If you haven’t seen the latest video created by TimeSlice Films for Rip Curl yet, you should definitely take five minutes to watch it. Setting up at Malaysia’s Sunway Lagoon Wavepool and recruiting some world-class surfers (Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Owen Wright and Matt Wilkinson), the folks at TimeSlice Films used 52 Canon T2i cameras to capture some stunning pieces of work for Rip Curl’s Mirage boardshorts campaign. With the cameras arrayed to shoot simultaneously, they were able to get a series of shots using what is known as the “bullet time” effect (as seen it the Matrix films). After a 4-hour rain delay which took the life of some of their gear, they were able to create some pretty spectacular shots.
Here are the videos. The first is the feature video with the final results and the second is a bit of a making-of video with some interviews.
When photographing models as they walk the runway at a fashion show, my job as a photographer is to capture every aspect of each design. In this blog post I am going to share with you how I go about shooting a catwalk and what I think about before I take each photograph.
Before I even start taking photos at a fashion show, I think about who will benefit the most from the images I create. Whether I am there on assignment for a client or not, the general goal is to document each design in the show. As a result, I feel that there are three primary groups of people that should be considered when documenting the show:
The designers
The hair stylists and make-up artists
The models
These three groups of people really want their work to shine. And so, I try to capture each design in two different compositions during the show. Firstly, for the designers, I want to capture the full design. A full body framing of the model coming down the runway, with every part of the design visible. These are the most popular images you see and even though it might seem easy, it’s not. Check out my post from the second night of Alberta Fashion Week to read how I go about shooting and creating the full body images.
Secondly, there are the hair stylists and make-up artists. For these people, I want to capture a close-up frame of the model to show off the artist’s work. This is generally referred to as a “detail image” and is easiest to capture when the model is at the end of the runway, closest to me, and has stopped walking. However, before they stop walking, I am already thinking about the shot. As the model is coming down the runway, I am looking for unique items and features around the head and shoulders that I would want to include. Jewelry, stylish make-up, crazy hair, hats, etc. All of that will make a play when I create my final composition. As soon as the model stops, I then frame my shot. Since the composition is a head shot, I have only one target in mind when it comes to focus; the model’s eyes. If their eyes aren’t in focus, the shot generally isn’t a winner; unless my strict purpose is to show off an accessory (in which case I will generally try to crop the eyes). Once I am framed and have focus, I finally take the picture.
I hope this all makes sense to you, because the amount of time it took you to read the last three sentences was more time than I have to do everything you read. Generally, I have about 5-8 seconds, depending on the model. It takes practice to go over all of that in your head in just a few seconds, but it eventually becomes second nature. The results of those two different shots will also benefit the third group, the models. They want to analyze how they walk and pose, so getting a full body image and a detailed close-up can really benefit a model in that respect.
So there you have it. Two different frames that benefit three different groups of people. That is how I go about shooting a runway show. It might be different than you, depending on your goals, but if you have the same goals that I do, then hopefully this will help you with your results.
The Monster Friends poster series consists of four wonderful illustrations. “The Kraken” by Alex Pearson, “Yeti” by Jeff Kandefer, “The Lochness Monster” by Andy Young, and “The Sasquatch” by Julian Baker. Only a limited run of 100 of the 12″ x 18″ 2-color screen print posters were created at Kangaroo Press. They are printed on 100lb matte poster paper and each set has its number (77/100 for mine) written on the front. The original set of 100 sold out so quickly, they released a second set with a slight colour variation. That second set is also now sold out.
The very second I saw the Monster Friends poster series over at familytreedesign.net, I wanted them and instantly ordered the whole set. I am happy to say that they arrived safely and are now on display in my living room.
The final night of Alberta Fashion Week was easily the best (compared to the opening night, second night, and third night). The house was packed and the designs were fabulous. There was even a little birthday celebration for the Director’s mother, complete with sparklers and pink balloons. I had a blast photographing the designs at this season’s AFW, hanging out, chatting with the models, chatting with friends, and sharing the experience with my fellow photographers. My results from the runway at this event are easily my best work so far getting compliments from everyone, who are even comparing them to international fashion shows. *blushing*
Thank you everyone for all of your comments. I really appreciate them. My job was to capture the designs in their moment on the catwalk so that we can share them long after the event is over, and I feel I have accomplished that. Maybe one day I really will get to photograph one of the big shows. Until then, keep your eye open for me at the next AFW (currently scheduled for March 2011).
The third night of Alberta Fashion Week was very impressive. Dianna Martin of Di Designs kicked the runway off with some very impressive outfits, which was followed by Hillberg & Berk’s jewelry line The Lalita Deva Collection. Mealan completed the evening’s catwalk display with some beautiful coats and bright colours. Click on either of the images within this post to view all of the designs from the third night.
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