I had a wonderful time yesterday shooting SheetMusicPlus, the World’s largest retailer for sheet music.
Since they are an online retailer (there is no brick and mortar store), it was a fun challenge to shoot their warehouse.
Some of the challenges were limited space to move around, low light, and the images needed to be landscape-orientation.
For an executive headshot, we moved this old piano into the warehouse to use as a prop.
[Specs: This shot was taken with a 30mm at f/1.4, ISO 640, 1/500 sec. The window light was on the right of my subject and I used a reflector to his left to fill in the light on his face.]
My favorite part of shooting this company was learning about their business and the people who work there. For example, I learned that most of the employees are musicians! Being at SheetMusicPlus.com allows them to be in the music industry while they play their instruments or work on their music in the evenings and weekends. So cool!
[Photography Tip: Learn about your subjects, whether you are shooting a family, a wedding, a model, or a business. It may help in sparking your creative vision for the shoot and build a relationship between you and your subjects.]
Hmmm….how do I even begin?!!
So today’s Commercial Photography at SuperFranks started off as a single room shot of their new Holiday Tea Party in the Princess Room.
Holiday Tea Party Room
Specs: Nikon 14mm ultra wide lens, f/11, 1/5 sec, ISO 800. Shot in Manual. I used a tripod, so I could drag the shutter, and used the timer, so there wouldn’t be movement from my pressing the shutter button. (You can also use a remote shutter release.)
I timed the shoot, so the room would be dark enough to see the holiday lights, but there would be enough ambient light from the window to give context to the room. (If you’ve been one of my clients, you know that I am very particular about when your shoot begins because good light is key!)
The Creative Process
To get that shot (above), we had to rearrange a couple pieces of furniture and I had a few creative decisions to make, such as which angle to shoot the room and what settings will best highlight the holiday lights. It was pretty straight-forward. 20 minutes, done.
What you don’t know is what happened after I got the room shot.
Frank, the owner of SuperFranks, was there as well. With two creative minds, there was an explosion of ideas.
Here is an example of our discussion:
*****
“Hey, should we get Santa in the shot?”
“Yeah! Is Santa here???”
“Sure, I can get him. Hold on.”
“How about he sits there… no, how about he drinks some milk?”
“It’s a tea party, he should sip tea!”
“Great idea! And have a cookie on the plate!”
[I take a couple shots.]
“This Santa looks like he’s been on a diet. Can we make him fatter?”
“What about his bag? Maybe we should put more in there.”
“It looks like he doesn’t have many gifts to give the children! Oh my gosh, it looks like he’s a thief!”
[I take a couple shots once Santa returned fatter and with a fuller bag.]
“Hmmm….something looks awkward. How about he holds the cookie…. and takes a bite out of it.”
“A BIIIIG bite!”
*****
And it kept going from there! It was so much fun. We had 6 people in there at one point and we started getting a lot of attention, so I had to close the door! (I didn’t want any kids to see Santa adjusting his belly or anything like that.)
At one point — no kidding — I was on my knees and slapping the floor from laughing so hard! (Tim, you know what I’m talking about!)
A Few Shots from the Creative Explosion
This is Super Frankie, the mascot!
Isn’t that nice of Santa to take a break from his busy schedule to play catch with Frankie? 
What do you think: Is Frankie on Santa’s Naughty or Nice List?
Nice, of course!
Whatever your holiday celebrations are and whomever they’ll be with, I hope you will all have periods of slap-the-floor-laughter as I had today!
xo,
annie
What do you get when you are a woman who has fashion sense, loves photography, and needs a safe and stylish way to carry your camera?
You would get The Bossi bag by THEIT!
I am so excited about this product because I haven’t seen anything else like it on the market, so I couldn’t wait to share this with you!
Pssst–you’ll even have a chance to win one!!!
When I’m out on a date with my hubs or out with a girlfriend, I would usually carry my DSLR by hand or throw it in a large purse and pray it doesn’t get damaged when I set my purse down. Not ideal, by any means.
I know camera bags for women have been around for ages, but I haven’t seen anything that actually looked stylish enough to double as a purse. They’ve all looked like…well, “camera bags”!
**PRODUCT REVIEW**
Overall Impressions
“Hellooooo, Gorgeous!” is what I thought when I first laid eyes on it. The Bossi bag is where fashion meets function!
What I Love
1. The antique brass hardware. (Quality is key!)
2. The long chain handle. (It makes the purse look more chic. Plus, I love having 2 carrying options.)
3. The microfiber interior, so my gear won’t get scratched. (The lens bag I carry at my shoots have this too, which I love.)
4. The customizable inserts. (I use them to compartmentalize my belongings, thereby keeping my camera separate and protected.)
5. The tassel clip. (It’s one of my favorite details!)
6. It is super roomy. (It can hold my big Nikon, a medium-size lens or two, all my purse belongings…and even a diaper.)
7. The metal feet. (Aaaah, the details!)
What Could Be Improved
1. When the purse arrived, three of the zippers came stuck together (the parts that weren’t zipped up yet). It only took a second to pull them apart by hand, and then the zippers worked smoothly and effortlessly.
As you can tell, I had to really s t r e t c h to find an area of improvement for this bag. And the things I LOVE far surpass the one small inconvenience. I would recommend this bag to any of my women friends!
**PRODUCT PHOTOS**
The Front
The Back
The Interior
It is the perfect size for all my stuff when I am taking photos for fun or doing a small shoot — and want to look good doing it (or try to, anyway)!
I want to thank THEIT for sending me this bag to review.
I love The Bossi bags so much that they agreed to let me GIVE ONE AWAY to one of my devoted blog readers and FB fan!!!
Details will be posted soon, so keep an eye out!
This review answers some questions that I’ve received from other photographers. It focuses on the two BlackRapid straps that are suited for women photographers: the single strap RS W1 and the slim double strap RS DR-2 (divided into a single strap). This review can also be helpful to any photographer who is interested in the double strap system and wonders how it performs as a single camera strap.
Some photographers want to know:
Is the RS W1 really that comfortable for women photographers? A strap is a strap, right?!
If I’m a two-camera shooter most of the time, but want to shoot with one camera some of the times, do I need to get two different straps or can I just split my RS DR-2 (or DR-1) into a single strap?
How comfortable is a split DR-2?
First, let’s go over the double strap conversion…
Double Strap to Single Strap, Presto!
To change your DR-2 (or DR-1) into a single strap, simply detach the velcro in the back that connects the pads that sit on your shoulder blades.
That took about one second. Two, if I were blindfolded.
You can also remove the sternum strap, but I left it on because that’s what I’d normally do. I don’t want to have pieces I need to keep track of, and I like being able to make quick conversions between single and double straps.
[PRODUCT DETAILS]
Side-by-Side Comparison: the Split DR-2 vs. the W1
The W1 (below right) has a narrower strap, but the padded portion is longer since it was made to be worn across your body.
The W1 also has the “C” curve, made to contour with the curves of a woman’s body.
The split DR-2 (below left) is wider and the padding is thicker, but the padded area is shorter since it was made to hang down from your shoulder.
There is also a difference in thickness.
The DR-2 (below left) has significantly thicker padding than the W1 (below right).
The ballistic nylon strap, the stainless steel hardware… they all have the same heavy duty quality details of signature BlackRapid products.
[PRODUCT FIELD TEST]
How Does it Hang?
The split DR-2 (below left) felt very comfortable with the thick padding. It made my 24-70/2.8 feel light on my shoulders!
Wearing the W1 felt like putting on an old pair of jeans. It looked and felt good!
When compared to the split DR-2, the W1 felt noticeably thinner in the padding department, but the W1 was perfectly comfortable.
How Does it Move?
Below Left: I found that the nylon portion of the DR-2 moved around more than a dedicated single strap — probably because of the shorter padding. (The underside of the padding sort of grips your body, so there is less sliding around.)
Below Right: The W1 hugged my body where I wanted, in the front and in the back.
The Final Test
The final test was wearing both straps with the same camera and lens combo for the same length of time. Which strap was more comfortable?
***The W1***
For a short shoot, either strap would work. They both have their pros and cons: the DR-2 is cushier, the W2 wiggles less, etc.
But if I had to shoot with one camera for over an hour, I would choose the W1 over a split double strap because the W1 stays where I want it. I’d also pick the W1 over any other dedicated single strap!
Let’s face it. For a woman’s body, you need a strap with a “C” curve and a strap that doesn’t slide over to or onto your girlie parts! (Hey, I tell it like it is!)
I don’t want to embarrass myself TOO much — though sometimes I can’t help it — but I really can’t make my point here without a photo! <:)
So below is a shot of me with the split DR-2 after an hour of wear. The nylon portion of the strap shifted on my body in a less-than-flattering way. (There were images that *ehem* proved this point more, but I’m not posting those! You get the idea.)
[FINAL CONCLUSIONS]
1. For Men Photographers: If you are a two camera shooter who sometimes shoots with one camera, you are in luck. Get a DR-1 or DR-2 and call it a day! (Read my double strap review, which compares the DR-1 and DR-2.) You can split your double strap and turn it into a sweet single strap in an instant, saving you time and money.
The only exceptions are if you are a bigger dude who needs a longer strap, then I’d get a dedicated single strap; or if you are the rock-climbing, bungee cord-jumping kind of photographer, then you will benefit from a specialized strap, like the RS Sport. It’ll be worth the investment.
2. For Women Photographers: If you are a two camera shooter who sometimes shoots with one camera, then get a double strap AND a W1. Though a split double strap would work, you would save yourself from the discomfort and embarrassment of squished girlie parts!
3. The W1 is one sleek and sexy strap!
Thank you, BlackRapid, for providing these straps for me to review!
Gina wanted some shots for her business to show her personality — which, to me, is fun, sweet, and friendly. She said she didn’t want anything stiff. The rest was up to me! Yeeha!!
I love when I have the full creative vision for a shoot! I picked out her outfits, accessories, shoes, location, backdrops, and props.
The shoot was so much fun. It lasted 1.5 hours, which included coffee sipping, wardrobe changing, key searching, laughing about “va-va-va-voom”, chatting about our kids, and walking. Oh yea, and shooting!
[Tip for Photographers: Talking to your subjects is very important. It allows you to get to know your clients as well as makes your clients feel comfortable by letting them get to know you! Talking to your subjects can also serve as a distraction if they are nervous or shy. With portrait photography, it's not just about taking nice photographs; it's about the person behind the lens and how he/she brings out the best in their subjects.]
Enjoy my sneak peek from this morning’s shoot…
Waiting
Breaking Up the Lines
I usually don’t like “set up” shots, but I do like this one!
The windows, plant boxes, chairs and brick are all straight lines — so, to have Gina sitting across with a jagged body position, it breaks up the hard lines.
Casual Reading
If only we all looked this glamorous when reading magazines!
Infectious Laughter
We kept cracking each other up.
When she laughed, I would laugh. When I laughed, she would laugh. The stores nearby had to close their windows!
Dream
A brick wall, sun flare, and a happy model… Is this a dream?
Leather & Ivy
Business
If you haven’t guessed by now, Gina is a hair stylist and makeup artist.
I’m a 2-camera shooter, and I’ve been using the manufacturer straps for years. I got used to angling one shoulder to keep a strap from slipping while I shot with the other camera, but it still had problems because my shooting hand would often get tangled in the strap or get in the way because of where the straps attach to the camera.
The solution to these problems: The BlackRapid double strap! All their straps attach at the bottom of the camera with a solid stainless steel connector. This means the strap is never in the way because it will always be below your camera when you are shooting! Just this past month, BlackRapid added the DR-2 to their line of products. The DR-2 is a slimmer version of their original double strap, the DR-1.
Here is what I wanted to know:
* Is the Slim Double Strap DR-2 comfortable to wear after hours of shooting?
* How do the double camera straps fit on a woman’s body?
* Is the slimmer DR-2 just as padded and durable as the DR-1?
* Are there any constraints or downfalls to having a double strap?
Please note: I do not work for BlackRapid, so I’m not going to talk about the technical specs, like measurements and materials or how to adjust the straps. This review is for photographers who shoot with 2 camera bodies and would like to hear another photographer’s opinion of the DR-2.
So let’s start with a visual comparison between the Slim DR-2 and the original DR-1…
[ DR-1 vs DR-2 COMPARISON ]
The Front
It’s clear as day: the DR-2 (bottom left) is much smaller than the original DR-1 (bottom right).
But here’s the thing! I don’t consider myself petite by any definition, as I am 5’8″ with broad shoulders — and let’s not even get into the added Baby Weight — so, I assumed the one with wider straps would be more comfortable for my body. Not necessarily!
“Baby’s Got Back!”
Though there is a lofty difference in size, the Slim DR-2 was just as comfortable as the original DR-1.
In fact, I noticed the biggest difference in comfort in the back because the shape of the DR-2 fit better across my shoulder blades, which made it easier to move around than the DR-1.
This was the biggest shock because I thought the wider the padding, the more comfort! This was not the case.
“Grandma! What Wide Straps You Have!”
For the majority of photographers who fall into the “average” body size range, choosing between the DR-1 and DR-2 is more a matter of taste.
I found that both straps fit my frame, and I was only able to detect a noticeable difference in comfort when I tried them on with cameras and lenses attached, one strap after the other. This is definitely worth the extra research time when you’re wearing these bad boys for several tireless hours, and they’re holding up heavy (not to mention, expensive) equipment!
[ THE DETAILS ]
The Underside and Thickness
The underside of the straps are really soft, so it’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The outer material is durable and lightweight.
The thickness of the straps are about the same. See the below right photo. I bet you can’t even tell which strap is which!
FastenR-3 Connectors
Screwed to the bottom of your camera or long zoom lens, these weighty little guys are made of material even superheros couldn’t break! Your cameras will stay safely secured upside-down. Comfort and durability are important features to look for in camera straps, but how securely they hold your gear is numero uno!
There is a rubber piece under each hardware that keep the connectors sealed tight to your camera. If you give it a little moisture (aka, water or spit ), it will create a tighter seal.
As part of my pre-photoshoot preparation, I will still check that all screws and connectors are tight. But so far, it has never loosened on me during a photoshoot or surprised me during my pre-shoot prep.
[ CONCLUSION ]
* The DR2 was surprisingly more comfortable than the DR1 for me. (I thought the DR1 would fit my frame better since I don’t consider myself “petite”, so this was a surprise!) This means, if you fall within the “average” body size range (whether you are a man or a woman), I suggest you try them both out before you stick to one. It’ll be worth your time!
* Shooting with my camera bodies hanging upside-down was a natural way to shoot. Since the straps are adjustable, I put my cameras at the length of my arm, so I could easily grab one and shoot at a moment’s notice. For the first time, I didn’t have an instance where my straps were in the way!
* I also preferred the DR-2 when it came to fitting better for a woman’s body. Because of the narrower padded straps above the chest, the straps sat more out-of-the-way.
* Shooting with the DR-2 meant that I no longer needed to tilt one of my shoulders. It was so nice to not have to worry about my straps slipping off my shoulders!
The negatives:
* Everything was sooooo secure that there was no easy way to detach my camera from the straps when I needed to hold it far from my body, which I often do when I am shooting babies and children who are running with me or crawling on the ground. I need a Quick Release feature! (This probably doesn’t impact most photographers, but I wanted to mention it because it’s something that effects the way I shoot.)
* With the hardware screwed tightly on the bottom of my camera bodies and 70-200mm lens, my cameras can no longer sit flat, which I like to do for stabilization when I shoot near a flat surface.
All in all, these are small prices to pay for added security, comfort to my neck and back, and ease of shooting with the straps out of the way! And there are ways to work around these issues. I highly recommend the BlackRapid DR-2!
Yesterday afternoon, I got to style and shoot RL and his new Aston Martin. Car and Driver Photography is incredibly exciting to me! I am a car fanatic, so finding the best angles, composition, lighting and location to highlight a nice ride, like an Aston Martin, is great fun! I enjoyed every second of it.
Here are a few images to share…
Driving on Windy Roads
Every car and driver photoshoot should have action shots! And where better to test out an ultra low, super smooth sports car than a windy road in the hills?!!
We were only going 31 here because when we were going faster, I couldn’t shoot because I was holding on to the car for dear life! 
Sexy & Sultry
In this shot, I focused on the “face” of the car because the lines are so sexy! I also loved how the reflection of the palm trees broke up the symmetry of the car.
This is it! When I knew I was going to shoot this car, I mentally styled the shot: I wanted a side view of the car on a small windy road with tall trees and green hills behind it.
It always feels great to get the shot I had envisioned prior to the shoot! Ahhhhh.
The bonus: deer grazing in the hills!
The Details
The side mirrors automatically turn inward after you take the key out of the ignition.
Flush door handles.
At one time during the shoot, I was being chased by a large angry dog! I had to run back to the car for safety (no kidding), but when I got to the passenger side door, I didn’t know how to open the car door! It was pretty funny in hindsight, but lesson learned! Next time I need to learn how to open these fancy car doors before heading to remote areas where there are territorial animals!
I love the 3 types of material in this image: metal, concrete and grass.
Interior details.
I drooled over the dash, the center console, the hand-stitched leather, the analog clock… (Must. Stop. Drooling. Again.)
The Driver: RL
This image puts the focus on the car and RL is more of an “accessory”, or an accent to the car.
RL was such a great model. I’ll have to do another shoot of him some other time!
I am in love with this shot!
Here, I wanted to make the car more abstract by putting RL in the middle and surrounding him with the maze-like pattern of the trees and their reflection. Without seeing more of the car, you really can’t tell what it is.
This shot focuses more on RL, and uses the car as his “accessory” rather than the other way around by revealing only a part of the car.
We also changed location, and the tall evergreen trees provided an entirely different feel to this image.
I had an impromptu mini model shoot today of soon-to-be famous Kelsey!
Kelsey’s mom only needed one shot for an agency, and I intended on giving her three, but egad! I just couldn’t narrow them down because Kelsey was soooo easy to photograph, so she got 14. That’s almost three, right?!
Here are a few of my favorites of Kelsey, taken on a sidewalk next to a parking lot and a street…
Semi-Posed
Well, the shot to the left is set-up, but the one on the right is all Kelsey! I like these two images side-by-side. She is just so sweet!
Show Personality
Most modeling agencies are not looking for child models who are just “a pretty face” anymore. To stay fresh and modern, they want models who have personality and can translate that on film.
Doing a model shoot to update a portfolio or to submit to an agency is best done with a lifestyle photographer, not a studio photographer. (Of course this is my opinion because I am a lifestyle photographer! Ha!)
Especially with children and young adults, a lifestyle shoot allows for more room to play and thus, express their personality. I also think outdoor shoots give images a fresh and modern feel. Just my two cents about modeling images.
I love the one on the lower left where Kelsey is looking up and pulling on her sweater. It’s such a playful shot. And I think the green door contrasts beautifully with Kelsey’s amazing hair!
Jump Shot
[Photography tip: Jumping shots of kids are great! But beware of landing images because facial features and skin can get pulled down. Eeeeeeee! Not pretty! Below is an example of a jump shot taken at the upward point.]
Thank you, Mother Nature! A major rain storm that hit the Bay Area last night was suppose to last for 2-3 days, but it STOPPED for my commercial shoot for Zoette Boutique today! The heavy rain started up again soon after I got home. What a miracle!
Today’s shoot was split into 2 mini shoots: babies and little girls. That way, my little models will stay happy and warm because no one will need to wait around. (Thank you, Karyn, for providing snacks and juice for our models and their parents!)
My vision for this commercial shoot was to photograph in an editorial way — capturing babies and girls having fun while wearing these gorgeous handmade hair products. My goal wasn’t to take close up product shots, but rather to paint a brand image for Zoette Boutique.
The result? The images are exactly as I had envisioned them when Karyn (owner of Zoette Boutique) and I talked about doing this shoot. It is such a satisfying feeling. Ahhhhh…
Enjoy the sneak peek…
The Baby Shoot
The Little Girl Shoot
Today, I had the privilege of photographing Published Author and Certified Life Coach, Roger Kenneth Marsh!
After reviewing his website, I came up with the idea of having him stand on a path since he helps people figure out how to live life passionately and joyfully. In essence, he helps direct people on the right path!
So instead of just shooting some standard headshots and full body shots, we spiced things up a little with some metaphorical images.
One nice surprise was how the weather cooperated. There was light rain on my drive, which made me a little worried about the outdoor portion of our shoot. Then the rain stopped before I arrived. And on our hike up the hill for the path shots, the rain clouds parted and the most amazing sky appeared!
Here are a couple to share…
I’ll post more later. Good night!
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