The shoot with Sara Black is my favorite so far, because it was so laidback and organized.  Her personal studio is a warehouse in Pasong Tamo, and it was really spacious and clean.  The make-up table was well lit, there’s a lounging area, and Starbucks is just walking distance. It seemed all business but not without the fun.

In shoots like this one, the order of business is as follows. First, the styling assistants prepare the clothes, shoes and the accessories that the models will use.  The clothes are steamed and arranged by order, but the shoes and accessories are usually picked out minutes before the photographer presses the shutter release.  All the brand new shoes have their soles taped with 2-inch masking tapes to prevent wear and tear because they will be returned to the stores after the shoot.

The photographer and her assistants set the lights and check their equipment. They prepare the studio and test their settings. Okay, so in the picture above the assistants are all lying around but that’s because they’ve already done said preparations. Haha!

Sara Black doing test shots

If the client or creative director is present, they will discuss the concept and pegs for the shoot with the stylist and the photographer.  With all the clothes, shoes, bags and accessories lined up, it’s easier to visualize the final photos.

Luis Espiritu discussing the look for the day

While all these are happening, the hair dresser and make-up artist are shown the pegs. Make-up goes first, then the hair. When the stylist and styling assistants are done, we play what we call The Waiting Game.  Stylists should always be the first people to arrive to make sure everything is ready, and they wait.  When they’ve finished all preparations, they wait some more until everyone is ready to shoot.

The clothes should at least appear to fit the models perfectly, so clamps and sometimes tape are used to form the clothes. When a model strikes a pose, the stylists and photographers survey the outfit one last time then click! Goes the camera.

Wardrobe changes are systematic. Sometimes there are dressers for the models, but if not, it’s the assistant’s job to dress and undress the models.  Or at the very least (for the prudish, maybe) hand the models their garments in order.

I prefer chatting with the models to keep them at ease and also to start good PR.  You never know when you get to work together again. The industry isn’t really that big, when you think about it.  It seems glamorous and all but there’s a lot of hard, dirty work that goes behind the scenes.  That goes for everyone.  If you can keep the work dynamic easier by being friendly, it’s so much better for all.

Kelly Misa is a perfect example. She really is sweet and nice as she looks.  She’s a favorite among photographers and stylists.

I couldn’t find the final photos of the guy, but my boyfriend was able to procure me with the Kelly Misa spread on Philippine Star last Sunday. This is the best his scaner could do:

Click on the thumbnail below to view the full article by Luis Espiritu.

Credits:

Styling by Luis Espiritu
Makeup by Bobby Carlos
Hair by John Valle
Photography by Sara Black
Modelled by Kelly Misa

All behind the scene photos were taken by Alexandra Lapa.

View the Post Gallery: