It’s All in the Details | Dan Biggerstaff Photography

Preparation to shoot a fashion show last fall began with making sure my gear was in working order and that my batteries were charged. I was there that afternoon in time to watch/photograph the walk-through and then dress rehearsal. This gave me the opportunity to check the light levels and to get used to the pace of the event. I downloaded the photos on to my laptop to check composition and to make sure the 70-200 mm f2.8 was my best choice of lenses for this particular shoot. Then it happened – 35 minutes of frenzied action and over 900 shots later, it was over. This was one of the photos, the rest can be viewed in the Gallery/Events/The Art of Great Fashion.

Several weeks ago, another shoot with three of the models from the fashion show was a project of a different character, requiring much more planning, production, and directing on my part. In addition to the models from Halo Models and Talent and the photographer (me), other key people were the photographer’s assistant (my wife), the hairstylist and her assistants and a makeup artist (Monica McMasters from B Street Salon with Jordan and Kim), the wardrobe stylist (Dee Sutlive from Gaucho), and the multimedia artist (Marcus Kenney) working on the hair pieces and accessories. Setting a date and time itself posed a challenge. I originally planned to start shooting about 30 minutes before sunrise which would have meant hair and makeup would have begun around 4:15 AM. A senior prom and a night-time job with two of the models changed the start time to 9 AM with the actual shoot starting at 10:30 AM. The date had been chosen partly based on a high tide to provide an interesting backdrop. We were hoping for good weather rather than the overcast day with a little rain that we got. The wardrobes were chosen, and then the models fitted. The hairstyles with the three-dimensional art and accessories were then matched to the models and wardrobes. The one-half mile stretch of road called Bluff Drive near my home was then surveyed a number of times to select the sites for photographing each of the models in the different wardrobes. Permission was obtained ahead of time from the property owners where the individual shoots were done. The lighting had to be planned; we used mainly a large softbox, along with a beauty dish and large reflector. Since the shoot ran to 4 PM, drinks, snacks, and food had to be provided; that seems obvious but should not be left out if the shoot is going to last more than an hour or so. My house was used for changing, makeup, and bathroom facilities. A final note, especially when shooting outside, always have a backup plan for everything, in case it rains, the wind is too high to use a softbox, or if there is equipment failure. If the photographer does not have a manager/assistant , it is the photographer’s responsibility to manage the details. The photographs can be seen in the Gallery/Events/Fashion Shoot on the Bluff.