To begin: Mindy and I were extremely prepared as usual (and I completely forgot to upload my "creative" stick figure lighting diagram sketch 24hrs before the shoot... my bad.
How do I visualize the final product and what elements do you I need to create it?
Answer: While the "client: aka Pat, seemed very eager to get a shot taken from above, after having tested that above shot in our pre-shoot walk around I determined that it wasn't a very good angle for that machine... therefore I was going to make a point of getting the ladder from him and taking at least one high up shot just to show him that I had listened to his request and then I was going to do a low down shot which I thought would come out nicer.
How will I direct the subject?
Answer: I made a point of asking Pat what all the machines did, mine was a gear/cog maker. I chose it so that the subject had multiple ways of "working" that had camera friendly angles. I wanted his motion to be natural, so in choosing this model I made sure that he was familiar with the machine. After that it would be just a matter of subtle photography nuances of "move slightly this way, look left, look up, etc..." I also made sure to chat up my model to make him comfortable with me.
How will I handle the fluorescent lighting?
Answer: Green gels on the lights, then correct in photoshop.
How intense will the existing light be, what wattage would I need to create this image?
Answer: I wanted just enough available light to see around the room but the shot was going to be pre-dominantly flash.
What visual style of image I am producing, what kind of effect am I looking to create.
Answer: I'm looking to create an accurate image of the guy working on this machine.
What lighting equip. will I need? Props, Flags, Grids…..
Answer: Mindy and I had our equipment list selected the night of the demo. 1 profoto kit, 2 stands, filters, grid, softbox, triggers, xtension cords.
Which lens will be appropriate considering the job description?
Answer: I took out a 10-22mm just to try it and I also planned to try my 18-200mm for more telephoto shots
What will model wear? Dark, light?
Answer: I want the model to be in a mech tech jumpsuit, as dark as possible
Is there a place to change or do make-up if required?
Answer: I brought my favorite make-up the CoverFx Matte, oil absorbing powder, which doesn't show up on camera... this is the only make-up I'd need.
Is there a rest room near by? Is there electricity? Where is the breaker, do I have a contact in case of electrical issues or emergency.?
Answer: I found the washroom before hand, I found the power socket during the demo, and the power on the machine were going to be off but I planned to double check that just to be sure.
Plan your shoot with your partner carefully so you maximize the time allocated and fairly divide the time period.
Answer: Mindy and I decided that she was going to shoot first because her area wasn't contested, where-as Olivier was going to be shooting beside me so I agreed with him that he'd shoot while Mindy was shooting.
