Will G Mac Neil + Natalie Horton

Photographer Will G Mac Neil had a recent experience of shooting black and white with natural light and a stunning beauty of model Natalie Horton. Shooting portraits/fashion, Will was able to capture sensual, clean and catchy photographs. A short bio about the photographer:

“As simple as it is, I don’t particularly like talking about myself. Good thing a photographer’s work usually speaks for itself. So I appreciate you coming to my portfolio and looking at the fruits of my labor. I’m a self-taught photographer with experience in fashion, editorial, production, lifestyle, product, landscape, and music photography. I’ve lived in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and Seattle. Hopefully New York someday.”

For more information about the photographer visit Will’s INSTAGRAM and WEBSITE. The model for the shoot was Natalie Horton. The MUA of the session was Emily Smith.

Stage Art 4, used for this shoot, is notorious for the high-key white industrial design. It has also been recently adorned with wooden floor section and a wall veneer as well as portable blinds, made of dark wood slats. The latest upgrade the stage received was a nice looking cozy egg like chair and a STAR illuminating across its shape! As any of our stages, Art 4 comes equipped with 3 strobe lights and modifiers as well as backdrop paper of black, white and grey color. Take a look at Stage Art 4 HERE for its availability and pricing!

by Wrong Ron

Nikk Rich makes a statement

Shooting beautiful and touching portraits might be a complicated task. Moreover, if your photoshoot is empowered with a solid idea that you want to deliver through images, the photoshoot becomes a precisely measured art work itself where every detail has a purpose. Photographer Nikk Rich has paved the way to his ongoing series of well thought photoshoots that deliver both the beauty and the message.

Nikk Rich was very kind to share his insight on the idea of the shoot:

“This beauty shoot is an on going project about women of color. I hold portrait sessions almost every Saturday. I wanted to create work that young black girls/women can look up to and feel represented, today, 5 years from now, even when I’m gone. These portraits show confidence but still holds a softness that is open and welcoming. Each portrait is a combination of care, love, and even insecurities of me and the person I am photographing. That transitions into each photograph and it’s something I hope every person experiences when viewing this work.

The setup is a very simple one light set up, I am a one (wo)man bandstand, normally on set it’s just me and my subject.

You can find more of this work on my website and also sign up if you would like to take part.”

Follow the photographer NikkRich on his INSTAGRAM page and WEBSITE.

StageF was used for this team’s creative session. The studio is the smallest space we currently offer for our clients. Yet it is one of the most brightest stages with the tremendous amount of natural light coming from North West. It has gained a nickname – “light box” by some of our regulars and it truly fulfills it at any time of the day from dawn until dusk. This studio also features two section laminate floor of white and dark color for your creative needs. As with any of our stages, Studio F comes with 3 strobe lights already included in the hourly rate and backdrop seamless paper installed. Take a closer look HERE.

by Wrong Ron

WIN 12 HOUR PACKAGE at FD PHOTO STUDIO!

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Just follow these 3 simple steps after your visit:

Find Main, Art, Pro or Hill locations on YELP.
Share your recent experience with us.
Get ready to receive your PRIZE! (We’ll contact you via Yelp private messages, or by e-mail/phone if provided).

The winner will be chosen randomly from the reviews posted on FD Photo Studio’s Yelp pages between 09.1.2017 and 11.30.2017. The winners will be announced in FD Stories on instagram during the first week of December 2017. The results will be announced and posted on FD Photo Studio’s Blog. Previous clients are eligible to enter!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

*Win a 12-hour, 8-hour or 4-hour package of rental time or a 4-hour pack at a rooftop at FD Photo Studio. The packages cannot be applied to exclusive stages. *The packages do not include extra people coverage, extra usage of seamless paper or any other expendables. *The packages still can be used on the weekend and/or for bigger stages with additional rates. Cyclorama re-paint fee is not included. *All crew members can participate: photographers, videographers, make-up artists, assistants, talent, hair stylists, etc. *Not available for employees and contractors, or their friends or family. *Filtered or deleted reviews won’t count. *The prize holder’s name, yelp profile, profile picture and review text MAY be posted in FD Photo Studio’s blog and MAY be used for promotions. *The prizes are not money-refundable. *No purchase necessary. *To receive the prize you MUST agree to ALL our terms and conditions.

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Lexy Panterra at FD PhotoStudio

Photographer Ajani Charles had an opportunity to capture a twerk super star Lexy Panterra in our studio. Shooting black and white, the team went for a minimalistic, sexy fashion look with provocative outfit and Lexy’s undeniable hotness. Ajan shared with us the prehistory of thus collaboration and friendship:

“Recently, while in Los Angeles (and among other projects), I collaborated with, and shot promotional portraits of recording artist and actress Lexy Panterra, in L.A.’s beautiful fashion district. Given Lexy’s Persian heritage and laid back personality, I felt connected to her as soon as we met, due to the fact that I grew up in Toronto’s North York district, with a number of close friends who are of Iranian descent. In fact, prior to high school, at least a quarter of my friends were children of Iranian immigrants, and from a certain perspective, hanging out with, and working with Lexy felt familiar — as if I was spending time with an old friend.”

Read the full interview with Lexy Panterra on Ajani’s WEBSITE. Make sure to follow his INSTAGRAM as well for daily updates. Have a look at Lexy’s INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE and TWITTER for more information about the celebrity.

Pro Stage I features a large seamless white cyc wall, as well as standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills. Make sure to catch the perks of the space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.

Family Force = Noel + Jamal Johnson

Photographer Noel Johnson had a fun and productive time shooting her husband Jamal Johnson in a stylish, life style, and at times provocative genre. Follow the photographer Noel Johnson on her INSTAGRAM page. Also Have a look at the model’s INSTAGRAM page for any additional portfolio or information.

Stage Art 4, used for this shoot, is notorious for the high-key white industrial design. It has also been recently adorned with wooden floor section and a wall veneer as well as portable blinds, made of dark wood slats. The latest upgrade the stage received was a nice looking cozy egg like chair and a STAR illuminating across its shape! As any of our stages, Art 4 comes equipped with 3 strobe lights and modifiers as well as backdrop paper of black, white and grey color. Take a look at Stage Art 4 HERE for its availability and pricing!

by Wrong Ron

WINNERS of Summer 2017 Yelp Contest

We have had such a great year at FD Photo Studio – and the feedback from our loyal clients has been extraordinary and very constructive. FD Photo Studio keeps growing and now we have new Hill Locations and an addition to PRO location – dedicated e-commerce stage PRO III We are so thankful to everyone for their patronage and kind words, we’re happy to announce the winners of our Summer 2017 Yelp Contest. The rules were simple; all of our creatives were welcome to participate, including photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artists, models, talent, etc.; and all you had to do is write a review about your experience at FD Photo Studio. We randomized the names and selected to generate our winners! Here they are: 1st Place: 12-Hour Package or 4-Hour Rooftop Pack – The first place prize goes to Tim C. You can check out his review HERE. 2nd Place: 8-Hour Package – In second place, Benjamin J. receives an 8-hour package! You can view his review HERE. 3rd Place: 4-Hour Package – Sandy G. will receive a 4-hour package ! View the review HERE! Packages can be used at any stage at any day of the week. Be sure to keep those reviews coming in! We’re doing another drawing in the fall 2017! Thanks again to all of our great clients that shared their feedback with us, we will grow and continue to provide you with great spaces for your creative projects. To see the full details of our package giveaways, visit our website

Ox by Olivia jewelry shoot

Ecclipse Management – the organizers of this photoshoot had an important task in mind: showcase the new jewelry collection called “Ox by Olivia” in a colorful, flashy, catchy and fun setup. We are certain to say that Ecclipse has championed this task in the best possible manner.

A short description of the management company behind this photoshoot:

“Ecclipse Management is a full service management company specializing in Brand Management and Showroom Services. Founded by creators of ZellaBlogs.com and LA Emerging Designers, the two merged in order to create a powerhouse in Production & Creative Consulting. Our Showroom is located in the heart of Los Angeles Fashion District, allowing our clients to optimize their production and availability to potential buyers and customers. ”

find out more about Ecclipse Management on their WEBSITE.

What is it that makes this new collection of jewelry stand out among others?

“Ox by Olivia jewelry truly embodies the versatility of style that all women possess. With each and every piece, Ox by Olivia’s mission is to create an intimate experience that expresses beauty, uniqueness and elegance. Identified in three collections: Bohemian Chic, Dainty Classics and Rocker Statements, the brands intricate attention to detail and versatility makes Ox by Olivia jewelry a must have.”

The crew for the session comprised of:

Designer Sarah Olivia

Stylist Ecclipse Management

Hair Jonathan David

Makeup Chanette Thompson

Models Beatrice Nikole & Cindy Comer

StageF was used for this team’s creative session. The studio is the smallest space we currently offer for our clients. Yet it is one of the most brightest stages with the tremendous amount of natural light coming from North West. It has gained a nickname – “light box” by some of our regulars and it truly fulfills it at any time of the day from dawn until dusk. This studio also features two section laminate floor of white and dark color for your creative needs. As with any of our stages, Studio F comes with 3 strobe lights already included in the hourly rate and backdrop seamless paper installed. Take a closer look HERE.

by Wrong Ron

Family Portraits: Do’s and Don’ts

Cover Photo Credits: collection from Designer @newmiuz
Photographer - Nathaniel Riley, Designer - New Miuz PS Pawan,
Make up and hair - Vianne Ho Young, Sajbeena Latma,
Model - Mike Krogh, Kelli Kickham, michelle morley

Here at FD photo studio we’ve had many clients bringing their families for the anniversary, birthday or any other holiday photoshoots and taking group photos with lots of cheering and great mood. For many upcoming photographers however a family photoshoot might not be that jolly due to inexperience. Here are some tips on how to manage a big group of people running around, compact them together in front of the camera and take some great shots.

Photo credit: @gotophotographer

Stay In Touch

Communication is the key success of any deed. When it comes to scheduling a family portrait with the client, it is no different. Always stay in touch with your client and inform him/her immediately should any changes arise. Remind them a week before the photoshoot about the date, time and the location of the shoot. Follow up once again the day before the shoot. Failure to communicate with the client might result not only in dissatisfaction from both sides but also might lead to monetary losses, present (studio deposits, rental equipment) and future ( rescheduling a photoshoot usually means taking the time away from future potential clients).

Photo Credit: @ivanography

Make The Family Unique

Usually when the client is contacting you to do a family photoshoot, that client is a person who cares deeply about his family and wants to capture every moment of it. The uniqueness of the moment goes as far as the uniqueness of the family. If it is a family of musicians, it might be great to have musical instruments as props on the set or even capture the family playing as an ensemble. When communicating with client about various ideas for the photoshoot try to get to know the family and it traits. After all the best photos are with models being in most comfortable and confident situations. And that is what you would want to set up.

Photo Credit: @samgracemiller

Wardrobe Selection

As was already mentioned in the previous section, when the client feels most comfortable and confident the client will look great on photos. Many times your clients will ask for your guidance in a wardrobe selection. The point is to have them dressed in the outfit that will coincide the most with their personality and thus bring them comfort. Depending on a theme of a photoshoot make sure the family will not wear alike looking outfits to unintentionally blend in. Clothes with logos or a text on it might drag to much attention out of models and be destructive. Have each family member bring at least two sets of clothes – classic and casual. At the very begging of photoshoot, when everyone is tense and a bit shy, starting from the formal classic outfits will be a good idea. As the time passes by, your models get relaxed and being dressed in casual outfits will get them in the zone mood.

@patrick_ryland, Jennie Carroll, Luis Marquez, Ryan S., Jenny Jung #hairstylist: Angely Landgrave, #Mua: Denise Escamilla, #Wardrobestylist: Andrew Deras, #lightingassistant: Ricky Steel.

Technical Aspects

Photographing a group might one tricky since it there are so many subjects that need to be in focus and not distorted. Keeping in mind that the group family photos are the one that probably will be framed and proudly hung on walls, it is very important not to screw it up the first time! Here are some technical tips on how to adjust your camera.

Use wide lens 24- 70mm in order to keep everyone in focus.
If possible, place all members of the group into a single row, parallel to your camera so everybody will be at the same distance. Avoid forming other positions like a circle in order to avoid having troubles keeping everybody in focus.
Ask everyone to get close to each other. You do not want to end up with large gaps in your shots.
Keep your ISO low. When shooting in the studio you do not need to bump it up so keep it at 100 setting.
Have everyone with the eyes open and say CHEEEEEEEESEEEEE. (ok, maybe this one is not that important but have everyone tuned in to your command in order to get the photoshoot into an accord).

Great Photos In Poor Light

Cover Photo Credit @nikicram , model: @cole.gill , agency: @bellaagencyla

While strobe lights are your loyal friends and will always serve you well as long as there is electricity around, working with the sunlight on the other hand only might be difficult. Firstly, the best lighting condition usually lasts only for couple of hours. Secondly, a big portion of the sun light time is a dull, uninspiring period with the Sun either right above you or hidden behind buildings. Here are few tips that you might apply to capture the best quality images while working outside with natural light.

Colors

What is so special about the sunlight and sunset and sunrise times? It brings the color to the picture. With the golden hour light everything starts looking with saturated hues.

When skies are overcast, though, natural lighting doesn’t offer the hues necessary for a richly-colored photograph. Instead, to create a colorful image, you must search or create a vivid subject.

In dim lighting condition your light will be soft and gentle. Take this opportunity to look or use muted colors that would not be visible in the saturated light of sunset. Colors of soft purple and blue shade would work great!

Vendors:
Red Florals| @thenatureofthings
Make up |@beyoutifulmakeupbydd
Bride @ashesnorth
Studio @fdphotostudio
Mentoring: Edith @unosphotography Brooke: @brookeguitonphotos

Focus

Another idea to implement when shooting in overcast light is to try out a macro photography.

Since dim skies are great at providing soft shadows, it brings out more color and tone play in small objects.

The colors of macro scenes are naturally more saturated than distant scenes, since there is little atmospheric haze between your lens and your subject. Take advantage of this fact by searching for vivid objects to photograph — the macro world is full of color.

If you are shooting in the rain, try capturing its beautiful geometric shapes of the droplets on subject/models face and hair.

Go Black and White

When it is impossible to bring out any vivid color in your photos, switch to black and white photography. The beauty of working with black and white is it creates a surreal contrast impossible to witness in the real world. Most of the times, the black and white photos, if turned into a colored photo, will not have as much depth and the eye-catch moment as black and white would.

When the sky is overcast and boring, switching to black and white will pull the sky towards far right frequencies and the rest of the picture will stand out on the contrast.

@mr.ticasso @muhulove

Shooting At Mid-Day

All aforementioned techniques are useful at the time of dim light and overcast skies. But what about the mid day dead centered sun when shadows are harsh and dull?

In this situation, one of the tricks is to look for the shadow play in a detail oriented environment. Subjects with patterns would create interesting geometric lines and intersections that might be interesting to the viewer’s eye.

@balletzaida
Dancer @elinamiettinen