The Dance Photography Workshop In Motion

the hosttess of The Dance Photography Workshop, a global community combining the art of Ballet with the art of photography, Ashleigh Wilson has visited our Hill 7 “light wall” stage for series of breathtaking photogrpahs.

A quick excerpt from model’s bio:

“Originally hailing from a farm in the Gauteng Province in South Africa, Ashleigh grew up in Cape Town, finishing her academic studies before pursuing Classical Ballet training full time. She danced in Swan Lake, Coppelia, La Bayadere and other prolific works at the Semper Opera Ballet in Germany upon graduation from Martin Schönbergs Ballet Theatre Afrikan Academy. She then performed for Germanys Television Ballet and toured throughout Europe. She joined Peter Schaufuss Ballet in London, performing as a soloist in the 2013 season which toured Denmark. She was an original cast member in Grammy nominated Inala: A Zulu Ballet which featured fellow South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and dancers from Rambert and the Royal Ballet. This toured throughout the UK in 2014 and 2015 and went to Moscow, Russia as well as being featured on the Royal Variety Performance. She now performs around the world with The International Arts Collective (Previously London Contemporary Ballet Theatre). She recently launched an Online Fitness Platform which helps busy people mindfully sustain their goals. She continues to teach, perform and work on creative projects living in LA, California with her husband and rescue dog, Lady Margherita. ”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: maxnexster

photographer: juno_shots

model: Ashleigh Wilson | Instagram | Instagram

workshop: | Instagram

About this location:

Studio Hill 7 also known as a rain-room stage, offers unique experience for photographers to capture images in a wet environment”. Equipped with one of a kind shower system, now you can shoot models in the “rain” against white/black backdrops. For more information visit stage Hill 7 on our website.

Clean Simple Test Shots By Priscilla Mastrodomenico

You truly do not need much to capture beautiful, clean, catchy photographs. Just a pinch of a natural light, a gorgeous model, and simple yet rudimental white background.

Few words about the Photographer:

“I am a Los Angeles based Photographer and visual artist, who is constantly seeking to marinate in creative and artistic environments. My style is editorial with a Fine Arts flare.”

Check out participants of the project:

photographer: Priscilla Mastrodomenico | Instagram | Website

model: Kylie Lauren Frink

mua: Shelby Reynolds Smith

About this location:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. Firstly, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.

Project White By Kenny Cheung

What can make an awesome fashion shoot even better? A good cause for it! Photographer Kenny Cheung creatively approached this environmentally friendly photo shoot, where the outfit was made of recycling paper only!

A quick excerpt from photographer and the project’s bio:

“My name is Kenny Cheung and I’m a wedding, fashion and portrait photographer. I’m based on LA and San Diego. The Project is using recycling paper. The dress the jewelry as well.”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Kenny Cheung | Instagram

stylist: Messa Z

Dress: Kiki Zuo

About this location:

Stage C was a choice of this creative collective for several reasons. Besides a tremendous space capacity perfect for both, large crews and small teams this stage provides a white CYC wall that is always freshly painted for each client. In addition to the prop count, a grass wall and a wood floor corned section installed for your creative exploration. With large South and East facing windows, this stage gets lots of natural light throughout the day. Find out more about stage C on our WEBSITE.

Kayla Burt Shoots Brajohn

Amazing beauty shoot took place in one of our studios, where the model of the show – Brajohn – tried out futuristic, at times tribal, but certainly vivid and cool looks!

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Kayla Burt

model: Brajohn

mua: Ronicka Scott

At the location:

Stage Hill 4 is one of our largest and brightest stages. Advantageously positioned with the windows facing west and north, this stage gets plenty of sift indirect sunlight in the first half of the day and lots of direct sunbeams in the second half. Hill 4 is furnished with several comfy and photogenic couches of cream and and golden/brown leather color. As with any our other stages a standard package of three basic backdrops and three lights is available within the stage already. For more information visit stage Hill 4 on our website.

Beauty In The Rain By Marvin Sola

Photographer Marvin K. Sola has brought yet another breathtaking, sexy, provocative set of photographers, captured in versatile Hill 7 stage.

Few words about the photographer:

“My name is Marvin K. Sola, a professional photographer based in Corona, California. I specialize in portrait and event photography, including several types of portraiture such as senior graduations, headshots, and lifestyle photography. In event photography, you can most commonly find me shooting dance events (hip-hop competitions, salsa dancing), weddings, parties, corporate events, and more! I also shoot video, from short films, music videos, commercial/marketing, to event coverage and weddings! I strive to make every shoot fun, and to leave with something to remember! I believe when you are having a good time and relaxed, it really shows in the finished product!”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Marvin K. Sola | Instagram | Website

model: Jada Koi | Instagram

The stage:

VALENTINE’S DAY Photography Mixer <3

Monthly Fd PhotoStudio Rooftop Photography Mixer Meet-up

Come as a couple or make a couple at the event, doesn’t matter. At the creative photography mixer everyone is welcome!

On February 14th, we will be hosting our monthly Rooftop Mixer at the art location, the event dedicated for photographers, models, MUAs, stylists and other industry professionals to expand their network over a few drinks and good music.

Guess the theme of this event?

Yes, bring your hearts, kisses, XOXOs and hugs over to the event and capture it at the beautiful sunset on our rooftop!

Here are few details about event:

Who?

Anyone who wants to have a good time while practicing photography/videography along the way!

When?

February 14th, 4pm till 8pm

Where?

1048 Santee St, DTLA on Rooftop AND Art 2 stage. If you ever shot at the Art location before, you already know the spot. And yes, it is not only the rooftop but also Art 2 stage will be available for you! 😉

Who?

Our favorite DJ 6AM will be there to play us his best tracks and make us dance! 6amlosangeles.com

How Much?

Most networking events would charge a fee to get in. Here at FD, we decided to go one step further and make the Rooftop Mixer event absolutely free! Moreover, as it has become a tradition, we are also going to have another series of lottery. During check-in, everyone who RSVP’d will get a ticket with a number to participate. Don’t forget to check-in!

Take a look at the Rooftop Mixer Event page and photos that were made on our Website.

Stage Upgrade: Valentine’s Day Preparations <3

Valentine's Day props available with Hill 5 rental

Hearts, XOXOs, balloons, kisses and hugs – it is that time of the year! We have prepared a bunch of amazing perks and props throughout all of our locations! Without further due, here are our (available only until February 14th) freshest valentine’s setup:

Each location

has a selfie/photo booth frame & bunch of balloons at the reception. Take it for free, use it in your photoshoots, pass it along to a friend.

And here is our awesome FD staff member Khadeem being cute and all.

Hill 6

has large balloon wall art heart shape

And here is our another awesome FD staff member Brendan sharing love with y’all!

Hill 5

has two large gold roses & golden XOXO balloons

Hill 1

has two valentines theme pillows

Hill 7

has two inflatable hearts

PRO II

has two valentines theme pillows & hanging felt hearts in the corridor

Stage C

has LOVE flag garland on the grass wall.

Every stage is equipped with the same great gadgets available in all of our studios – black, white, and gray photo backdrops as well as three strobes along with light modifiers. Take a look at our stages on our website for availability as well as rates.

“NAME YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER” We Asked 4 PRO Photographers

“Your first 1,000 photographs are your worst.”

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Who is your favorite photographer? The person you draw inspiration from, whose art you are trying to model or analyze, whose career leaves you simply in awe, and pushes you to grind harder day by day. Did that person change the way you perceive photography? We asked 4 Los Angeles photographers who was their inspiration for the craft.

The full interview is available of YOUTUBE. For your convenience, here is the transcript of it as well.

Zuzanna @the_zuz : Some of my favorite photographers are Rodney Smith, and he did this one picture of a lady with a gigantic hat in between the bushes. It was a beautiful fashion shot. And I think I saved that image just the first time I started photography, and I thought to myself that if one day I can actually repeat that, or do something in this style, it’s all worth it.

Arthur @ace_style : I decided to do photography because of inspiration of photographers such as Max Thompson, Bad Boy, and I decided to pick up the camera on my own and try to create something similar to their style, and create my own work in my own style.

Sana Nodelman @sana.nodelman: Obviously it’s like Mary Christine and stuff, but the one of my favorite photographer is Alexander Neumann, Neumann, Neumann. And I like Mois No Mois. Yeah.

Alex Harper @alexgharper : Oh my god, how much time do you have, honestly? There are so many people that I follow on Instagram who inspire me every day. People like Eris Jerome I really like. Or Rosie Matheson who lives … I hope I’m saying that right, she lives in the U.K., her film work, her medium format work is incredible. Every time I go to her page, I’m like, just excited by the work that she’s producing.

Alex Harper @alexgharper : But, honestly, the list could go on. I mean there’s people who’s names I don’t know, but their pictures I know, and every time I see their picture, I’m like, I knew it was them, like I knew that was their work. But then my friends inspire me every day. Seeing them grind and seeing them be inspired by other things inspires me to keep going and keep focusing on what I’m doing instead of watching another episode of TV or Netflix or whatever it is.

WANT TO LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

One of our closest workshops – Studio Lighting 102 : Portrait Photography Lighting!

will take place on February 6th, 7-9pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!

Watch the full episode :

Become Better Photographer: “Is it Better to Diffuse or Reflect the Light?” with Daniel Norton

*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with Daniel on Instagram and Twitter @danielnorton. Be sure to follow Ashley.

Today we are going to talk about using 5-in-1 reflectors t select and diffuse light, with photographer Daniel Norton and AdoramaTV.

Daniel shares: “I’m here in my studio in New York City with Ashley… and I want to kind of show you a couple different ways we can use [5 in 1] reflector. So let’s start off though with.. getting a shot with the hard light, as if it was the sun.”

“I’ve got my Profoto B1X here, it has, it’s fitted with the OCF magnum reflector, which is a punchy kind of light, and we’re gonna take a shot. But first I want to do a frame with no flash. We want to do that just to make sure that none of the light from the windows or whatever is affecting our shot.”

“We are at f/8 at 250 of a second. I have the Magnum over here in my group A, and I also have a light on in the background, just so that it is white. “

We can see its tiny bit hot but it’s hard light, even in the studio which has a lot of white walls, or all the lights bouncing around. We can see that the that the light is, you know, got harsh shadows on her face. There’s a better exposure, okay. We’ve things going… actually it’s hard right you can see the shadow. It’s also specular, so we could see the shininess on her. So for somebody like Ashley, that might actually be okay. She has good shape to her face, some people can really take the hard light, and maybe we’re done, we could be like.. hey alright let’s have lunch… done…”

“But for most people, they’re gonna want something. Partially the shadow might just be too dark, and you want to fill it in a little bit. So that’s where the reflector is gonna come in.

I have this one here, this is a PhotoFlex one. I believe, and it has two different kinds of silver… a hard silver and a soft one. We’re gonna use a soft.”

“It’s gonna use a c-stand to hold it because I always use the most heaviest and possible for every single thing. I want to make sure the light bounces into the shadows, and you wanna bring it in as close as you can.”

“So why am I using silver you might ask? Is it because we just said on silver already now it’s too lazy to change it …that could be the reason, but actually it’s because I’m using a specular light source to shoot her.. right? I kind of wanted to feel the same, so silver is why I’m using.”

“Still the same light right? But now we have a lot more shadow detail. So it looks a little bit nicer, and that’s pretty much how people always use these things and they’re great, and you buy these five and ones and you’re like oh okay.”

“The part that I like to use a lot, is the internal part of this. The internal part of this is actually a diffuser… lights are gonna go through it and it is gonna become larger and that makes it softer. “

“We can see that we have more light on her face, and look at how nice and soft it is. You know, really there isn’t any shadow over here.”

Here are all three shots in the the comparison:

WANT TO LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

One of our closest workshops – Studio Lighting 102 : Portrait Photography Lighting

will take place on February 6th, 7-9pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!

Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: