Seeing the Final Image Before You Capture It…
Someone asked me an important question at my last LA Workshop and I thought I would share the answer with my readers here. The question was: when I have an assignment, do I know what I want the finished image to look like before I go to the shoot or do I just wing it the day of the shoot? I’m going to use this recent swimsuit editorial as a perfect example on how most of the time I know exactly how I want the final image to look before I ever pick up a camera to shoot it.
Watch the Video
For this swimsuit editorial, I didn’t want to do another pool or beach story that is usually depicted in swimsuit stories. I wanted to do something more interesting and thought about the idea of marrying swimsuits with jackets or skirts, making it not about using the suit in the water but using the suit as a fashion accessory or a one of the pieces in the whole outfit. For instance, putting a one-piece swimsuit with a cropped jacket or skirt, or using a bikini top with a skirt or a pair of bathing suit shorts as boy shorts to wear out with a jacket. I also knew I wanted to shoot the story in a studio where I would use strobes. And I wanted to shoot the story in black and white which isn’t a “typical” swimsuit story either, however I’m not the first photographer to do this. But it’s certainly not the “norm”. I pitched this idea to the creative director of the magazine, Stephen Kamifuji, and he told me to go for it. So the first thing I did was to start putting the story together with the stylist. For this editorial I worked with Shiffy from AIM Artists. I had some trepidation in the beginning because I hadn’t worked with Shiffy and I had a very specific concept in mind. The styling had to be spot on! But Charnelle Smith who owns AIM Artists and represents Shiffy reassured me that I would be happy with Shiffy and her work and I’m really glad I listened to her! She just nailed the styling! I have recently begun working with Charnelle at AIM Artists and one thing I can say is that her discerning choices in the talent she decides to represent really shows: she has a very strong roster of very talented artists who also are genuinely very nice to work with. I’ve worked with probably 10 of her artists and every single one of them is not only very skilled, they’re very nice people, good team players and don’t have a shred of attitude! Shiffy and I had several phone conversations about the looks and the designers that I wanted to work with. She also had a conversation with the magazine on what advertisers needed to be in the magazine, etc. I sent her mood boards depicting the lighting I wanted to use and the contrast of the black and white images that I wanted to end up with. After Shiffy was set and doing her pulls during the days before the shoot, I worked out my lighting with my 1st assistant Tyler. He placed our equipment order with Smashbox the day before the shoot when I was certain of how I wanted the editorial lit and what light modifiers I was going to need to create the lighting I wanted.
So now you can see how I knew exactly how I wanted the shoot to look like before we ever arrived at the studio! Generally I’m given an assignment and there are parameters I have to stay within. I can then form the story inside those parameters. I can interpret the story with either my lighting or the set or location, etc. But more often than not, I have the final images in mind before every single shoot takes place. That way, I shoot the story according to the final image. There are times, I’ll admit, where I go in to a shooting situation with one story in mind and somehow the process takes on a life of it’s own and we end up going in an entirely different direction than what I had pre-determined. Shoots sometimes take on this organic process and form as they go, being influenced by outside things such as the model or the make up and hair stylist’s interpretation. Those shoots sometimes are really magical for me but no less exhilirating than nailing a shoot that I had visualized for days, weeks or even months ahead.
I shot this editorial at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. Robert Mefford did a fantastic job on the hair and Camille Clark did the make up, which I have to say was also amazing! Eugenia, our smokin’ model, is represented by Photogenics Models. I love Eugenia. I’ve worked with her a bunch of times and she is a blast to work with! We used a beauty dish and a strip bank and we lit the background with two heads angled 45 degrees toward the cyc. We flagged off those background lights with two V Flats. Nothing utterly mind blowing again, just some simple lighting. Eugenia really knows how to move which is a true joy for a photographer! I basically did very little directing and let her feel her way with the light and the clothing. We had a great day, another successful shoot for Genlux Magazine! And I just shot for the fall issue last Friday so there will be more editorials to share with you coming soon!
In other news, I’ve decided to focus on NYC after a recent trip there. So we’re going to doing our workshops in NYC first before we head over to London. I know this is probably bumming out some of my UK readers but I was feeling a little overwhelmed after I got home from NYC because I have a ton of assignments in NYC over the next couple of months and will need to be out there more often, eventually probably moving out there. London will come sooner than you think but right now we’re going to focus on NYC. Right now we’re looking for the perfect studio and then once we book it we’ll have the information here on the blog for you to read about! In the meantime, keep shooting! See you soon! xoxo
Additional Images:
OK. Yet more proof why you’re my hero! : )
Super-fabulous model, posing, lighting and of course, PHOTOGRAPHY. These are works of art! I want to buy one and blow it up lifesize on my wall! You rock bella! (Actually you kind of look like twins there when you posed with her for the video. : ) Thank you so much for sharing – you’re ever the inspiration!
When I grow up… I want to be like Melissa!
It’s a m a z i n g that time and time again, you are so open and freeing with your advice, technique and allowing us to glimpse into your working style and method.
I learn so much from you, Melissa.
it’s always fun seeing the evolution between what I see in my head and what comes out of my camera. I agree, sometimes the best shots are not necessarily what I envision beforehand though – sometimes they just grow organically out of the collaboration with the stylist, the model and myself… great writeup, and of course amazing shots as always!
What a fantastic blog and a very high standard of work. Thank you Melissa.
Absolutely stunning images as always. Truly beautiful. Ah, what will it take for me to reach the level of skill you have?!
Thank you once again for the inspiration that you give to beginners like myself. We all know that photography, and in particular fashion photography, is a competitive industry and that just makes it all the more amazing that you are willing to help people out by sharing all of your experience and knowledge.
All hail Melissa! x
You’re always a source of inspiration,
In every pictures, details, textures, emotions, poses, composition, styling, hair&make-up are outstanding !
Every posts is breathtaking, and, I can understand you when i read this lines.
Sometimes we are in situations where “the process takes on a life of it’s own and we end up going in an entirely different direction than what I had pre-determined.” Hopefully that happen sometimes
Thank you for your time =)
Impressive, as allways i should say. Gracias, for the insights.
So amazing and very inspiring as usual. It’s probably too much to ask but is it possible to see some out-of-cam vs finished shots
These images are just stunning!! My fave is the second to last, I love the movement in the dress. PERFECT!!
Spectacular as always…………. Thank You , for your insights.
Another winner, I love the images, inspiration and the fact that you are creating amazing images with a D2X. I used to think that I needed a D3 but you have inspired me.
Thank you for sharing.
great shots love all the movement. The lighting was killer
Oooops! I should’ve clarified! These images were shot with the D3.
Awesome shoot! Good to know you’re moving to NYC, I’ll have to join one of your seminars.
Beautiful Images. I love the idea of using swimsuits as accessories. Doing it in black and white just makes it all to perfect. Amazing images.
Drooooooooooollllllinnnnnnnggggg
Oh well, I can’t afford the D3 and I have seen your old work which is still amazing and shot with the D2X so you have given me hope.
Absolutely stunning – the simplicity of the lighting, the contrast really support the original concept. Superb!
stunning!!
perfect lighting.
mind if you share?
Amazing! Very unique way for swimsuit shot amazing photos.
When I saw your videos I realy feel like I’m there in the studio watching you and learning:) the atmosphere is great everybody is so connected and happy -no one screeming or diva mood- I love to see the way you move around and lie and sit on the floor looking for angles is such an awesome spectacle specially because you have always a smile and transmit that passion for photography.
every time I finish to see your vids I want to take my camera and shot.
Thanks for your Blog your vids and wish some day to attend one of your workshops even if I’m just a begginer.
wow, what a wonderful pictures!! so stunning!!
Oh I was so looking forward to another post from you! Loved this shoot and concept! As always, thank you for the inspiration.
Absolutely fantastic images! Man, you make it look so easy…
I’m curious about your preferred weapon of choice on the D3 – is it still the 85 mm f/1.4 now that you are shooting full frame, or have you switched to the 105 or 135 f/2 instead?
Beautiful images! Thank you got sharing your inspiration for the story!
The images look beautiful as always I especially love the very first photo. It is a wonderful feeling when you set out on a shoot and have already envisioned the concept and final image, then you get to see it manifest. I sometimes don’t plan the shoot and still get wonderful results but it’s a very different feeling of accomplishment when I do ‘see’ the final image before actually shooting. Thank you again for sharing and I’m looking forward to your NY seminar when you work everything out for it.
Awesome work! Your images are absolutely stunning. Thanks for the inspiration.
Definitely Bailey/Donovanesque and superb with it. The lighting set-up is classic and timeless, model is top notch and this is a shoot to last for all time.
As for seeing the image before you shoot, isn’t that what planning is all about? The more we do, the more we envisage in advance but I’m sure that you have ideas rushing to the fore from years of experience which add to and embellish your images. It’s a ‘where did that come from’ experience and I’ll be surprised if you don’t have that as I do.
Just one query, was the tripod just for consistency of viewpoint?
This shoot is absolutely fantastic! Love the black and white – like you said in the video, high contrast!
Love it!
Great work!
There is something awesome and very difficult to explain in words about the rendition of volume and appearence of the skin.
Fabuolous work.
I love this story! It just keeps getting better and better! More!
The images are really stunning. The Blog is awesome.
Great work!!
That Melissa is so HOT right now
Super work as ever, hope you can sort out London very soon…..
great article with simply stunning images!
Beautiful shots Melissa, classic style. It’s great to nail the shot in your mind, but I find it can so easily change direction with the right team and become something better. Other days, it just doesn’t flow and becomes really hard work to pull it together!
Keep up the good work. Really hoping to see you in London soon.
As always, beautiful work Melissa! Proof again that creativity often need not be complicated. This is simple, yet so effective!
Big fan of your work Melissa!! Just had a question about post processing work. Do you recommend retouching the image first and then convert to B&W and the end? or the convert to B&W then start to retouch?
wow… what a beautiful collection your presented.
I am thinking how black & white picture can be presented in
such a beautiful manner. I love pictures quality. Bookmarking
you Melissa
the pictures look clearly,the images stunning,i believe many people like the story
So interesting its almost breathtaking to me to read this how you take me step by step with everything its almost like am movie in its own….
These are great photos! Is that a tail on that bathing suit???
These pictures are absolutely beautiful. I love the lace jacket
Melissa,
Once again, Amazing work that continues to inspire!
Question on lenses….as your shooting full length, were you at 85mm or 24mm?
Beautiful Images!
Love the headshot, she looks stunning. Its always fascinating to see how different people work.
what a wonderful set of images,
Absolutley stunning images are the models legs real? they go on forever..
Love the videos – great blog
Roger
Wedding Magician
Gorgeous photos, gorgeous models, great work on all accounts!
This is exactly the stuff I want to do when I get out of college! Your work is simply amazing! Thanks so much for the tips!
Awesome pictures!
Yessssssssssssssssssssss.. NY here we come.. I knew you would. I am glad.
lovely… glamorous… splendid… beautifUL.. what else could i say? she is perfect!
Fab shoot! love the styling and lighting! beautiful! Melissa (or any other readers if you have answers) I have a kinda stupid question about the full lengths. Im finding my studio full lengths shot from the ground up are looking a bit distorted. I noticed Melissa is shooting right back against the wall. Is this to avoid distortion? I don’t have this option in the studio I shoot in as it is much smaller. Can I ask also did you shoot this on a 50mm or 85mm prime lens ? I am using a zoom 24-70mm. Lastly Im assuming by shooting far back from the model that you might be getting stuff in your frame, so are you cropping as well? any advice greatly appreciated! I love you blog!
xx
[...] Já a algum tempo sigo o blog da fotógrafa Melissa Rodwell, e seu último post entitula-se Visulazing the Final Photograph, onde ela explica exatamente isto que estou dizendo. Assistindo aos seus making-of, nota-se como [...]
I love this shoot! At first when I started styling my own shoots, I would go into it knowing EXACTLY what I wanted it to look like, but then I would inevitably be disappointed (problems with the model, the lighting, etc.) so I settled on trying my hardest and being surprised with the results.
so amazing! please share what was your iso, aperture shutter etc.? and light intensities!
also pls let me know as soon you know asap when is your next london class as i would love to fly in andhave to put in leave in advance
thanks so much i love your blog
Thank you very much, Melissa for sharing your behind the scenes photo shoots really inspirational for someone who is getting into fashion, doing it in black and white is just awsome. Wish you could do a seminar down here in New Zealand. Again, big thanks. looking forward to the next one.
Oh and a tech question for you or to your lighting assistant, what was your meter reading on your 2 background, the dish and the soft box. thanks.
Great video and love the resulting images.
Really inspiring shots! I love the B&W idea, the styling and the model… It’s just pure inspiration for me…
Really great work …love the light
gorgeous, inspiring photos. thank you!
Impressive,amazing pictures.. it was just WOW !!!
I love your images! Absolutely fantastic lighting! Great blog as well.
Beautiful work!
She is perfect!Really great work …love the light.
It doesn`t matter what camera you`re using….I bet you can shot as well no matter if on the body it`s written : Canon, Nikon or Hasselblad
Inspirational !!, these are shots that definitley fall into the images that I must aspire to, amazing work !!
well, this is very informative but also some excellent shots and great ideas.
Wow WOW and WOW, amazing images, thank you so much for sharing, great work
can anyone recommend any savage paper backdrops that would look like this? I know melissa used white but I’m looking for a tint of gray
thank you…
Stunning images, great lighting !!
Great images! I love when models now what the heck is going on.
It’s so funny cause I had this exact conversation the other day. Some asked me the same darn question and the answer was identical – - funny, right.
Great shoot and lovely pictures you have created. Any chance you could explain to me/us how you achieved this contrast? thx b.
[...] Fashion Photography Blog, I recently saw Melissa Rodwell’s answer to the question of. When I hear this question it makes [...]
Those are some great images. Beautiful pictures and beautiful clothing.
hey,
i luved ur idea of combining swimsuit with jackets and blazers. thts quite impressive. i really liked the first pic. and the backgound is an addition to the beauty. fantastic.
keep it up
Brilliant..Tis all I can say
Just a question, how did u freeze the movements? My strobes have a sync that only takes up to 125/sec shutter speed. Can that freeze the action like that?
wow this is really amazing
what lens did you use ?
thank you
[...] all about the shoot on her blog: http://www.fashionphotographyblog.com/2010/07/the-final-image/ Filed Under: [...]
i am inspired,a rare gem >good shoot
Nice shots but why (and I know you don’t have any control of this) does the fashion world insist on using these anorexic, famine victim looking women with no curves? They certainly aren’t representative of what looks good in a swimsuit. I mean if they profiled, the only way you can tell their front from their back is by looking at their face. They’re straight up and down. Personally, I like to see a nice set of glutes filling out a suit that sit on an equally nice set of thighs. Most fashion models have neither.
I always learn something new when I come back to your site, it’s been a while since I have. Damn weddings are killing my creativity..