Sunday, February 27, 2011

Second Street Photography Studios "Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting Workshop"


On Saturday, 02-26-11, John, Tom, Andy, Scott and I held our first “Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting” workshop at our studio. Dean Johnson,experienced local photographer, was the instructor.


We have a 4,000 square foot studio that includes an area for changing, make-up, etc.


Melissa Martin, instructor at Faces Etc of MN, selected three MUA’s for us. They were Laura Westrum, Joy Phillips and Miranda Nelson. These ladies were kept busy the entire day and they did a fabulous job!! Give it up for these three ladies!!!


The night before the shoot we all got together to set up the four lighting stations. Andy Elliott put up his lights on the white vinyl to shoot high key. Tom Frisch set up some gray seamless paper and lights that included a beauty dish. John Magnus set up his equipment for the “bed” station. I set up a three light station with my background being one of the metal doors that Andy had just painted some medium gray stripes on about three hours earlier.


I use Elinchrom Style RX600 monolights and Elinchrom light modifiers. I used one light with 8.25 reflector gridded with both yellow and red gels to provide color on the door at the rear. For an accent/rim light I used a 14” x 35” softbox to the rear on camera right. The main light on camera left was a simple 27” x 27” softbox. We did do a little light testing, but the fine tuning would be done in the morning when Dean started instructing at the different stations.


I will post the information about this workshop here:


On February 26, the Second Street Photography Studios partners are pleased to host a Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting Workshop presented by well known local photographer Dean Johnson.

Dean is an instructor with SuperShoots Photography Workshops (Supershoots.com). His work has been published in numerous magazines including Maxim, Blender, Playboy, Maxim's Hometown Hotties, Teeze Magazine, Miami Magazine and MotorXRacing. Some of Dean's extensive work can be seen on:

SuperShoots -
www.supershoots.net/portfolio.cfm?ID-165
Model Mayhem -
www.modelmayhem.com/360679

During the first portion of the workshop Dean will explain how to pose the model and the proper lighting techniques to achieve the desired effect. He will tell you why you do something and not just how to do it. During the second portion of the workshop you will have ample time to photograph and practice these new techniques with experienced models.

The workshop includes:
-Personal, hands-on assistance from Dean
-Models with makeup and hair done by professional make up artists
-Several unique shooting bays and lighting arrangements including the all important high key cyc wall
-Studio lights with wireless triggers will be provided for each shooting bay. (You don't have to bring your own lights; just your camera.) NOTE: If your camera requires a special hot shoe adapter, please bring it with you to the workshop so you can use the wireless triggers.
-A working lunch and beverages

The number of participants will be limited in order to give everyone time to shoot in each of the shooting areas and work with the models. The all inclusive cost for this workshop is $125.

Second Street Photography Studios is a 4000 square feet studio located at 2518 Second Street North, Minneapolis. The workshop will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will end around 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2011.

Questions? Please email John Magnus at:
2ndStreetPhoto@comcast.net

To sign up and attend this workshop:

Go to
sites.google.com/site/2ndstreetphoto/home/events
Click on the "Add To Cart" button and submit your payment and registration.


On Saturday, 02-26-11, I was the first to arrive at the studio around 07:15 am with John a few minutes behind. Andy wasn’t supposed to come until around 9 am was there about a half hour after us. I guess he didn’t want to miss too much. By the way that is Andy posing for me in front of the door where I had my lights. He may never pose again after he sees that photo.

John and I arrived early because the MUA’s and models were to start arriving at 8 am.

Joy, Miranda and Laura all arrived about the same time. I showed them where they would be working. I believe the only one who hadn’t been to our studio before was Joy. Once they were settled in then the models began to arrive.

I was the one who was going to do some “Behind the Scene” shots throughout the day. I started with the MUA’s and the models.

It was now about 10 am and I was told all but one of the photographers were in our front room. I headed up there for the start of the actual workshop. The last photographer arrived a couple minutes after ten.

Andy told the photographers about what was going to take place during the day. Then it was time for Dean Johnson to introduce himself and briefly explain how he shoots. He was up front on how he shoots and he doesn’t expect others to do his way. There are several different ways to acheive the same result.

The first thing we did after the initial talk was to give a tour of our studio that included the four areas we set up to shoot, our equipment storage area and the dressing room. The photographers got to say hi to the ladies who were busy getting ready and to the MUA’s.

Dean started instructing at what I guess you can say was our 5th station. Earlier we decided that Dean would start with the explanation of a single light source and then move up to two lights, then three, We had some red and black curtains, then some shiny material, on a background stand where Dean would begin his first demonstration. All the photographers decided that they would prefer Dean to go through all the lighting set-ups to demonstrate each before they broke up in groups to begin their day of shooting.

When Dean was done we had everyone break up into four groups of three. Would we go into until the pizza arrived.

The next 4 and half hours was all shooting at the various set-ups. There was a wide range of experience in the room. Some new to studio lighting to others that are well experienced.

I talked to several of the photographers who were glad that they came to our workshop. It was a lot of fun for me to meet all the photographers, models and MUA’s. We handed out an evaluation form that I had prepared. The overall comments were very positive.

Each of us had a lighting set-up except for Scott. Scott was our do everything else that needed to be done guy. Thanks, Scott! Since we each had our own station we ran the lights, etc., but we did what the photographers requested in changing the set-up, props, etc. After we started shooting I was limited in going around taking the “Behind the Scene” shots, but I did the best I could without abandoning my station. Occasionally, I would pop over to another station next to me and take a quick shot. I really didn’t get over to Tom’s area once we started shooting

That said...these are actually “Behind the Scene” shots. They are raw images...ok just a little bit of work was done on them. All these shots were done with the available light using an ISO between 1600 to 2500. Aperture from 1.4 to 2.0 maybe 2.2 a couple times.

Since none of these shots used flash you can see the ripples in the white vinyl, the models may not be posing for any photographer, there isn’t any coloring on the backgrounds, etc.

I want to say “Thank you” to everyone involved in our first workshop from the photographers, the models and the MUA’s. Without all of you this workshop wouldn’t had been that much fun or possible!!

I mentioned the MUA’s earlier. Here are the models:


Amy Stine Model Mayhem (MM) # 1375679

Justina Ann MM # 1048676

Lucy Ford MM # 1954368

Malayza Man MM # 1111073

Nicole Lynn MM # 1845946

Shellyfae MM # 1643212

Alisa Kiepki


Again, thank you to all!!!


I hope you enjoy looking at the images from “Behind the Scene”

Second Street Photography Studios / “Behind the Scene” Gallery (Part 1, 2 and 3)

Photos Part 1 : This group of images are of the models and MUA”s

Photos Part 2 : These are the start of the workshop and Dean instructing

Photos Part 3 : The shooting begins


Chuck

Chuck Ryan Photography

Charles W. Ryan II

Chuck Ryan Photography

CIIcanoe Blog

Second Street Photography Studios

Friday, February 25, 2011

Sena Ehrhardt Band Poster

Here is the new poster I put together for the Sena Ehrhardt Band. Earlier today I sent her the image so she could put up on both her Sena Ehrhardt Band and Sena Ehrhardt Facebook sites. Need to check out the comments by going to her FB pages.

She tagged me so it's also on my personal page. Charles W. Ryan II


Chuck Ryan Photography

Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting Workshop

Tomorrow, 02-26-11, is our Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting workshop at our studio. Tonight we'll be setting up the different shooting locations within the studio as well as all the lighting. There are 12 confirmed photographers, eight models and 4 MUA's (make-up artist). It should be a fun day!

Here is the description of the workshop:

On February 26, the Second Street Photography Studios partners are pleased to host a Fashion and Glamour Studio Lighting Workshop presented by well known local photographer Dean Johnson.

Dean is an instructor with SuperShoots Photography Workshops (Supershoots.com). His work has been published in numerous magazines including Maxim, Blender, Playboy, Maxim's Hometown Hotties, Teeze Magazine, Miami Magazine and MotorXRacing. Some of Dean's extensive work can be seen on:

SuperShoots -
www.supershoots.net/portfolio.cfm?ID-165
Model Mayhem -
www.modelmayhem.com/360679

During the first portion of the workshop Dean will explain how to pose the model and the proper lighting techniques to achieve the desired effect. He will tell you why you do something and not just how to do it. During the second portion of the workshop you will have ample time to photograph and practice these new techniques with experienced models.

The workshop includes:
-Personal, hands-on assistance from Dean
-Models with makeup and hair done by professional make up artists
-Several unique shooting bays and lighting arrangements including the all important high key cyc wall
-Studio lights with wireless triggers will be provided for each shooting bay. (You don't have to bring your own lights; just your camera.) NOTE: If your camera requires a special hot shoe adapter, please bring it with you to the workshop so you can use the wireless triggers.
-A working lunch and beverages

The number of participants will be limited in order to give everyone time to shoot in each of the shooting areas and work with the models. The all inclusive cost for this workshop is $125.

Second Street Photography Studios is a 4000 square feet studio located at 2518 Second Street North, Minneapolis. The workshop will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will end around 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2011.

Questions? Please email John Magnus at: 2ndStreetPhoto@comcast.net

To sign up and attend this workshop:

Go to
sites.google.com/site/2ndstreetphoto/home/events
Click on the "Add To Cart" button and submit your payment and registration.

Cancellations will only be accepted two days or more in advance of the seminar and will be subject to a $15 handling fee.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Avey Brothers

On Saturday, 02-19-11, the Avey Brothers played at Wilebski's Blues Saloon. They started right at 07:30 pm and played until midnight. I enjoyed listening to them. I would have bought their CD but they said they just got back from Canada and were all sold out.







Marilyn and Kim. I had been trying to get a photo of Marilyn, but she kept running away! Why, Marilyn? Kim saw what I was trying to do and captured her. You can tell by Marilyn's expression she was very happy to have her photo taken. Thank you for the cooperation. :)
Many of you may think this the back of Kim from my other images like this, but her name was Kathleen. I had never seen her at Wilebski's before. She came down with two other ladies from north of the Twin Cities.


More Photos

Chuck

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Kimberlie Gilbertson's Custom Guitar Straps "Vintage Guitar Magazine" Ad

Late last year Kimberlie Gilbertson's wanted to use one of my photos that I took of Mark "Good Time Willy" Williams wearing one of her custom guitar straps for an ad in Vintage Guitar.

She said it was going to be in the February 2011 issue. She also said she was going to run it in the March issue, too. Well, I didn't find a copy of the February issue.

I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday when I ran across the March issue. I opened it up and there was her ad.

I wrote a short blog post earlier with some links. You can read it here.



Chuck

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

One photo...three different looks

Sharee Buell...



Chuck Ryan Photography

Sharee & Kim Buell and I....

Here are a couple more images of Sharee Buell from our last minute photo shoot on Sunday. I was talked into handing over my camera to Kim, Sharee's mother, to take a photo of Sharee and I. Then, of course, it was time for Sharee to take a photo of her mom and I.






Sharee Buell Blog Post


Chuck

Monday, February 21, 2011

Sena Ehrhardt Band at Neumann's

Last Friday night, 02-18-11, I drove over to Neumann’s Bar to see the Sena Ehrhardt Band. If you’ve been to Neumann’s you know how small the area where the band plays. Let’s say it’s a challenge for a photographer.


Sena had been sick all week and her voice was giving her some problems tonight. The band helped her out as much as they could trying to keep her singing to a minimum toward the end.


There was one point I was standing near Ed, Sena’s father, playing his guitar, when I saw Sena drop her head and then look at him. She whispered, “What are you doing?” with a big smile.


Sena Ehrhardt Band will be back at Wilebski’s on Saturday, March 5th. Everyone should come out to see them play. They will also be up in Duluth at the Bayfront Blues Festival in August. I plan to be at the festival all three days. Should be another good time.


Sena Ehrhardt Band












More Photos

Chuck

Sharee Buell

Yesterday, 02-20-11, I had a scheduled model shoot with two models that was scheduled a couple weeks ago. One of the models confirmed with me via FB what I was charging them, again.

I went to the studio and began setting up. It wasn't snowing when I arrived, but it we were supposed to get a lot of snow. Well, the time for the models to arrive and went without a phone call. I waited enough time before I decided to move onto plan B. I called my friend, Kim Buell, to see if her daughter, Sharee, was home.

A month or two ago I offered to photograph Sharee at my studio. I left a message, since no one was home. Well, actually I found out that Sharee was still sleeping. Anyways, Kim called me back so she put Sharee on the phone. She agreed to come to the studio.

Since there were snow storm warnings Kim drove her to the studio and stayed or an hour or so. Sharee stayed for a couple more hours before I drove her back home.

I got to try a couple different things. Some worked and some didn't. I want to say "Thank You" to Sharee for filling in at the last minute.







More Photos

I photographed Sharee recently at "open Mic" at Wilebski's Blues Saloon.



I couldn't figure out how to post a video of Sharee singing one of her songs to this post. I will post this link to FB and a video is the post after this one.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Second Street Photography Studios

Shortly after we moved into our new studio last fall we needed to make another decision. Should we stay or should we go....When we moved in we rented 1,800 square feet with the option of using an additional 7,000 sq. ft. The owner found another renter who wanted our original 1,800 sq ft area plus another 3,000 sq ft that we were using.

We decided to sign a 2 year lease after the owner said he would make some improvements to the 4,000 sq. ft. area that we would call our studio. During most of December we were displaced until just about the first of January.

Here our some images of our studio as it looks today. We still have a few things to do, but it's functional.


The doors were finished a couple days ago.

16' x 30" white vinyl background
























A few of my images...



Second Street Photography Studios