As I mentioned in a previous post, I made it my mission to shoot on location for the majority of 2009. Or, as I exclaimed, “No more seamless background!” My friend, Nikolai, told me about this place in Pennsylvania with amazing waterfalls, and I had to try shooting there. We traveled three hours away from New York City, and it’s remarkable how much the scenery changes. It rained a little, but that did not deter the crew or the model, Dani–what a great attitude! The model I originally booked for this shoot completely flaked, so having Dani’s wonderful energy made it all worth it.
I like overcast days because colors tend to pop. I considered bringing my Alien Bee, but the accompanying Vagabond battery weighs the equivalent of a small child. Imagine having to carry cumbersome and heavy equipment down slick, wet mud and perilous rocks downhill for three miles. No, thanks! Instead, I relied on my trusted old reflector and brought a small diffuser for good measure.
After testing the light and my muted “Blue Steel” impression,
I give some direction to the model. “Stand there and sparkle.” (Don’t I look like a crazy, eccentric old kook here?)
After a full day of shooting, this picture stood out:
Photographer: Amy Dunn
Photo assistant: Jon S.
Photo assistant: James Dentel
Location scout: Nikolai Pozdniakov
Model: Dani
Gear: Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Pennsylvania, USA 2009
P.S. I didn’t really wear that Matthew Williamson top all day. I just wanted to demonstrate how colors popped on an overcast day. 
12 Comments
Thanks for sharing your behind-the-scene… appreciated !
Wow… you look like from a That’s 70’s show. lol
We’re they shooting you and the model with wide angle lens when you were directing the model?
Behind-the-scenes pics are always fun, aren’t they? Jon had to remind me to post them.
Charles, I relied on my 24-70 mm for this shoot, and I just checked the exif info on that shot – Jon set it on 24 mm, so…yes! Thanks for the reminder (I need to add that info to my post).
So, How I wish I was with you. The site is beautiful those glasses I want them!!! Wow yes you are right those colors really popped and they look amazing in that lighting!
Great shot and amazing location! I always shoot on location as I don’t have a studio…but it really makes for some nice shots sometimes
) Especially when you have a nice person to hold your reflectors! Great job as always 
) Oh, and love your top!!
Diana! I really missed you this past weekend. Let’s get our fix this weekend…and next.
Thank you, Tonya! I find location shooting extremely challenging:
1. You can’t control the light;
2. You need shooting permits; and
3. It’s hard finding the right location for the right concept.
I don’t have a studio (anymore), either, so I have to rely on locations. It also jazzes up the portfolio a little. I know I live in New York City, but it’s really hard finding a great spot to shoot for the reasons listed above, especially #2.
By the way, your Serenity shots are aaaaahmazing.
Great post Amy. I actually like shooting locations for the reasons you posted. I think the Studio can be so sterile and stifling at times. its exciting working the lighting conditions outside! The permit issue thing is a bummer though, Chicago is bad as well.
Looks like your gang had a lot of fun out there, and thats what its all about! Jon’s portrait of you totally makes me think of a 70s HK movie star or model, maybe even waiting on her Bruce Lee boyfriend to finish filming his fight scene. Okay, I guess I have a vivid imagination.
P
You’re probably right about that, Pete. I don’t mind if I have a brilliant team together shooting creative concepts. I will stab myself in the foot with a rusty knife if I have to shoot plain beauty anytime in 2009.
That first picture is actually a self-portrait. See that remote in my hand? I finally got one! I have about 25 images from this set, and I’m making ridiculous faces in each of them — but I like your Bruce Lee boyfriend story.
Yea! So this means more self portraits right! I’m glad you finally got a remote!
Very cool!
Love the shades btw!
What a gorgeous location! I think it’s a great idea to focus on location shots this year to diversify your portfolio. It’ll probably freshen your perspective as an artist as well.
I love the colors in your top!
Did you only shoot the model in white?
You did a awsome job of popping the color. Excellent waterfall shots. Seeing that makes me excited to go there, but not looking forward to hiking.
{ 1 } Trackback
[...] for future shoots. It lightens the load and may be more cost-effective. I brought a Vivitar 285 on my last bikini shoot, but the light was very inconsistent. (I may have had weak batteries.) If I could do it all over [...]
Post a Comment