FLEX Collection for Siku Jewelry

A jewelry company Siku ( pronounced SEE-ku) has a positioned itself as the “more than just a jewelry line. It’s a concept” brand. The concept of the company comes from its name’s translation from Inuit language – “sea ice.” The company ethic emphasizes the importance of preserving sea ice in ever-growing danger of climate change. Find out more about Siku via their Instagram.

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Few words about the photographer:

“Deena Danielle is an award winning, internationally published, nomadic photographer, whose work focuses on fashion, swimwear, and beauty photography. She is based in Los Angeles, CA. Deena Danielle attended the University of Iowa, and graduated with Honors in the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a specialization in Photography.”

This Session’s Crew Comprised of:

Photographer & Stylist: Deena Danielle | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM |

MUA: Julie Jules | INSTAGRAM |

Model: Paulina K’anna | INSTAGRAM |

Here are some favorite picks from photographer’s Insta feed:

Pop 🍭 … Photographer: @deenadanielle Model: @maria_ruleva Agency: @boommodels Wardrobe Stylist/MUA: @charliegreens

A post shared by Deena Danielle (@deenadanielle) on Oct 28, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT

“Bandaged Beauty” for @salysemagazine Photographer: @deenadanielle MUA/Hairstylist: @eduardojimenez_makeup Model: @dianaela.lao Modeling Community: @modelmanagement #salysemagazine #salysians

A post shared by Deena Danielle (@deenadanielle) on Jun 8, 2017 at 11:05am PDT

Stage Hill 1 has a few distinct features you will not find in any other stages. Facing the west side this stage gets lots of natural light in the afternoon and has amazing lighting conditions during the golden hour. Among included props are industrial wooden table with benches, two antique green chairs and white leather comfy chair. And the bed. The bed that comes with clean sheets (fees apply) and photogenic look, ready for always anticipated, the “bed scene” Besides, Hill 1 comes equipped with black, white and grey backdrops already installed and three strobe lights included in the hourly rate. Have a look at Hill 1 on our website for more information, prices and availability.

Sports Photography by Bailey

A weightless football player was spotted in our stage C, flying over the CYC wall not so long ago. Photographer Bailey was lucky to capture such a happening in dichromatic style.

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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.

Natural Light VS Strobe Light? We ASK 4 PHOTOGRAPHERS

“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.”

Aaron Rose

Do you usually work with natural light or artificial light? Or both? We asked 4 photographers about pros and cons of working with either setup in our first survey episode of “ASK 4 PHOTOGRAPHERS” Youtube series , with photographers Jeff Tse, Dee from Trill Imagery, Attila Adam and Toma Kostygina.

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

Trill Imagery: Hey, how you doing? Jeff Tse: Hi. My name Jeff Tse. I’m shooting here at FD Photo Studios. Toma Kostygina: I love shooting indoors because I love to create my own sets, and I don’t want to be bothered. I like to take my time. Trill Imagery: It’s funny because I started off doing strobe lights. I was all about shooting strobes, and I kind of started branching away from shooting artificial light. I kind of like the whole natural light field now. I love natural light. Natural light, you can’t beat natural light, and I just like the way that it looks and shows in photos more so with artificial light. Artificial light comes into play, definitely, but yeah. Natural light is definitely my thing. Jeff Tse: So I use both strobes and natural light, and I find them equally good depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. So with strobes, you obviously, can get exactly what you want. It’s a very controlled environment, and you can replicate a situation no matter where you are in one place, New York, LA, anywhere else. I think you can get the same exact look. Whereas, natural light, it’s a celebration of the environment that you’re in so in that sense, that’s the strong part. When you’re using natural light, you can really take advantage of not just the subject in front of you but how they incorporate into the background and into their environment, their surroundings, and that also paints a story as well besides just having a blank canvas back in the studio environment. Attila Adam: It is your job as a photographer to make a space work so if you are given a corner or given that street corner or out in the field, I think it’s your job to look, assess, and make it work and then come up with ideas and still create good work with what is given to you.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STROBE LIGHTS AND HOW TO SET IT UP IN THE STUDIO ENVIRONMENT? SIGN UP FOR OUR AMAZING LIGHTING WORKSHOP by Toma Kostygina !HERE!

Watch the full episode :

New Website! Fresh Look!

Over the course of 4 years of studio existence, our stage count went from a single stage to whooping 21 amazing studio spaces. We launched our monthly social events and unique workshops. We expanded our Youtube channel with Interviews from professional photographers and a wagon of knowledge they bring with them. We now occupy 4 buildings plus 2 lofts and soon enough will open our first studio in New York. And all of this information had to be fit in a small simple WordPress website we previously had. Have you ever seen an elephant riding a kids’ tricycle ? That’s how our website looked like before. But anymore. Now we have a completely brand new, rebuilt from scratch, fast as a rocket, sleek website that is easy to read, navigate, and book. Along with “old” sections like STAGES or SERVICES now we also have clear, distinguished EVENTS and neat BLOG pages in website’s header for convenient navigation. Also, now our website looks just stunning on mobile devices! Pretty cool right? Now it is your turn to browse it yourself -> OUR NEW AWESOME WEBSITE

!WORKSHOP! STUDIO LIGHTING and 3-LIGHT SET UP

Many photographers who visit our studios are fascinated by beautiful ambient light each stage gets. Yet not that many take advantage of 3 strobe lights positioned in each space we offer. After series of interviews/feedback we received from our clients, it turns out that a good number of photographers is actually inexperienced in working with strobes and to save time just sticks to what they know best – working with natural light only.

While we understand the situation and position of working on the clock, it hurts to know that so many opportunities and great photos will never “see the light” (no pun) coming from strobes. Luckily we came up with pretty neat workshop that will teach you hands-on on how to setup, position and tune strobe lights for your best creative outcome. Ladies and gentlemen, we deeply encourage you to attend our STUDIO LIGHTING and 3-LIGHT SET UP with Toma Kostygina.

Here are few details about workshop:

Who?

Toma Kostygina INSTAGRAM WEBSITE

With thousands of hours spent on sets and at photo studios, Toma has gained experience in everything that you need to start working with studio lights. She has been always inspired by photography masters and artists so she’s decided to take it to the next level. While attending Photo classes at Santa Monica college she has mastered creation of custom sets and thorough production. From assisting on sets such as for Coca-Cola, Italian Vogue, GQ, Interview magazines and Benefit cosmetics she is now working with A-list photographers and magazines. Toma is always in search of improvement her skills and creativity. You will find her work bright and colorful with some concept behind like for Grammy-nominated Sofi Tukker or David Bowie Tribute.

What?

We will cover several topics to get you up the speed: 1. Introduction. 2. How studio lights work. 3. Light modifiers demonstration. 4. Additional lights & modifiers. 5. 3-light set up for a portrait & practice.

Where and when?

Stage Art 4 (FD Photo Studio Art Location), May 23rd, 7pm – 9pm.

Why?

With this easy, introductory workshop ending with a test shoot, you will get the knowledge you have been looking for! The average photographer “Bob” who doesn’t know how to work with strobes wastes about 30-45 minutes of studio time trying to set it up. Do not be like Bob. Save time for quality work.

How much?

Tickets are $15. You read it right. Not $150 and not even $50. For the price of latte and two muffins you get knowledge that will benefit your craft for years to come! If that doesn’t sound like a steal deal, I don’t know what is.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

5 Tips For NEON PHOTOGRAPHY with BRANDON WOELFEL

Updated June 2023 Capture the allure of vibrant aesthetics by shooting models with neon signs, an electrifying, and visually striking concept. At our photo studios for rent, such as Hill 4 and Chicago 6, photographers can find a wide selection of neon signs to add a captivating element to their photoshoots. Neon signs create a unique ambiance, casting a vivid glow that enhances the model’s presence and adds an edgy and modern flair to the images. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a bustling cityscape or creating a neon-lit dreamscape, these photo studios provide the perfect backdrop for photographers to unleash their creativity and achieve stunning visuals that make a lasting impression. One of our favorite Youtubers, photographer/videographer Peter McKinnon recently released a video where he shared 5 tips on how to shoot NEON PHOTOGRAPHY in a notorious Brandon Woelfel style. Following Brandon down the streets of New York, Mr. Mckinnon captured some beautiful B roll footage of what’s going on behind the camera and later had a coffee break with the photographer to go over 5 tips we are about to share.

1. Find Organic Light Source and Use It To Your Best Advantage

The source of Brandon’s light could be any size neon lit banner. It might say anything from “open” to “ice cream here” and be as small as a foot in length. While the size this small might seem insufficient to light up the model, Brandon insists on the opposite. So do not underestimate what a small neon sign can do. Try and experiment with it. Use it to light, style and color your portraits.

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2. Use external props and misc. stuff on photos (PRISM)!

Brandon is know to use prism a lot on his photos. He used it so much that now it has become a part of his iconic style. When putting a prism in front of the camera, the reflection from it cuts through the photo right away creating a very interesting, distinguished effect. Besides, prism, he also likes to use CDs, since it has similar reflection.

3. Choose a time of day to shoot. And stick to it.

Brandon always shoots his neon photos at dusk. Everyday, at the same time he walks down streets and shoots. Every single day. Always at the same time. Having such rigorous consistency is important when you really want to hone on every detail of your style and create that constant aesthetic. So if you would like to have a theme to your portrait series, try shooting always at the same time of day, whether it is dawn or dusk, or the whole day. The key word here is consistency. Brandon also suggests that if you are uncomfortable shooting at dusk, try shooting at dusk only for a month, so you could transform your fear into your strength and end up with one more tool in your tool kit.

4. Posing and Changing Positions

Brandon doesn’t stop moving while on the shoot. Neither does his model. He constantly changes the frame, its orientation, going from vertical to horizontal. He is moving a model from left to right, has her sit down, stand up, throw her hair back, walk and look backwards. All for the sake of variety of options when going through selects after.

5. Camera Settings

Brandon shoots

very under exposed so that he could maintain low ISO.
Shoots in raw, so he could bring highlights/shadows up in post without noise introduction.

Watch the full episode with Peter McKinnon and Brandon Woelfel:

!WORKSHOP! COMMUNICATION with MODELS ON SET by Xenia Leo.

communication-with-models-on-set-tips-and-tricks-from-xenia-leo/

We are excited to announce yet another awesome workshop where photographers will have a hands-on experience on a particular subject matter! But before I introduce your teacher for the day, let me ask you one question… Have you ever felt awkward while communicating with a model you’ve met for the first time? And even though you both would smile just to seem friendly and outgoing, the clumsy photoshoot reveals itself on photos where the sense of insecurity and distrust is present. So what should you do to save the photoshoot and get the best of your subject? That’s what you are about to find out at the “COMMUNICATION with MODELS ON SET” event, hosted by Xenia Leo.

Here are few details about workshop:

Who?

Xenia Leo – lifestyle and editorial photographer who will also share her presets for Lightroom as well as tips and tricks for working on a set. Check out her INSTAGRAM and WEBSITE for more amazing work.

What?

We will have 1 model, 1 studio and 10 photographers. Everyone will have 10-15 minutes to find their own way to capture the model. And at the end of the session we will have 10 different photos form 10 photographers.

Where and when?

Stage Hill 4 (FD Photo Studio Hill Location), May 20th, 4pm – 9pm.

Why?

This event is a great opportunity to gain and improve professional photography skills. It is also a great chance to get to know other professionals, explore the way they create and challenge your artistic perspective. Please bring your cameras and laptops!

How much?

TICKETS ARE $138 BUT ONLY THIS MONTH WE ARE GIVING 50% OFF!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Actress Pilar Holland Portfolio Update

Actress Pilar Holland known for Grey’s Anatomy (2005), Criminal Minds (2005) and NCIS(2003) has paid a recent visit to stage Hill 4 to get some fresh looks on her portfolio. In collaboration with photographer Edmund Prieto, stylist Gaby Kool and MUA Rachel Pagan, the quartet was able create series of stunning, sharp images.

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This session’s crew comprised of:

Actress/ Model: Pilar Holland | IMDB | Instagram | Twitter |

Photographer: Edmund Prieto | Instagram |

Stylist: Gaby Kool | Instagram |

MUA: Rachel Pagan | Instagram |

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.

Creative Dance Photoshoot by Joshua Estrada-Romero

As gentle as flower but as strong as a body of a masculine man, this photoshoot encompasses and fuses two opposites – gracious vulnerability and a firm brawn. A couple of dancers, Mike Esperanza and Joshua D. Estrada-Romero came up with an interesting photo collection that catches your attention right away.

Creative Dance Photoshoot by Joshua Estrada-Romero -wrongron, Wrong Ron, Studio Photography, shot at FD Photo Studio, rental stages, Photoshop, Photoshoot, photography services, photographer, Model, Mike Esperanza, Los Angeles, Joshua D. Estrada-Romero, FD photo studio, DTLA, blog, beauty shoot, !done, !B

A short info about two dancers:

“Mike Esperanza is a NYC Based Dance Company Director, designer and photographer. Joshua D. Estrada-Romero is a local dancer, Company director, professor of Dance and choreographer.”

Follow Mike Esperanza and Joshua D. Estrada-Romero

Stage B is a benchmark blackout stage designed to provide complete control over the strobe light. Painted all black and with shut off windows this stage preserves complete darkness for your photo and video projects. As any of our stages, Bcomes equipped with black, gray, and white background paper, three strobe lights and numerous modifiers for your choice. To check the availability for this stage as well as find more helpful information about our rental please see the WEBSITE.