as if I know her personally) is the most well known photographer I can think of besides David Lachappell and Patrick Ecclesine, but they are a whole other blog post.

When I first discovered a passion/love for photography I looked at who the best of the best were, and in searches.. Annie's name always came up. I found her fascinating, worked for Rolling Stones (something I really wanted to do), Works for Vanity Fair (How cool was she?), and some of the most memorable photographs I've seen (like John and Yoko) she took!! This girl already lived the life, I wanted to live! Well at least professionally she did.

Then I heard some not so great things about her.. like that shes hard to work for, and not the nicest person on the planet. And while you try not to let that affect your opinion of a person too much..it does.

When her book 'Woman' came out  I got to learn a little more about her life, but i wasn't too impressed with the book. Kind of felt like you're looking through someone else's well organized scrapbook or photo album. Almost felt invasive.

Fast forward to 2007... The gap ads came out.. And I fell in love with her work all over again.. She made you  want to buy clothes from black and white portraits.. That's talent! And I still have yet to see John Mayer look so good!

After Gap came the Disney Dream portraits, and the woman impressed me yet again. The woman had me, a 30-something year old single woman, with NO kids.. want to go to Disneyland. Until I realised Disneyland isn't as majestic as the photos are.

About 3 months ago, I met a photographer in Santa Fe. He said he use to live in the Los Angeles area, and that he shot a few celebrities. Of coarse.. Annie Leibovitz's name came up, and he said something that really resonated with me. He said.. "Annie's NOT a great photographer, have you seen her Nature book? And all her commercial stuff, she has someone else light!... but what she is... is a marketing genius. Whoopie Goldberg in a tub with milk.. that's whats brilliant."

I had to think about that for a while.. am I wasting my time studying photography? When really all I needed was marketing degree?
Then.. I thought about it some more.. Annie Leibovitz is old school!  She was a photographer before it was easy to be a photographer.  She did not just point and shoot (and as you can tell from my last post.. I obviously have issues with those kind of photographers), but  going through older pictures of hers, before digital cameras, I decided.. She's more amazing than I thought she was..She IS an amazing photographer as well as a creative genius. and that's what separates her from other photographers. So her nature stuff isn't all that great, and most photographers these days have people light for them... She's still amazing at portrait photography! Who cares if shes "Barbara Streisand with a camera".. She's kinda earned her diva status.. If she wasn't the best at what she does, These companies would hire someone else who was less temper mental for a lot less money.

What makes a good photographer??

Have you ever wondered.. What makes a good photographer?
Is it the equipment? Perhaps the lighting technique? Is it the knowledge of aperture? Or the knowledge of software such as lightroom, photoshop.. etc? Or is it just the talent (or "eye") behind the lens?

I know many Hollywood Photographers and Celebrity Photographers. From the ones who have the right equipment, yet know nothing about ISO, Aperture, or Photoshop.. but take so many pictures that every so often I will see a really good photo come from them, and wonder how I didn't get an equal or better  image. And I still don't know if its the camera or the fact that they take so many shots. that they're bound to get one good shot, out of the five hundred pictures taken.. or perhaps its the combination of the two.

Than there's the super technical photographers, who know everything about lighting, aperture, ISO, and have all the right software, and though I may like some of their work.. for the most I'm not inspired by it.

There's the photographers that use a simple point and shoot camera, and come up with amazing pictures.
Or the photographers that have less than great images and photoshop the hell out of it. Are those photographers though? Or just photoshop artists?

And lastly there's the photographers who have assistants light everything, and all they do is pick up the camera, and click away, then hand their images to a retoucher. Which I believe is the case with a lot of professional photographers.

After much evaluation, In my opinion this is what makes a great photographer:
Someone who cared enough about the art of photography to at least learn photography 101. Whether self taught or in a classroom. Someone who also knows the basics of composition and lighting.

The less photoshop, the better..I strongly dislike over processed images. If I can't tell if its a painting or a photograph.. What's the point? I do feel that some knowledge of photoshop is important, because models aren't as perfect as we'd like them to be, and sometimes there's just a thing or two you need to fix in a photo. Someone who can take inspiration from other photographers without being a copycat.

And last, but most certainly not least:  Talent.. someone with "an eye". This is the hardest to write about because its the "IT factor". It's something almost unexplainable.. Something that stands out for reasons unknown. I feel all these components are important..without one, you just feel like something is lacking.