Model Shoot, Downtown Charlotte 8/20/11

Saturday’s model shoot for Beverly Grant Jewelry was awesome!! It was awesome because of the challenge, the complexity, and the amount of work to be done in such a short amount of time. The light kept changing, which put my white balance card through its paces and proved to be a valuable asset in an outdoor shoot with models and jewelry coming in so many different skin tones and colors.

I never left manual mode on the camera or flash because the desired effect could not be reached any other way.  I instead relied upon my off camera flash for complete control of both the ambient and flash lighting.

The location changes were drastic as well – sunlight, shade, greenish marble backdrops, grey marble, brass, copper, waterfalls, natural stone…you name it.  Fortunately I brought along all the tools necessary to get the job done.  It’s better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!

Eight very different models, 500 plus pieces of jewelry, and almost 1000 shots posed and taken in 7.5 hours!  There were also four location changes and still shots of products only at the end of the day.  I was definitely tested today and delivered some great shots by using what I have learned and being open and friendly to those I was working with.

Face the challenges in photography head first and work hard.  Plan ahead for complex lighting situations and be cordial with the people you are working with.  Taking their suggestions and helping each other through the shoot will ensure success.