Genlux Spring Editorial and Video
Got a call from Stephen in January asking me if I wanted to shoot for the Spring issue of Genlux. The theme was Royal. I’ve had this idea in my head that would need a set designer. I wanted to have someone build a room from scratch to emulate the attic room from “The Little Princess”, a novel written in 1904 by Frances Hogdson Burnett. I read the story when I was a kid and the imagery described in the novel left an impression on my imagination. Of course I didn’t know when I read the novel at 9 that I would be producing a fashion shoot around the story some 35 years later!!! But immediately when Stephen said “the theme is Royal”, my mind went straight to the story of The Little Princess. The first thing I did was contact a set designer to see if he was available to do the shoot and if he wanted to work on it with me. Jamie Dean agreed to meet with me at my house so I could show him some visuals and we could talk about the kind of set I wanted built and the props I wanted to use. He brought his laptop and showed me his inventory of props while we went through images that I had collected before our meeting that depicted the mood I wanted to recreate for my shoot. Once he agreed to work on the shoot with me, I collected all the images together from his props to the images I had collected and we narrowed the look down so I could create a mood board to send to Stephen.
Watch the Video
I shot this editorial at Out of Frame Studio in the middle of Hollywood. You gotta’ love their blog title: “Fashion Forward Meets Punk Rock”. Yep, you know I totally dig that one! The guys that run Out of Frame are just real nice people! And their studio is this big huge space you can just go in and create in. It’s conveniently located right next door to Calumet, so last minute gear rentals are really easy. The evening before the shoot, Out of Frame let Jamie and I come in to start building the room out. It was a lot of fun to watch Jamie put together this room that came in 6 pieces! I got to decide which wall the windows would go in, and how many. I got to pick the color of walls and where they would go. He brought in most of the large pieces of furniture and I plotted out a shot list as I watched him put the walls up. I left about an hour after meeting Jamie there and he, along with his two assistants, continued building the set. By the time we arrived in the morning for the 9 AM call time, the room was done!!
John Waiblinger was kind enough to come down for a second week in a row of my editorial shoots and do a Behind the Scenes video. Oh how I am so camera shy!!! I don’t know what it is about having a camera pointed at me, but it drives me crazy. Probably why I’m not much of a “screamer at the models” type photographer. It’s like, “Yeah, I get it….it’s weird getting your picture taken!” Haha…No…I’m not that laid back about it, but my camera shyness is definitely something I’ve noticed about myself lately, as there have been a few of these videos being done now on my shoots. Oh well, I do them for you. So I hope you’re enjoying them! I can’t imagine doing a reality TV series. I would have panic attacks with cameras in my face all the time. I’d LOSE it!
The model was from Photogenics. Lovely little Zinta. She was pretty shy herself, in fact she was so shy she barely said a word the whole day. I thought she was from Europe or Russia and couldn’t speak English very well. Come to find out, she’s from the Valley. And just pretty quiet. Hair was done by Jason Stanton, a very well dressed English man who does rockin’ hair, I must say. And Sally Wang did the make up. She also killed it! Amazing job they BOTH did. Jason and Sally are both from Cloutier Remix Agency. Styling was by Kelvin Seah, my oft mentioned favorite stylist with the impeccable taste and fantastic eye. I might also add he’s incredibly nice! Kelvin is with AIM Artists here in LA. We rented a fog machine from Out of Frame so it was at the studio when we arrived in the morning. After grabbing more coffee (why do we always drink so much coffee when we’re shooting??) Tyler Mitchell, my rad 1st assistant (I’m using the word RAD lately, and I’m sticking to it for awhile) and another assistant started setting up my lighting the way I wanted it. We put a huge chimera soft box right on the other side of the window so we could blast light into the “room”. We blasted about a total of 600 Watts through one head on that side, so not a lot. To the left we put up my beauty dish, white dish, for a key light on the model. It was up rather high, actually. I think we were about even on the watts on that head as well. I shot with my D2x. Nothing fancy. Same workhorse of a camera, same love affair with Nikon since day one. This Love will never fade. Although I did work with a Hassy yesterday on a shoot that I will blog about in about 4 months when the editorial is out. I have to say, while I was looking through the images shot on the Hassy this morning, man, I think I really want to own one. SO AMAZING of a CAMERA. ; )
But back to this shoot! Besides “The Little Princess” book as my inspiration, the music of Proyecto Oniric is so hauntingly beautiful it literally took my breath away the first time I heard it. Every time I hear his music, I go into my head to revel in imaginative narratives and fantasies. When a book or a song or a band can take you to those places, you’ve found a rare and wonderful tool, so they are a keeper. The first night I found Proyecto’s music was when we all were still on myspace. Ha…yeah, the golden years. I stumbled on his profile by accident, listened to every song on his profile, wrote him immediately and asked him where I could buy his music. Back then, it was unavailable. Today, he has a website and his music is available through iTunes. His music is tremendously powerful to me. I definitely recommend at least listening to his music. So…we basically had a great day shooting! I mean, what can I say? The pre-production was all done and when you work with the best, you get the best results. There were no dramas, no hassles, as there shouldn’t be. There were no tech issues, which can’t be helped sometimes, but I don’t recall having any bumps that day. The clothes were brilliant, the team was the best, the studio was perfect, the set was amazing. I’m trying to see if I have forgotten anything? I shot mostly wide, so I used my old analog 24 MM lens. I shot wide because I wanted to see the set we were in. I wanted the smoke and the gritty feel of an attic apartment that has seen better days. But the girl is still a princess living in that squalor. So here’s the images and the video that John did. Hope you enjoy! Now I’m off to wrap up yesterday’s shoot, prep Tuesday’s shoot and somewhere in middle of all this work, figure out when I can find the time to train a new person that I’m hiring to join my crazy world soon! I Facebooked about needing to hire another me! No one has applied for the position yet. (That’s a joke, please don’t send me an email applying for the job!) Oh and if you live or are near Orlando, Florida you must come to SNAP! Orlando May 20th through the 23rd. There’s an exhibition with some of the world’s most renowned photographers like Douglas Kirkland (you MUST check out his work if you don’t know it) There are also some pretty informative lectures going on that weekend as well. I’m doing one on Saturday May 22nd at 1:30 PM. I’ll be speaking about the business of Fashion Photography. Come introduce yourself! After SNAP! Orlando is finished, we’re heading over to the middle of Florida to visit our friend, Suzanne Sturgill. She’s planning on taking David and I on her boat down some alligator infested river to this spot that has the best Mai Tai’s in the South. Honestly, I think Suzanne organizes these trips because her and her friends just get the biggest laugh over watching us “City Folks” trip out over the smallest things. Some of David’s and my favorite memories are sitting on Suzanne’s big porch under the moon, eating chicken they smoked themselves, drinking Crown Royals, listening to the crickets and watching the Spanish Moss swing in the breeze. We talk about those nights all the time and tell all our jaded Hollywood friends about it constantly. Suzanne shoots horses. In other words, she is hired to shoot Champion Horses. Like the kind that sell for $4,000, 000.00. Yeah, that’s 4 million. You read that right. And she’s an incredible shooter. She’s also a woman that I admire tremendously. Go check out her work. Her and I couldn’t be from two entirely different worlds than each others but man, I love her to pieces!! She’s genuine. And I have to say, that goes far in my book. Okay, seriously now, I gotta’ run. See you soon!
Additional Images
All Images ©2010 Melissa Rodwell Photography
Excellent! I am saving up my pennies to hopefully attend your next workshop! You are incredible!
Simply beautiful Melissa, the tones in the images are simply amazing, I havent worked with a set designer yet in my work but seeing this makes me want to.
You are an inspiration and I would attend your workshops at the drop of a hat if I wasn’t so far away (UK).
thanks,
David
Another majestic work Melissa! Thank you for sharing your wonderful work with us. And yeah, Alligator meat is tasty!! It’s suppose to be healthy too. Hahah… Have a great trip! I can’t wait to hear your great adventure down in bayou. =)
The set design is very beautiful!! Everyone did such an amazing job!! Keep it up!! =D
Melissa,
I simply ADORE every single thing you create….
What a fantastic (again) work you’ve done, this time with this Princess story…
Lots of love from Portugal….
Mel
Very inspiring.
I love you style!
Another great work, Melissa!!
Uli
Totally stunning images, i love the detail and the beautiful light. Thanks for the inspiration
Such a beautiful series. A fantasy world unto itself- captivating and intriguing!
Loved this. Thanks for sharing.
Inspirational as always. I definitely see the connection to the story. You and your team worked magic and I love the wardrobe. You’re going to work that D2x till the buttons have worn right off
Thats awesome melli, i just falled in love with this photoshoot, the set designer did a great job and the clothes are awesome !! keep it upppppppp
& send my regards to david
Karim (Dubai)
I love the song choice for the video, it’s beautiful, just went to check out the Proyecto’s page and all I can say is, WOW!
Beautiful Melissa! Thank you for sharing,
Trevor
I absolutely adore this shoot! I’ll be at snap only friday though I wish I could attend your seminar I’m so bummed but I have a wedding to shoot that day. Hope to meet you
Great shoot. The lighting is extremely well done.
I can’t tell you how valuable your blog is to me. I have learned so much and gained so much confidence in my work by reading your blog and watching your videos. I really appreciate your photography and your team’s work. This Royal shoot is very inspiring. Thank you to you and your team for giving us a peak inside y’alls world.
[...] Rodwell has posted a new BTS video and blog on her Spring shoot for Genlux. Following a ‘Royal’ theme, the video is great to watch, along with the final images. [...]
Inspiring work as always!
OMG, love it! Very inspiring and thanks for letting us see the behind the scenes that gives this incredible shoots.
Thanks!
Wonderful images Melissa. Very inspiring. Each element works perfectly with each other. Congratulations to you and your team.
Adam.
beautiful pictures. love them so much! thanks for sharing
Truly one of the best works that you have done, I am in love with this shoot! I’m excited to sign up soon and plunk down there for your June workshop!
Of all your stuff I have seen, not my favorite. Just being honest.
Melissa, i just love these videos so much!!! And i’m not even a photographer… just interested in fashion
Excellent!!! The Wardobe the Lighting, The Images…Thanks for letting us see the behind the scenes …. And .Thank you for sharing your work.. Melissa~
Your work is truly inspiration. I watched every of your videos.
One question Melissa before any of shooting, are you using light meter or simply see on lcd and adjusted??
Reminds me of Tim Walker with a dark Melissa twist.
Your work is so beautiful Melissa that it makes me want to cry!!!!!
Inspirational behind the scenes peak and then those amazing photographs. Thanks for sharing this.
wowwww.. strange day.. will just looking in google i founded your blog ! very ineresting ! i apreciate to see that has i’m not alone
have a nice day of working..
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Fantastic Dresses!!!
Great use of a set! Something I’d love to do, but no one ever seems to have the budget for it. And I certainly can’t build that sort of stuff myself. Nice “window light” too.
Gorgeous photography as always! I love hearing and seeing all the behind the scenes stuff. Thanks you!
They’re amazing! You and your team did an awesome job. Thanks for sharing.
OMGosh, these are freaking FABULOUS!!!!!
What a strange coincidence. I just did a “Little Princess Shoot” as well. I absolutely love that story. I didn’t have access to a set designer so I had to get very creative with how I achieved that atmosphere.
Absolutely stunning work Melissa.
Your use of lighting is gorgeous. I would sell a kidney to go on one of your courses.
Awesome stuff. When are you coming to the UK to give some workshops?
Keep ‘em coming.
Heinz
thanks for sharing your work and the BTS vids… both are great learning tools… your work and willingness to share always inspire photogs everywhere… me included… (“,)
Spectacular series Melissa. I seriously think this is my favorite series, favorite blog, and favorite vid of yours to date. I love the depth that all the images have. Congrats to you and your team.
I am curious about how you dealt with flair. Some of your shots have “good” flair (contrast reduction in areas of less importance), but none of them have any “bad” flair (dots and areas of discoloration).
I just L-O-V-E watching your videos. It’s such great inspiration and I enjoy seeing what your setup (set, locationg, lighting, logistics) is like. I work as a photo assistant for several wholesale clothing companies and I do pretty much what your assistants do. It’s nice to see what the real deal is like… in due time I hope to be participating on shoots at the same level.
Thanks for the blog and the gift of knowledge.
you are epic!
I strive for your capabilities!
Fantastic, love the video, love your blog
It will not tell everything if i simply say ‘Great’! You are amazing!!
Regards,
Zee Mathews
Just beautiful!
What is lighting the back wall in the last photo? Is it just the soft box light coming through the window? The furniture doesn’t seem to be edged much, and the light looks to be concentrated in one spot. Or is it Photoshop?
There is a speedlight hidden in the birdcage which is casting light on the wall. I never use photoshop to create light where there wasn’t any in the first place. I use PS to clean up the skin and color balance/correct.
And thanks to all of you for such sweet and encouraging words! Very nice to hear!!
Great use of the props and set. I’m sure you could have stuck these models on the beach in these clothes and it still would have been interesting, but these photos tell a much stronger story. Great work!
WOW! I have read EVERY post in your Blog and this is the first time I am adding a comment.
I just had to because, besides from the amazing shoot (having me looking for local set designers now to up my game), my mouth dropped when you said you would be at SNAP! in Orlando!! You see, I am in Orlando (working to get out before years end to NYC) and I had already registered SPECIFICALLY to hear Douglas Kirkland speak.
I didnt even realize that you were on the list of Guest Speakers!! Wasn’t your fashion segment scheduled for later though??? I remember thinking to myself, “…Damn, I’m gonna miss the Fashion Photography part because I want to be front row at Doug’s talk, that’s gonna suck…” And now not only do you say you’re gonna be in my little fashion-less city but you are also going to be talking at a time when I can TOTALLY SEE YOU!!!
HahahahahahA!!! I’m sorry, but that is absolutely PERFECT! Talk about being on the right track, stars aligning, Mars in retrograde, E.T. Phone Home, etc…..
I am uber-excited to get to meet you! I know you will probably be swarmed and I am kinda shy but I’m going to have to get a word in with you before you sacrifice yourself to our local wildlife, lol!
That’s pretty cool Melissa… pretty freakin’ cool….
(Pardon the long comment post – I guess some of the reason I haven’t commented in the past is evident by my fervent ramblings, xP)
Fantastic as always! Thank you for your openness with your process. It is always educational and inspiring. You always seem to present the right about of information and narrative. Was curious, I noticed that no exif data was included in these photos in this blog post … was this intentional? I the past I have really loved comparing the exif data to the ‘real’ scene in the videos.
again … Fantastic!
These are remarkable images. I particularly like your use of artificial fog to give the image mystical hoary quality, as though it were something out of a dream. Though I don’t do fashion photography (not yet anyway), I appreciate examining your set-ups and how you executed your shoot.
It must be nice to have a custom made set up for this shoot. I can’t imagine having a set up where I have conceptualized the scene and actualize it from start to finish. Sounds almost too good to be true
Fantastic work, Melissa, and thanks for sharing!
I have been following you work for quite sometime, and everytime I watch your videos I always get some kind of inspiration. I just recently started blogging and find your blogs very informative and useful. I really enjoy your attention to detail and it only makes me want to strive to become a better photographer.
i love the way how your photos look like there is a atory behind it and how mysterious some of them look.:)
super stunning work, must be your best shoot ever…
Hi Melissa, I just wanted to say what a beautiful job you did on this shoot. The pictures are truly inspiring, I think you captured the fairy tale really well
Wow! I’m really blown away. Thanks for the inspiration.
Cheers
Whether you like cameras or not, the video was AWESOME and you need to pat your videographer on the back for me! It gave a great perspective of the shoot as a whole, not just the results of the shoot! Photos are just incredible as usual!
so beautiful melissa!
kelvin did a fantastic job as well!
Incredibly beautiful. Thanks for the peek behind the curtain.
[...] my last post I wrote about how I was able to prepare for my Genlux editorial weeks in advance. I met with the [...]
Thanks for being such an inspiration.
If you ever give a workshop in Europe let me know
Amazing!
Fabulous images! Loving the dusty, antique feel of this shoot. Thanks!
These are probably my favorite photos of yours
Great !!
OMG – Fabulous!
LOVE the Set – really makes a difference all the time, planing and effort that goes into building a set for your theme!
So beautiful.
Absolutely stunning as always. The lighting is beautiful.
Danny
[...] my last post I wrote about how I was able to prepare for my Genlux editorial weeks in advance. I met with the [...]
so cool
A bit like sleeping doll
it is beautiful
WOW! Thanks for sharing this! I stunned
[...] my last post I wrote about how I was able to prepare for my Genlux editorial weeks in advance. I met with the [...]
Great results!
Nice work! Congrats!
Nice pics,Thanks!
Awesome photo shoot!
These shots are great. I love your blog and I especially love the videos. Thanks!!!
[...] Behind the Scenes Examples: Kevin Winsler Chris Stanford (stills) Fashion Photography Blog [...]
[...] my last post I wrote about how I was able to prepare for my Genlux editorial weeks in advance. I met with the [...]
Really loved the article, where is the Donate link? lol
Those are some awesome dresses. I love great dresses.
I wish I could adequately express how inspirational these photos are to me. (I’m not a fashion photographer – I shoot portraits of everyday people, but when I get to shoot solo portraits, I try to always shoot with a ‘concept’ in mind.) These photos are breathlessly exquisite. The lighting is perfect – not overdone, but strong, emotional, moody, yet somehow done with a light touch. These are truly masterpieces. I have so much respect for a photographer who can do this. Of course, I recognize the hard work of the makeup/hair artists, stylists, set designers, etc – all those who worked so hard to make this happen. But I’m so moved by this lighting, the delicacy with which this was done. The bar has been set very high and as I move into my second year of shooting, thank you for giving me a reminder that there is so much more to strive for.
This is excellent work…
Your work is so beautiful.I like you.
GREAT WORK MELISSA <3 Loved it a lot
Keep Going my dear <3
Thanks for the wonderful directions
Awesome photos !! Perfect lighting !! Love it so much <3