Thomas Q. Jones with Ian Maddox

Occasionally, we are graced with the presence of some big names from various industries at FD Photo Studio. Recently, Ian Maddox did photo shoot for actor Thomas Q. Jones, starring in “Runaway Island,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Born Again Virgin.” The editorial-quality set resulting from the team’s session is striking and quite admirable. Ian Maddox is an LA based photographer with an exceptional portfolio featuring some amazing lifestyle and celebrity images, along with some very polished photographs covering other genres. You can view more of his work on his WEBSITE, and connect via INSTAGRAM. The wardrobe stylist for the shoot was Douglas Hickman, learn more about him on his website HERE. More info about Jones can be found through various outlets, but you can link on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM. A bit about the athlete and actor: “Thomas Q. Jones is a captivating force on and off the field. While best known as an unstoppable running back that played twelve seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Jones has turned his post-NFL focus to the world of acting in both film and television. In film, Jones headlines the independent film, “Runaway Island,” alongside Lorraine Toussaint and Aisha Hinds. He filmed“Straight Outta Compton,” the feature film based on the lives and careers of the hip-hop group, N.W.A. In television, Jones is featured in Seasons 2 and 3 of the BET hit series, “Being Mary Jane,” in a multi-episode arc as “Brandon ‘Cutty Buddy’ Gibson,” love interest to “Mary Jane Paul,” played by award-winning actress, Gabrielle Union. He appeared in such acclaimed series as Showtime’s “Shameless” and IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!” The shoot was done in Stage C, one of our larger studios. This beautiful space boasts a very clean and unique industrial look, and is flooded with natural light from the huge east and south facing windows. Along with standard photo backdrop colors, a large cyc wall, Mola Setti beuty dish, and all of the great gear we provide in all of our studios at FD; it’s a fantastic place to impress your clients and create something astounding. More info about Stage C, including rates and availability, can be found HERE .

Studio Strobes 101 – Getting Started

Ready to start using strobes at the studio, but unsure of how to do it? Here is a quick, basic guide to show you how to sync our lights to your camera. We use AlienBees studio flashes at FD Photo Studio. Broken down into steps, here is how to get shooting: Before we start: Make sure to set your camera on ‘M’ or manual mode. This will guarantee consistency in your shots. Every camera is different, but here are some basic guidelines: Set your ISO to it’s lowest setting, usually ISO 100, or 200. This will give you the best quality images free of digital noise. Next, set your white balance (most cameras have a ‘flash’ setting for white balance, but you can also set this manually). Another factor that differs by camera is the max sync speed. It is a safe bet to set your camera’s shutter speed at 1/200s or 1/125s. Setting a shutter speed that is too fast will cause half of your frame to black out, if you are getting black lines in your frame, that means your SS is too fast! A speed of 1/200s or 1/125s will allow you to take a clear image with no camera shake, as well as properly account for the sync speed of the flash. Let’s get started with the strobes, here are 5 basic things you should know before beginning your next shoot: 1. Connect: Make sure that the trigger is connected to your key light, or main flash. The photo below to the left shows how we connect the trigger in line with the power cable, as well as using a sync chord attached to the strobe. Place the radio trigger (shown below on the right) on your hot-shoe with the controls facing you. Make sure the frequency channel on the strobe’s trigger matches the one on your camera. 2. Turn On: Power the strobe ON! 3. Set the Light: You adjust the exposure of your image three ways; your camera’s aperture, the power level of the strobe, and the distance of the light to subject. No need to change your shutter speed (unless you’re balancing flash with ambient light, but that’s another article all together). These three factors determine how your subject is lit, and how light falls on your background. 4. Modeling Lamp: This button toggles the modeling light on and off. The modeling lamp is a continuous light that will not affect your photo once the flash is fired. It serves as a rough example of how light will cast on your subject, and aids in focusing when you’re composing a photograph. Very helpful for getting a clearly focused picture! 5. Adding More Strobes: Need more light? It’s easy to add additional flashes using this system. Each unit has an optical ‘slave’, meaning that more strobes will fire automatically when the main flash fires. The slave sensor detects the burst from the main strobe light, and fires at the same time as the key light, giving you endless amounts of flexibility for creating the look you want! Those are the basics of getting started using flash. Good luck on your next shoot!

Bethany Reed X Kenzie McMillan

Fashion, portrait, and lifestyle photographer Bethany Reed graced us with her presence at the studio, along with model Kenzie ‘Redd’ McMillan. Using Stage D as their canvas, the duo were able to create a few different, beautiful, looks during the session. About the

photographer and the set: “My name is Bethany Reed, and I’m a fashion and portrait photographer from Florida, currently based out of Ventura, CA. My shoot at FD Photo Studio was super fun and laid back. My model, Kenzie McMillan, and I just wanted to play around in the gorgeous natural light the studios have to offer.” Link up with Bethany Reed on her WEBSITE or via INSTAGRAM. You can find McMillan, and some of her work, HERE. Stage D is a very large space, offered at one of our cheapest rates! There is plenty of seating for large projects, and plenty of studio to relax and create freely. As in all of our studios, it features a vanity mirror for hair and makeup, as well as a changing room. Equipped with the standard seamless paper and studio strobes, Stage D is also a favorite for natural light work. The large frosted windows face south and west, giving you the best possible light as the sun goes down. Take a look at Stage D on our WEBSITE.

Tiffanie Marie & ENIGMATT

Videographer and photographer ENIGMATT, hailing from New York, was in the studio filming a fantastic dance video with talent Tiffanie Marie. The team created a wonderful piece entitled: Tiffanie Marie // “Fire & Grace”, most definitely worth a view. About ENIGMATT: “I’m a Model Videographer / Photographer from NY and also travel to LA from time to time to embark on a handful of projects. For this video I met up with dancer Tiffany Marie and filmed her as she freestyled all around Pro Stage I.”

You can see more videos and stills from the artist on VIMEO, INSTAGRAM, or visit his WEBSITE. Tiffanie Marie is an amazing dancer, as well as an awesome photographer. You can link with her on her INSTAGRAM, or through her WEBSITE. Tiffanie Marie // “Fire & Grace” from enigmatt on Vimeo. Pro Stage I is a 2,800 square foot space with loads of natural light streaming in through large frameless windows. The space features a large cyclorama, vanity mirror and changing room, and seamless backdrops with studio strobes. Also a favorite of our Pro Stage shooters, there is a walk-out fire escape for you to utilize during your session. Take a closer look HERE.

Michael Barakat with Alysha Nett

Photographer Michael Barakat was at our Pro location shooting some photos and video with model Alysha Nett. The duo did some awesome work that we’re happy to share, the original video created by Michael and Alysha can be seen HERE.

Here’s what Michael had to say about himself and the shoot: “I am a photographer/videographer based out of Fresno, CA that traveled to LA for the week. At the start of the week I had one booking and that was on Sunday. I got into LA on Wednesday and instantly found work on two music video sets. I wanted to continue my productive workflow and booked Alysha Nett for a photo/video shoot for an hour. It was a good experience for me to shoot a model who has been on magazine covers and has a big following, because at the end of the day I was just a kid from Fresno, trying to live the dream. Thanks.” You can connect with Michael on INSTAGRAM, and link up with Alysha HERE. Our Pro Stage location, just minutes away from our other location (Stages A, B, C, & D), features two creative spaces: Pro Stage I and Pro Stage II. With unique black and white checkered flooring, huge studios both boasting cyc walls, and central air conditioning, the Pro Stages have hosted many different projects; both small and large. Equipped with plenty of seating, standard photo backdrop paper, and the same lighting equipment found in all of our studios, be sure to consider the Pro location for your next project! Take a look at all of our studios on our WEBSITE.

Protected: Mickey’s Girl by Chris Fitzgerald

James Vela at FD Photo Studio

James Vela was able to use Stage D for a recent session, shooting a unique set specific to each of his models. Great use of the space, way to take advantage of the creative potential! Here is wh

at James had to say about his visit: “I booked the day at FD at Stage D because I knew I wanted a lot of space to roam around, as I knew I would have two models and lots of concepts to shoot. My style is a mixture of avant-garde and fashion, and the spectacular daylight streaming through the windows and the convenient backdrops provided were incredibly helpful for everything we needed. Fatima fit the role accepting an invitation from Death just as well as modeling her beautiful features with the help of heaps of natural light spilling into the room at all times of the day. For Elese, I knew I wanted to capture her softer, dance-oriented side of ballet, as well as her edgier side which marries naughty with nice. Given the studio space and all of the many different lighting configurations available, it was very easy and fun to make some great portraits. I’ve recommended FD to anyone who will listen. Thank you so much for an amazing day and a very successful shoot!”

The photographer for the set, James Vela can be contacted through his website HERE or via Twitter or Instagram: @darkpenguin. You can connect with model Fatima on INSTAGRAM, and link with Elese HERE. Stage D has amazingly beautiful warm light, thanks to the frosted west and south facing windows that receive direct sunlight in the afternoon. A huge space at an affordable rate, Stage D has been home to a host of different projects varying from e-commerce photo shoots to music videos. Featuring the same backdrop setup and photo strobes that accompany a rental in any of our studios, Stage D has plenty of space to move around and create. From parties of two, all the way to huge crews and the necessary equipment, Stage D can satisfy the needs of endeavors big and small! Take a closer look at Stage D on our WEBSITE.

Leah Capelle “Would You Know”

LA based Singer-Songwriter Leah Capelle was in with her team of creatives creating an official music video for her single “Would You Know” from Self-Titled EP released via The Orchard. The crew was able to capitalize on the features in Pro Stage II, and the resulting piece emanates an aesthetic that fits perfectly with Capelle’s music. “Highly anticipated video release of new LA based Alt/Folk/Rock/Singer-Songwriter, Leah Capelle, with Grammy winning producer Jeff Bova. Leah Capelle “Would You Know” Official Music Video The Single from Self-Titled EP released via The Orchard May 23 2015 RIYL: Ingrid Michaelson, Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles, Stevie Nicks. All songs written by Leah Silberman (BMI). Published by Little Cabin Entertainment (BMI) Produced and Mixed by Jeff Bova Mastered by Stephen Marcussen Digital Editing by Nigel Lundemo Recording Sessions at Bovaland, Robert Irving Studios, Studio City Sound, Tim Pierce Studios Video Directed and Produced by Jesse Davey Copyright Protected, Silberman Productions, LLC, 2015 All Rights Reserved Imprint: Little Cabin Entertainment Distribution: The Orchard Management: Mick Rossi Check out the new single by Leah Capelle, an award-winning Singer-Songwriter based out of LA. Described as a young Stevie Nicks/Joni Mitchell, her music is uniquely her own, and as many of her songs are about personal experiences, she accredits all her hard work to those around her. Management: Mick Rossi – email: mrmickrossi@gmail.com https://www.leahcapelle.com https://www.facebook.com/LeahCapelleM… https://twitter.com/LeahCapelle https://www.reverbnation.com/leahcapelle https://soundcloud.com/leahcapelle Purchase EP on all major digital retail outlets on MAY 26TH! including: //www.amazon.com/Leah-Capelle-Ex…” Pro Stage II is a huge space equipped with a large cyclorama wall, photo backdrop paper, studio strobes, and much more. The light from the west-facing full-length windows can be completely controlled, giving you the choice about the amount of ambient light on set. A giant space that has hosted huge crews, it is also a studio that can be arranged to fit any size project. Take a look at Pro Stage II HERE.

Kristine Ko for Rio Home Fashions

The studios at FD are always changing depending on the project of the day. Kristine Ko, and her team shooting for Rio Home Fashions, created a beautiful and elegant set that fit perfectly in Stage A.

About the artist: “My name is Kristine Ko and I am the owner of Kristine Ko Creative Studio. I am based in Orange County and have photographed over 100 weddings and lifestyle portraits. Recently, I was asked by Rio Home Fashions to photograph a new line of innovative pillow products inspired by the benefits of yoga that comfortably improve your posture while you sleep. My concept for shooting this campaign was that I wanted a simple and modern environment with a lot of natural light. Something that would represent a yoga studio. The only place I thought of was FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles. I just adored the light that came flooding into this blank room. I was able to shoot everything in natural light and I think the photos represented the philosophy of Sleep Yoga™ pillow products. This new line of Sleep Yoga™ pillow products launched on kickstarter on Mother’s Day and has been fully funded with great success within a couple of weeks.” You can view more work from Kristine Ko, owner of Kristine Ko Creative Studio, on her website HERE, INSTAGRAM, and reach her by email at kristineko12@gmail.com. The model for the shoot was Arion, you can connect HERE. Styling for the session was provided by Monica Duldulao, contact her via her WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM.

Stage A is a beautifully lit space with a unique ambiance. Through large north and east facing windows, Stage A is an ideal place to shoot naturally-lit projects from dawn until dusk. Direct light streams in during the morning hours, and from the afternoon on, there is bright soft light as the sun passes overhead. Equipped with studio strobes, backdrop paper, and other features, Stage A hosts photo and video projects varying in size. Take a look at Stage A HERE to decide if it’s a good fit for your next creation.