Fashion on Location with Paul

Parys in Dirtbin
the subject in Paul's email

Alumni (or past 2009 student) Paul Reichle [PR] shared his experience of a Fashion Shoot with me via gmail so that I could blog it.  PR's blurb: "The shoot was for a local designer Bianca Kim _ who sells her stuff 'Miss Religious' at the I-heart market and a couple boutiques too. Bianca wanted a Grunge feel and sent me a pic of the location she had in mind which blew me away. I had no idea there even was a mini eiffel tower living in Dirtbin.

Upon arrival at the location we realized that the ladder we bought to the shoot was too short so I borrowed one from the Church next door. We got to the roof and had about 12 looks to get through - The wind was pumping which made working conditions difficult_ constantly blowing hair into the models face and my lighting equipment. My assistant 
 (I advise that everyone has an assistant especially when working on location) had to hold all the equipment.

I was aiming for a mix of styles with this shoot as Bianca's Target market is girls aged 16 to about 30, i mixed a combination of lifestyle in with editorial fashion- l strongly believe that lifestyle shots are great to sell a product such as clothing as prospective clients can picture themselves in the clothing, if the clothing is too fashion orientated it could be too intimidating for a young girl. 

I used a very harsh light source - no softbox or diffusers so as to stick with the very moody feel we were going for and then shooting on manual mode - I underexposed the scene by about 2-3 stops to make the background very dark and eliminate or put less emphasis on any unwanted elements - such as the buildings cars and shops in the background. I then pumped a very powerful flash at high power onto the subject making the model pop out into the picture. I asked the assistant to keep the light quite high and close to subject in order to make harsh shadows under the models chin - making the pics look quite raw and giving dimension and shape.

Problems we encountered while shooting: Models found it difficult to balance on the beam and walk on the corrugated roof which made posing tough, I also ran out of battery on my lights toward the end of the shoot and had to tone down the power of the flash as we finished up."

Paul attached some images and they were specifically chosen by him to show:

(below)  ---> "how crazy the wind was"

(top)  ---> "how dark the background is when the flash goes off and other shows the sh*!!y (Paul's words not mine) the background looks without the flash".

(top) ---> shot with toned down flash.

(top) ---> the lifestyle element 

(top) ---> shows fashion editorial element

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I also asked him about his website and in typical Paul fashion he replied: "Oh and my website is currently bubbalaas -  in the process of constructing a new one but I'm building numbers with my Facebook page if you can get the peeps to go join. PR also asks "if any one is keen to assist on weekdays for a personal project called rainbow nation, just an hour or so here and there when I'm in the area".

Contact Paul on--->  paul.reichle@gmail.com  or "be-friend" him on his facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Reichle-Photography/236837686843

 

Bianca Kim's facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bianca-Kim-Clothing/118744504852516

Thanks Paul.

 ☕

10 questions @ Lauren Stead

LAUREN STEAD 

Saxon & Lauren

LS completed her 3rd year in 2010 and is currently registered to do her 4th year, so when you bump into Lauren in the department say "Hi"...

:)

[but her horse won't be with her]

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Today, Lauren will be presenting a slide show on her work and other 'stuff' to the 3rd years . In  her 3rd year Lauren specialisted in Digital Abstract [and Urban Decay]. Lauren created 'fairytale narratives' that were "constructed with Photoshop". Lauren produced an incredibly creative portfolio that displayed both her talents and skills as a photographer, as well as a rich storyteller and Photoshop 'wizard'.  Lauren would sourced "effect" tutorials from the internet to help enrich her images and contribute to the story line. For instance she would build the element of fire, or create lighting effects, wings, smoke  etc.

 Lauren's collection of images:

 

   
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I asked Lauren 10 questions...
and this is what she had to say:

 

1. What does Photography mean to you?

Photography is a way of preserving oneself and our memories, so that we never forget the little things that happened along the way.

2. What genre of photography are you passionate about?

I am passionate about photography that challenges our perceptions and requires a closer look. 

3. What aspects of Photography do you love?

I love the conception of an idea and then figuring out how to create my vision in a photograph. I also love that moment, when printing black and white when the image first starts to appear on the paper, like magic.

4. What aspects of Photography do you find challenging?

Getting all the elements to work perfectly for you so that the idea is created how you see it in your head.

5. Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in everything around me, one of my recent ideas is inspired by a piece of classical music called Miserere Mei.

6. If you could share one thing with others who are also interested in Photography what would it be?

Don't compromise your vision for anyone, if you think you have something that can work, go for it.

7. Name Photographers that have influenced you.
[Click on names and images to learn more]

Jerry Ueslmann [IMAGES]
Annie Leibovitz [IMAGES]
Joey Lawrence [IMAGES]

8. List  3 words that describe your experience as a student.

frustrating, illuminating, interesting

9. List 3 words that describe how it feels to be engaging outside DUT.

Scary, fun, challenging

10. What advice would you give students who are embarking on studying to become professional Photographers?

Be willing to accept constructive criticism but remember that photography is subjective, everyone will have different opinions, be willing to stand up for your own...Also, tech can be one of the most frustrating places on earth... keep some vodka handy! 

☕

10 questions @ Paul Reichle

Paul Reichle 
is a past student who completed his 3rd year in 2009
[click Paul's name to go to his website]
 Facebook 

PR will be visiting the department on 22 February to chat to students about his experiences having left the DUT and trying to establish himself as as professional photographer in Durban.

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I asked Paul 10 questions...  
and this is what he had to say:

1:   What does Photography mean to you?
I see Photography as a lifestyle and a powerful form of expression.


2:  What genre of Photography are you passionate about? 
Commercial and People


3. What aspects of Photography do you love?
Interacting with people, not to mention the infinite opportunities as the subject is so vast and one can explore all the different avenues such as food, fashion, product, lifestyle people wedding industrial etc  (impossible to get bored!!)



4. What aspects of Photography do you find challenging?
Photography is just the tip of the iceberg. Running a successful business is what is challenging- Admin, tax registration, negotiating with clients etc.


5. Where do you find inspiration?
Different forms of media, magazines, internet websites (other photographers work- like Patrick Demarchelier, Lara Jade and hundreds of others> Flickr), movies, music videos, but mostly 'Light' in every day situations.
 

6. If you could share one thing with others who are also interested in Photography what would it be?
To stress that one must become as technically efficient as possible before trying to learn other aspects on photography (correct exposure)> Get to know what your camera and its settings can do- these two factors are tremendously important and work hand in hand with one another. 


7. Name Photographers that have influenced you.
Brett Florens was a huge inspiration and has continued to be. I worked under him as an assistant for just over a year.


8. List  3 words that describe your experience as a student.
Character Building, interesting.



9. List 3 words that describe how it feels to be engaging outside DUT.
Exciting, Challenging, Awesome


10. What advice would you give students who are embarking on studying to become professional Photographers?
For me, its all about constantly getting out of my comfort zone which in turn elevates me and my work to a higher level.

☕

meet... baby Nda

Siyamthanda at 8 months and 3 weeks old and look how talented he is.
Couldn't think of a caption to write... any ideas?

☕

Did you know...

...that Kristyn Swanepoel is a pro Ice-Hockey player.

Kristyn [a 3rd year] says: 

"I have been playing for approximately 5/6 years. I have received my Provincial colours 5 times.  This year I have been selected for the South African team and will be traveling to Iceland in March, to play against nine other teams".

"Gangi þér vel Kristyn. Við erum spennt að sjá íshokkí færni þína þegar við skötu í dag".
 

 Icelandic to English using Google translate: Good luck Kristyn_ can't wait to see your moves @ the 'ice-breaker'.