Josh Rottman for Aston Models

Hailing from Baltimore, Josh Rottman of Empty Duck Digital recently made the journey to Los Angeles to work with some agency models. The team settled into Stage C, and was able to produce a nice array of looks – capturing some very clean and admirable images. Here is some information from Josh about himself and the shoot: “My name’s Josh Rottman and I own a photography studio in Baltimore, MD called Empty Duck Digital. I was at FD Studio doing model tests for Aston Agency in LA. // The agency’s goal was to get photos that honestly represent each model’s face through a natural test look and an editorial makeup look. Annelise has an edgy vibe about her so we got progressively darker with the hair and makeup as we progressed, where Bradie had an innocence that pushed more commercial. I watched as Lupe and Nadia built the looks I’d shown them and I created my lighting setups organically as I saw each finished look. Stage C was a great space to work in and improvise. I was really happy to see the large octobox for PCB strobes when I walked in Stage C because I couldn’t travel from Baltimore with mine.”

Josh Rottman for Aston Models -Rental Studio, Photo Studio, Model Test, Model, Makeup, Los Angeles, Josh Rottman, Hair, FD photo studio, Editorial, DTLA, cyclorama, Aston Models

The models for the shoot were Annelise Adams and Bradie Ellias. Photographs were, of course, provided by Josh Rottman – You can link with him via his WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM. The makeup artist for the set was Lupe Moreno, and hair was done by Nadiabla Vazquez. The assistant was Trevor Freimanis, and retouching was done by Holly Burnham.

Stage C is an incredibly versatile space, with plenty of room for productions of all sizes. A favorite feature of our Stage C shooters is the large cyclorama wall, which gives plenty of depth and width to achieve the appropriate look that your project needs. Other backdrop solutions include a green grass backdrop as well as the standard backdrops colors ready in all of our studios – black, gray, and white. We also keep a rotation of different colored backdrops, which are available in all of our studios at no extra charge. Head on over to our website to take a closer look at Stage C.

APA LA – Beauty Retouching Workshop

Looking to step up your retouching, or just learn some new tricks to work with? APA (American Photographic Artists) Los Angeles will be holding some amazing workshops throughout November, and FD Photo Studio is happy to announce that our studio will be the venue for Beauty Retouching Secrets of the Pros. The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 14th 2015 from 9am-1pm. It will take place in Pro Stage II. For more information about the event, cost, how to sign up, etc. – Please follow this link: //www.apa-la.org/Upcoming-APA-LA-Events-Photography-Worshops/ About the event: “Master retouchers Carolyn Winslow and Dennis Dunbar will be sharing many of their beauty retouching secrets in our Nov 14th workshop. They’ll take you through their standard beauty retouching workflows highlighting the steps they use when working on high end images. Carolyn and Dennis will also talk about “Perfect Skin” and how to achieve it. They’ll dedicate a section of time to discuss Burning and Dodging, and focus on the eyes, how to deal with lines around them, sharpen them, bring a touch of highlight to them and how to enhance the color. Continuing with the sharing they’ll discuss color correction, enhancing the lighting and how to add glow to skin giving it a beautiful, iridescent quality. Don’t miss this chance to get a close up look at just how the pros achieve the high end results clients love!” Be sure to check out the APA LA website HERE for more information about the organization – and even more great workshops!

Art 2 Renovation!

Art 2 with rustic wood floor&platform with staircase

We are pleased to announce that Art 2 has a new look, and is now available! This beautiful space now features a full rustic wood floor, as well as a platform that runs the entire length of the studio’s south side – flush with the windows. There is a wood staircase leading up to the platforms left side. The flooring is real wood throughout, and stained to a nice dark tone. Art 2 also features the same great equipment that adorns all of our studios – black, white, and gray photo backdrops as well as three strobes along with light modifiers. Take a look at Art 2 on our website for availability as well as rates.

Mien Launch Collection 2015

We love to see our clients make wonderful projects at the studio, and here is a fine example of this. Los Angeles based (and manufactured) clothing and accessory brand Mien made wonderful use of the space, and created a series of images that stand true to their aesthetic. Take a look at their website for more information and to see their products: //www.mienstudios.com/ And be sure to link on INSTAGRAM.

Mien Launch Collection 2015 -Rental Studio, Photo Studio, Models, Mien, Los Angeles, Lookbook, FD photo studio, fashion, Ecommerce, DTLA, cyclorama, Apparel, Accessories

About the brand: “Mien abides by principles of clean, thoughtful designs made with a dedication to the perfect fit and fine craftsmanship. The line embraces minimalism with an experimental spirit, embodies tailored simplicity with a twist. It resonates with those who cultivate signature looks over time; its pieces blending seamlessly into the wardrobe, pairing beautifully with timeless favorites. Mien has no identity, claims no fame, whispers instead of shouts – its pieces made to enhance one’s persona, one’s distinctive mien. Made in Los Angeles. Mien / mēn / noun / literary / French roots A person’s air or bearing; expressive of attitude or personality.” The photographer for this project was Lisa Hsieh, connect HERE. Makeup and hair was done by Judith Hsieh. The models on set were Irelyn Daugherty and Luke McCrea.

Stage C was used for this project. A huge studio with lots of space to move around and achieve different looks, Stage C is a favorite for projects of all sizes. Equipped with a cyclorama wall, as well as standard photo backdrop paper in black, gray, and white – this space offers a lot of great creative options. Utilize the clean industrial look with raw floors and classic white-framed windows, or have some fun on the green grass backdrop. Take a look at Stage C on our WEBSITE!

WRABBIT Lookbook

Our studios offer a fantastic canvas for you to build a unique set, and achieve the look that you or your brand desires. WRABBIT created a fine example of this, making some beautiful and unique images, with an aesthetic that fits their image perfectly. The team was able to transform Stage F, and make these warm and inviting images for their Pre-Fall 2015 Lookbook.

WRABBIT Lookbook -WRABBIT, Rental Studio, Photography Studio, Los Angeles, Lookbook, FD photo studio, fashion, E-Commerce, DTLA, Design, Apparel

About the brand and it’s creator’s vision: “Wrabbit is a Los Angeles based fashion brand for junior and young adults who dedicates most of her time to exploring life, and finding the true value of loving her loved ones and herself. She is an edgy rocker, romantic dreamer, boho princess, and minimalist. She is a fashion chamelion, she is all, she is Wrabbit.” Take a closer look at their website and products HERE, and be sure to connect on INSTAGRAM. The design director for this project was Eva W. Lin. The photographer responsible for these dreamy images is Paul Q. Thai, and the videographer for the day was Yu-Yuan Lin. Make up was provided by Shirley Kuo. The model for the shoot was Rebecca Leavitt.

Stage F is a unique stage offering some different options for our shooters. On one end of the room, you have white laminate offering a great high-key look. On the other end of the room you’ll find wood laminate, giving a nice rustic or polished warm feeling. This is our only stage (so far!) offering this flooring option. Look out the window, and you’ll see a wonderful view of downtown Los Angeles. This bright studio gets direct light in the AM hours, and catches some of the golden light from sunset. Equipped with all of the great backdrops and studios lights that are featured in all of our studios, head on over to our website to check out Stage F.

Summer 2015 Contest WINNERS

FD Photo Studio has been hosting contests to give our clients a chance to give us feedback. The results for the Summer 2015 Session are in. The rules were pretty simple, all studio users (photographers, videograpers, hair, makeup, etc.) were encouraged to write a Yelp review, and that made participants eligible to be randomly selected to win a 12, 8, and 4-hour package! For the Summer contest, we had a total of 28 reviews. The entrants were put into a program designed for random selection, and here are the results: 1st Place: The FIRST PLACE winner is Oliver E, he will receive a free 12-hour package! You can view the review HERE. 2nd Place: The SECOND PLACE winner is David O, he will receive a free 8-hour package! You can view the review HERE. 3rd Place: The THIRD PLACE winner is Danny S, he will receive a free 4-hour package! You can view the review HERE. Honorary PRIZE: We’re throwing in a kicker – We’re also giving away an additional 12-hour package! Anyone who has ever written a review about us was eligible to win. The 12-hour package winner was Paula G, check out her review HERE. Winners will be contacted through email or via Yelp message. A big thanks to everyone who was able to write a review. We love to hear your thoughts about the studio – what you like and how we can make it an even better experience.

Fashion w/ Nicholas Tatone

Nicholas Tatone and his team of creatives were in working on a clean and unique series of images, with a great ambiance. The photos are full of character, and we’re glad that they could use the studio to their advantage to make them.

Fashion w/ Nicholas Tatone -Studio Photography, Stage A, Rental Studio, Photo Studio, Nicholas Tatone, Los Angeles, LA Fashion, FD photo studio, fashion, DTLA, Apparel

The photographer for the project was, of course, Nicholas Tatone. Here is a little info about Nicholas: “I am 25 years old, and born and raised in Los Angeles. I have recently graduated from Art Center College of Design, and am a portrait photographer primarily focusing on documentary lifestyle and fashion.” You can connect with him via INSTAGRAM or view his WEBSITE for more awesome work. The first assistant for the shoot was Cara Harman, you can connect HERE. The models were Jeanette and Sharon, make sure to follow the links to view more of their work.

Stage A, a long-time FD Photo Studio favorite, was used for this shoot. This space has beautiful direct light during the AM hours, and great open-shaded light in the afternoon. With the high-key white industrial design that FD owes part of our reputation to, Stage A is a clean setting that can be manipulated to fit all kinds of projects. Equipped with the same equipment such a studio lighting and photo backdrops that adorn all of our stages, take a look at Stage A HERE and ponder the possibilities.

‘Forever The Free’ Music Video Shoot

Forever The Free, a fresh new band with talent hailing from Latin America, was in the studio creating this beautiful music video. The team was able to split the day and use two of our spaces, Stage D for ambient light and then Stage B for it’s dark blackout atmosphere. Here is more about the project and the team’s experience at FD Photo Studio:

'Forever The Free' Music Video Shoot -Videography, Video Shoot, The Weekend, Rental Studio, Photo Studio, Music Video, Music, Forever The Free, FD photo studio, DTLA, Cinematography, Can't feel my face

“THE BAND” Forever The Free is a new band in the US, created by Latin American stars Reinaldo Zavarce, T, and R The vocalist of Forever the Free, Reinaldo Zavarce is a very well known Venezuelan actor and musician from Caracas, Venezuela. Reinaldo has been the lead in many Nickelodeon series such as (ISA TKM, ISA TK+ and 11-11) and recently starred in films here in Los Angeles, California with name actors such as James Franco, Horatio Sanz, Lia Marie Johnson, Paul Rodriguez, etc… Zavarce has won 3 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards (2 for best actor & 1 for best series), along with gold & platinum records. Reinaldo teamed up with Renzo Bravo, ex bassist of the well known band ADAMMO from Peru, now bass player and producer of Forever The Free along with Thominhas, ex drummer of the band RESTART from Brazil . Renzo Bravo has also been nominated for many awards like the Grammys and MTV Europe, and took home the MTV Latin Award for best new band. The last member of the band is Thomas Alexander, ex drummer of the massive Brazilian band RESTART. They won so many awards at the Kids Choice Awards that is hard to count. They even won best Latin band at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards USA. They are based in Los Angeles and they will be playing here a lot but never forgetting their fans in Latin America. That’s why they are already planning a tour in Brazil. “THE MUSIC VIDEO” FD Photo Studio was the perfect location to shoot the video because of how minimalist the space is. We wanted to create something simple but powerful at the same time, and this place was PERFECTION. Also, working there was very chill. The personal is very professional, and on top of things, so we will definitely be back. We decided to produce a cover of the hit song “Can’t feel my face” -The Weeknd because we wanted people to see that we can create powerful soul music VIDEO CREDITS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJpALsbrUzk Directed by Cassius Corrigan Cinematography by Chucky Anthony Cavestany & Paul Domingos Produced and edited by Reinaldo Zavarce / Dream In Motion Pictures //www.dreaminmotionpictures.com The behind-the-scenes images from the shoot were provided by Alejandro Mejia.

TWITTER Forever The Free @ForeverTheFree Renzo Bravo @RenzoBravo Thomas Alexander @ThomasRestart INSTAGRAM Forever The Free @ForeverTheFree Reinaldo Zavarce @ItsPeche Renzo Bravo @SoyRenzoBravo Thomas Alexander @Thominhas Listen to the song on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/foreverthefree… The Weeknd – “Can’t feel my face” (cover by Forever The Free) Produced by Renzo Bravo with Forever The Free and Leonardo Leoni Recorded and mixed by Leonardo Leoni Special thanks to KOBA (Music studio Recordings) @KobaRestart Caio Pavan (Film Equipment) DREAM IN MOTION PICTURES – 2015 – //www.dreaminmotionpictures.com Stage D is a large daylight studio, all of the amenities offered in each of our studios. The studio has frosted industrial-styled windows, and the stage offers great natural light – especially in the afternoon and as the sun sets. Stage B is our blackout studio, offering creatives a dark place where they can control the light 100%. Take a look at both studios on our WEBSITE.

Beauty Dish Basics

Wonder how to expand your studio lighting repertoire? For those of you who unfamiliar with the beauty dish, this serves as a very basic explanation of this staple light modifier. The beauty dish is a wonderful tool for headshots and beauty photography, giving your subject that distinct circular catch-light. Take a look in your favorite magazine, and see if you can spot it! Used correctly, you can softly light the features of the face, and achieve nice shadowed edges. Mechanics: The beauty dishes that we have at FD are 22″ models, although they come in a variety of sizes and depths. We also have a Mola Setti 28″ beauty dish available in Stage C. The inner surface of the dish is typically finished in silver or white. We have the silver model. The flash is fired into the center deflector, and the light is bounced and diffused in the circular outer dish, giving you the distinct light source. Central deflectors come in a variety of colors as well; silver, white, gold, and even clear. We commonly have silver deflectors, and the Mola Setti has a opaque white glass to diffuse the light. The front of the dish can be covered with a diffusion sock, to give a softer light. To direct the light and avoid spill, the modifier can also be equipped with a honeycomb grid! Using the beauty dish: Because it is a small light source, the beauty dish is generally used for headshots or upper body, as it falls of and doesn’t light an entire person. It can be used for this, but expect fall off (demonstrated in the photo above). Of course, more lights for fill and other effects can be added. The closer the dish is placed to a subjects face, the larger the catchlight will appear in the eye. For headshot and many beauty scenarios, the dish can be placed in front of and slightly above the subject using a boom arm (which we can also provide to you). Ask for a beauty dish for your next reservation, and give it a try! Images for this post provided by @mazonr.