Shoot stories documents the behind the scenes stories for photo shoots. Often I'm asked about a shoot I go on so periodically I'll share some more detail on the blog here. Sometimes I'll shoot in a unique place, or with a unique person and if you've read this far clearly you're interested in reading more.
My Chicago Shoot with Edita
Today I had my favourite model shoot I had so far. I didn’t know what to expect. Like many other photographers and models in the business I rely on using Model Mayhem. Such a terrific networking tool. I was planning a trip to Chicago to visit family. I though I would see what was happening in casting calls in the Chicago area. Sure enough I found a few and responded to some. Long story short I set up a few shoots, with the shoot in question being with a lovely young model named Edita.
We decided we would shoot at a waterfall she said was close to her place. Great I thought. I love shooting outdoors and it eliminates the problem of finding studio space. So I make my way to Chicago suburb to our meeting place. In these situations I often don’t know what the best thing to do is. Sometimes I have the urge to do what Zach Gallifankis suggested in the Hangover. “Flash your lights so they know it’s on”. So after a few texts (which incurred lots of long distance charges for separate smiley faces or repeat texts…. Thanks Edita :P) we finally met up. She ended up leading us to a great wooded area with nice trails. Although part of me was concerned this walk through the unknown woods would land me on the news
So we were off to find the waterfall. Not so easy… After following a few wrong trails, asking a handful of less than helpful people a young couple finally led us in the right direction. I was thinking we would never find it, but alas we made it. Nothing grand my any means. A modest little waterfall but we would certainly make the most of it. Of course there would be more roadblocks. With a gorgeous location on a Saturday afternoon you could bet there were lots of people there. Not the worst thing to happen either but not an ideal situation for shooting a bikini clad girl. Couples picnicking, families hiking, and a handful of old folks walking about. We agreed it would be best to start in a more secluded area. We walked downstream a little and found a great spot to start. A nice shaded area of riverbed surrounded by lush forests, perfect for some awesome shots.
Off we were at shooting. We were getting great shots. I had never had such a great time with a model either. I always find it amazing the rapport you can develop in a two hour shoot. It is incredible the things you will talk about and how you get to know each other. All in all just a blast.
After shooting our way up the riverbed eventually all the people disappeared. The light at the waterfall magically became perfect. When we first arrived for the shoot there was nothing but harsh mid afternoon sun. As we carried on shooting we started getting beautiful soft lighting. As if it were meant to be. As with every waterfall shoot I have done I always get unexpectedly wet, a lot wet actually. Note to photographers if you do anything near water, and want cool shots: prepare to get wet. Bending down to get the right angle always results in my butt getting soaked haha. But hey, it’s the sacrifices you have to make for art right? After getting countless awesome photos we decided we were to good to wrap up. We started to walk back to our cars. I, with pretty wet clothes, and she even more wet walking through the nature trails in her swimsuit bottoms and a tank top. She suggested I join her and walk back with my pants off as well to dry off, and to try and freak people out. Haha! We agreed it would probably look kind of odd. That and it would probably raise some eye brows with my ride when I emerge from the woods. Innocent fun of course!
On our walk back she burst out laughing saying she finally noticed my Canadian accent. I tried to be pretty subtle. Using words like sneakers, and soda, while trying to avoid eh at all costs. But apparently be saying “out” was very Canadian-esque. Good to know.
So easily that was my most fun and exciting shoots. Edita was a blast to work with. Got amazing stuff and now I don’t even know where to begin for editing! Looking forward to seeing the final results.