I was in Miami for Ultra/Miami Music Week this past weekend, Thursday through Sunday to be exact. Last week was the official launch of SonicTee.com worldwide. My business partner and I thought it would be perfect to celebrate the launch down in Miami along with friends, as well as doing some promoting. We hit many spots in Miami and we had an amazing time doing it. You might spot us in Orlando this week also, so be on the lookout.
Sonic Tee is an Electroluminescent shirt which has a unique design wired to the shirt. Not only do the shirts light up, but they actually light up to the sound of the music. The shirts have a frequency sensor built in, which captures audio frequencies within range, enabling the sound bars to light up according to the actual music being played. We currently have over 140 pre-made designs readily available on the site, the largest of its kind and more to come. We also work with businesses who want their own custom logo done with it’s own Electroluminescent wiring. What makes the shirt also stand out is the fact that it is machine washable. The wiring board is attached to the shirt via Velcro. All you have to do is remove detach the Velcro strip and you are ready to wash your shirt. You can read more about Sonic Tee on the Facebook page.
To really understand the full effect of these shirts at night, you need to see a video. So while in Miami we shot a quick sample video of our Sonic Tees at Cameo Nightclub in Miami. I’m the one rocking the Sunglasses Tee and my business partner is rocking the logo Tee. You can see the full effect of these tees at night.
This publication of RM Talk is with a Photographer I learned about while doing some research on Video Reels. This was back when ReelModels.com was still in early beta. I reviewed many different Video Reels, including some that I found with Ford Models. Suddenly, I saw the best and most impressive Model Video Reel I had ever come across, it was the Video Reel for Model Anna Knight. There wasn’t and still isn’t anything like it today. Shot in full HD, very cinematic, creative art direction and amazing use of stills. This video blows any other reel out there. I present to you Michael Allen Photography.
My favorite gear today is the Canon 5d MarkII HDDSLR. I keep 2 Canon 5d’s in my gear bag along with a Canon 50mm 1.2 prime lens,
a Canon 15mm Fisheye, a Canon 24-105mm IS lens, A Canon 70-200 IS lens, and a Canon 85mm 1.2 prime lens. 3 Canon
580 ex flash units with pocket wizards.
First off, how did you learn photography, did you go to school for it or is it something you just picked up on your own?
I picked up my first camera as a kid, and have been shooting ever since. I’ve always had artistic talent and took college courses in art, but most of what I know of photography and cinema I learned on the job. I landed jobs in production studios early in my career, and even spent a few years managing a video production studio, where I worked more in video than I did photography, but I always kept a camera by my side and shot when I could. In the past 15 years I’ve had my own studio and I attended as many hands on workshops as I could. I still love to go to national level workshops and continue to learn. I like the term “lifelong learner’ and love to hear what others have to say. I try to go online at least a few times a month and watch educational videos to continually sharpen my skills.
What is in your equipment toolbox: cameras, lenses etc…?
My favorite gear today is the Canon 5d MarkII HDDSLR. I keep 2 Canon 5d’s in my gear bag along with a Canon 50mm 1.2 prime lens, a Canon 15mm Fisheye, a Canon 24-105mm IS lens, A Canon 70-200 IS lens, and a Canon 85mm 1.2 prime lens. 3 Canon 580 ex flash units with pocket wizards.
My accessories & lighting include:
an ionic sensor cleaner for dust removal
50″ moon ring and a ringflash
some various profoto studio flash units
a half dozen 1k fresnels
a few 4×6 California Sunbounce reflectors with c stands
I keep several tripods, a small micro dolly rail, a small portable jib, a steadytracker, and lots of various grip equipment.
I also keep a case with several Sennheiser wireless mics for audio recording. What I don’t have, I rent when I need it.
What is the most important equipment to you?
The Canon 5d Mark II is vital to me. That camera is such a workhorse, and the delivery is beautiful, brilliant, sharp images that inspire me each time I take a shot. I also love using large reflectors to modify & control light. And, I love being able to shoot video and photography on one camera.
How do you usually go about a typical end-to-end photo session?
I start a typical session with lots of planning and preparation. Depending on the budget, I like to dream big and create the shoot with a somewhat scripted storyboard like I would write for a video production. I like to shoot on location as much as possible, and scouting is vital. I keep the weather channel app on my iphone and schedule my shoots with the sky in mind. I like to know where my available light is coming from during the day, and how I can harness solar light for the shoot. Once I’ve scouted the location, I like to talk to the talent involved and give them tips on details needed for the shoot. If I’m working with a client or their art director, then I will meet with them and talk over all the details. If I’m the art director, then I like to be prepared with notes and the photography style I want to accomplish for the shoot. I will coordinate the makeup artists, hairstylists, and fashion stylist for the shoot. If I get to choose the models, I’ll dig through comp cards and try to find a unique model with a confident look in his or her portfolio. I’ll sometimes look for inspiration from other photographs, or images of art or even a movie that I like at the time. Once I have a style in mind, that dictates the lighting and look of the set. From the time the shoot begins to the time it ends, I usually feel good about the goals I’ve set and accomplished from the shoot. I then backup everything on my macbook pro and external drives, then later back in the studio I transfer my files to my mac pro tower. All my images and then proofed in Lightroom 3 and the task of post editing begins. If I’m shooting video, it’s basically the same procedures. My video clips are stored and pre-viewed in Final Cut until I’m ready to edit the project.
For the reel I created for Anna Knight, it all started as a fun dinner and drinks in a restaurant in New York. We had just finished a fashion shoot in Central Park that day. Another photographer who I work with and a good friend that lives in NY was interested in helping us style a new shoot when she came to Memphis on her next visit. We were all sitting in a bar laughing and talking about the shoot and it all came together. I love to dream big, and come up with crazy ideas that are over the top, and lots of times the budget is very limited. This was one of those self produced shoots with a minimal budget. We all wanted to come up with a high fashion style for the shoot and do it all on a dime. I started talking and said how great it would be shoot on a lear jet, next thing I know my
friend is on her cell calling her friend who happened to own a lear jet sitting in a hangar at the Memphis International Airport. I knew the hangar pretty well, and knew it would be perfect for the shoot. The next phone call she came up with a full Armani wardrobe for the model. The theme was style and travel. I had just shot Anna a couple of times earlier that year, so I called her in for the shoot. I also told her that I wanted to create a model reel for her as a sample for my portfolio. I arranged this shoot to include another photographer and I shot HD video and photos as well. This is pretty much how I go about starting and finishing a concept photo shoot.
Does anything inspire you when going into a photo session?
I do gain inspiration from other photographers, photography books, movies and the people I shoot. But like I mentioned earlier, I like to stretch myself and try new things. I have a few photographers that I follow from time to time, and like to see what they are up to. I tend to be an available light photographer, but modified light techniques to me can accomplish that style. If the available light is not in the scene where I want it, I just bounce it around until it looks like natural light. With all that said, I’ll check out other images that I like and try to gain inspiration from those images. I don’t like to copy others work, but I do like to study images and adapt my shoot concept to that particular style. There are other times that I may try to find inspiration, and simply don’t find what I’m looking for. Then I basically erase the big blackboard in my mind and try to come up with creative things that may not have been done before. When I’m photographing a scene or a person, in the back of my mind I’m thinking how it would look like as a movie frame. I ask myself how can I connect this image to another image and tell a story through a series of photographs. When I’m working with a model that is really into the session, I get even more excited. I wish more models would take acting lessons, even if they don’t plan on acting. It helps them play better in front of the camera. Some of the new models are scared to death, I don’t mind teaching them, but I’m more inspired when they turn on their switch and go for it!
What are your thoughts on Film photography vs. Digital photography and which do you prefer or use the most?
I shot film for many years, but now I’ve totally embraced digital photography. To me the challenge is how to make digital photography look like film photography. I love computer technology, after effects and the ability to manipulate an image with software. If someone handed me two cameras, one with film and one with digital, I’d likely pick up the digital camera. I love seeing the fascination of new photographers with film, and it’s definitely an experience every photographer should have.
Do you prefer shooting subjects vs. objects?
I tend to like shooting subjects, but I do enjoy both. I love to photograph a person and find ways to bring out their emotion on the photograph. It’s definitely a challenge, and some subjects make you work harder than others. I have to find ways to get them comfortable with who they are, and with me. If they are hesitant, it will show in the image. If they are not confident, it will be a much harder job on me. I do find that shooting objects has it’s own challenges. I tend to light a subject for a long time
to get the shadows and light the way I want, and at the same time, I find that lighting an object can be just as challenging.
How deep is your involvement with Indesign Creative? I know you do a lot of the photography and cinematography work, but are you also a partner in the firm or you just head a lot of the creative projects?
I actually created & head up FilmIndesign, it is my company that focuses on video/film production. Indesign Creative is a separate company run by another photographer that I met a couple of years ago. We’ve combined some of our portfolios to reach a broader market, and we share the website of Indesign Creative to show video and photography for projects that we collaborate on together.
I’m the creative director for the commercial video projects and come up with the concepts for most of the shoots. I’ve found that a lot of companies like to hire a photographer, and they hire a cinematographer separately. With my background in cinematography and photography, I feel I have a unique offering, with both photography and cinematography, but its hard to concentrate on both at the same time, so it’s good to have a working relationship with another really good photographer. I also realized that most video production companies do not have a professional photographer on staff, they end up outsourcing photography work, often the photographer and cinematographer clash with their differences in lighting and design concepts. Having a relationship with Indesign Creative comes in handy when a project calls for both cinematography and photography.
I first found out about Indesign Creative while researching Video Reels. I bumped into the HD film done for Anna Knight’s Model Portfolio. It was amazing stuff that really blew me away. I wrote a while back about Model Portfolios going to the next level, what are your thoughts on Video Reels complementing Model Portfolio’s?
I created Anna’s video reel to do just that. I think that Model Portfolios are missing something today. The combination of great professional headshots, editorial samples, and a personal interview with the model can get the model in more doors that just a typical comp card. I’ve seen a few photographers that try to make a slideshow of a models photos, but the slideshow concept fails to show the personality of the model, and typically most slideshows are not very interesting. With my film style video reels, I want to draw in the viewer in the first 15 seconds with a scene concept that says “Wow, I want to watch this!” I wanted to make a model reel that not only showed the model’s photos, but introduces the model to whomever sees it. Anna’s reel shows who she is, confident, yet approachable and real. She is very genuine in her reel, she wasn’t acting, she was being just like she might be in a live interview situation. Anna’s HD film has caught a lot of attention for her with over 55,000 views in just the last few months. It’s even helped her land background roles in several music videos with very well known recording artists like Jamie Foxx and the late Michael Jackson. I think model reels will help models get their foot in the door a lot faster than just a plain portfolio. Just a few years ago the cost for producing really great model reels was very expensive. With the new technology of a camera that shoots both photos and stunning HD video, that cost has been greatly reduced. But at the same time, it takes a great artistic concept for the reel to make it work, it can’t just be a slideshow. Models have to be willing to spend a lot more than they do for a headshot photo session.
Speaking of Anna Knight, that was the only Model Portfolio I believe showcased on the site. Have more been done as well? It will be interesting to see the various sort of creative elements that have been done and compare.
Anna’s model portfolio was the first for the website. My vision was to create this one to show models what could be offered in a model reel. I’ve had several models express interest, and I’m are working on a few new ones that I hope to have completed this summer. I want each project that I create have it’s own distinctive creative style. I’ve also been meeting with a few model and talent agencies and they agree that models and actors really need to invest in better professional level portfolios. I think it’s just a matter of time when they will be knocking down our doors to get on my list. I’ve done several other profile reels for individuals and small businesses, and those have been just as successful for helping them with their marketing goals.
Why do you think Video Reels haven’t caught on yet? I mean, the resources are there and it just seems like the obvious next logical step. I believe it enhances a Model’s ability to sell themselves and provide more expression and character than a static photo.
From what I can tell, the models, talent and agencies have not quite understood the value of a video reel quite yet. I recently did a Business Profile film for an interior designer, a potential client saw her reel, and she landed a $25,000 a year contract. I also recently did a Profile Film for a music composer, and it helped him achieve funding for his next big project in less than a month. When models realize how this could fast track their careers, they will get serious about getting a professional film reel shot. It will require some investment on the models part. Shooting a concept reel like I offer will cost more than a typical headshot session. I think using a big video production firm that focuses on $20,000 – $50,000 music videos don’t want to scale back and take on the smaller $2000 – $5000 projects like model reels.
I also think blogs like yours will help spread the word and educate both models and agencies on the value of a well produced video portfolio. I think the models that try to cut corners with the “home slideshow” won’t get in as many doors as a unique, well produced concept reel like Anna’s.
Which do you enjoy more, the Cinematography or Photography? Do you also head the Art direction for most of the short films?
I love them both, I do more photography, but I have an equal passion for cinematography. There’s a unique feeling of accomplishment when you create a film that turns heads. If a picture says a thousand words, then a film
says a million words. The creative process for cinematography is very different from photography, it sometimes takes months to shoot & edit a short film.
I do head the art direction for most my of my films, but I also love working with other producers and directors to help them achieve their vision.
What is your favorite photo session and why?
That’s a tough question for a photographer. I tend to get a new favorite every year or so. I remember a quote from one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Paul McCartney, from one of his interviews a few years ago. He was asked what his favorite or best song was that he had written. He answered by saying that he still hasn’t written it yet. Wow, what an answer from one of the worlds best musicians. He said that he continues to write songs every day, and he’s continually trying to write better music, that he does not want to rest on his achievements. He is driven to always be his best. Not that I’m trying to compare myself to him, but his answer inspired me to wake up each day and set out to shoot my best photo.
After all that being said, I think my best photo session was with a couple of models I shot in the Bahamas a year or so ago. They were on location shooting for the Baltimore Ravens, and I asked them if they had time after their shoot to work with me and my team. Usually the chances of that kind of random, last minute shoot happening is impossible, but their manager was very excited about it, and set the time slot up. They were such a delight to work with, very professional, and what better place to be shooting beautiful models than in the Bahamas. The weather for the shoot was perfect, the light was amazing, and the models were excited to be doing the shoot. It was one of those shoots that was just for the fun of it, there was no particular job assignment, no set deadlines, or any pressure. I think I walked away with some of the best images of my model portfolio, and had a blast doing it.
Is there anything else exciting that you are looking forward to in this new year?
I’m glad you asked me that question, in late February I headed to one of the top 12 Destinations in the world, a little town called Seaside Florida. It happens to be where they filmed the movie, The Truman Show, with Jim Carrey and Laura Linney. This was a fashion photography shoot for a well known wedding publication, Southern Bride Magazine. I also hosted a photographers workshop along with the fashion shoot. where a half dozen photographers came to learn some of my photography techniques. I’ve brought in another successful commercial photographer that has worked many years with Southern Living Magazine that helped lead the workshop and photo shoot. The photographers learned advanced photography techniques and got a chance to shoot hands on and contribute their images to the magazine spread. I love to teach photography, and recently wrote a book called “Lifestyle Wedding Photography” for high end weddings that I use in my workshops. I plan to announce 2-3 more workshops this year geared toward commercial styles of fashion model photography.
I’m also in production now of a short film with an indie film crew that I met last year on another production. I’ve shot most all of the film now, and I’ve shot several pickup scenes for the final edit. The film is in editing for the next several months. Last week I shot a behind the scenes interview for the film trailer and I’m looking forward to seeing the film come to life. The producer has good success in some of his past short films in film festivals, and I think this one will be another success. They have asked me to shoot another film this summer, and I’ve got several small film profile projects in production now, as well as a lot of regular photo studio sessions that I book all during the year.
There you have it. I want to say a big thank you to Michael for doing this intervew. I think this has been my best and most insightful RM Talk to date. I concur, it is only a matter of time before everyone starts knocking on your door. If anyone looking for elite level work done and is in the Memphis/Nashville area, you would be making a big mistake not to get a hold of Michael and the team at Filmindesign. I look forward to staying in touch for future updates. Stay tuned for the next RM Talk.
Today I was jamming to Diddy - Dirty Money’s new Single “I Hate That You Love Me“. I love this song, I’ve had it on autoplay all day. Even better was what got my attention in the video for this song. One of the models casted in the video is rocking the Bald Head Look. This got me pondering on the whole Bald Head Look on ladies, is this slowly becoming a new sexy trend?
The Bald Head Look is definitely not for everyone and only a few people can pull it off. There is no middle ground, you will either look like a train wreck if it doesn’t work for you, or you will look even better than people with longer hair if it doeswork for you. I think the key to it is that you must have the right shape head that you can show off and you must be able to add confidence to the mix which creates that sex appeal.
It is really nice to see women in the limelight being confident in their own skin and showing it off. It seems like some videos are actually casting for that specific look these days. It just goes to show that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and looks. When you are comfortable with who you are and reflect that to the world, people feel that energy and respect you for it. So I’ve decided to include 3 of the hottest ladies rocking this trend right now:
(1) Amber Rose (2) The Model in the Diddy – Dirty Money Video. Does anyone know who this model is??…I was unable to find anything (3) Natalie Portman
See more of the video after the jump. If anyone knows the name of the Bald Headed Model, please let me know. Could not find any information on her.
Get ready world, my friends at PoE.T.s Music International are working very very hard these days in the Studio. Check out the new track just released by Jason Caesar, titled “Turn Around” featuring iNKk. This track was produced by Michael Burek. This is just a taste of what is coming. See more after the jump…
This publication of RM Talk is with a Photographer I actually found via Model Mayhem Toronto. I was breezing through photos on the MM Facebook page and saw a particular range of photos that got my attention. I kept looking at the caption for each one and noticed it was the same person. I was really impressed and thought I had to hit this dude up. I present to you Kevin Luc Photography.
Classic Canon 5D, Sigma 20mm f/1.8, Canon 50mm f/1.8, Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro with several different flashes and modifiers.
First off, how did you learn photography, did you go to school for it or is it something you just picked up on your own?
Prior to taking school at Algonquin College in Ottawa for studio portraiture, I was an automotive photographer (self taught) for several magazines.
What is in your equipment toolbox: cameras, lenses etc…?
I am currently shooting with the:
Canon 5D
Sigma 20mm f/1.8
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro with several different flashes and modifiers
This setup hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s not fancy, but it works!
What is the most important equipment to you?
I’m not too picky with equipment in general but I’m a huge fan of using my flashes! Although natural light can be nice, I love having control.
How do you usually go about a typical end-to-end photo session?
After setting up a time and date for the session with the model, makeup artist, hair stylist and wardrobe stylist, I generally setup my lighting equipment and do as many test shots as I need. After shooting the model, I upload the photos to my computer, make my selections and adjustments in Adobe Lightroom, then make any finishing touches in Adobe Photoshop. I then make a web gallery with Lightroom and submit the link to my client.
Does anything inspire you when going into a photo session?
I’m constantly being inspired by the world around me. Prior to the shoot, I like to see the model’s portfolio to see their strengths and diversity. I’ll also cycle through photos I’ve saved and check my favourites on my Flickr account as well.
What are your thoughts on Film photography vs. Digital photography and which do you prefer or use the most?
My setup is completely digital. Shooting film is still satisfying and exciting but I don’t believe there’s much place for it with today’s digital technology.
Do you prefer shooting subjects vs. objects?
Because I shot strictly automotive in the past, I feel I can make a fair comparison. I much prefer shooting people because there is two way communication and building the relationship is important for a good connection with the model to the camera. It’s also more satisfying seeing a satisfied subject with photos of theselves versus a happy car owner.
It is nice to see someone from Toronto doing their thing. Toronto is a city filled with Creatives and Arts, how do you try to distinguish yourself from the pack and has it been difficult or fairly smooth?
It is definitely difficult being in such a big city. I try to keep up with web presence through my blog, Twitter, Facebook etc. I’m always trying to get myself out there in new ways even though there are more photographers to compete with every day. I also don’t like to wait around when I don’t have shoots booked. I love shooting creatives for fun.
First of all the quality of your photography is top notch. Your work seem to look more like editorial shots for magazines, is this co-incidental or is it more of a preference, though I did notice you have done work for a few magazines?
My style has definitely always been commercial trying to keep it as clean as possible. I also try to keep retouching to a minimum so I try to do it right the first time around with my in camera composition and lighting setup.
Based on your portfolio, do you prefer more of the Fashion/Glamour photo shoots? Also do you have a team doing the makeup/wardrobe for the subjects or do the models come prepared, because everything is quite sharp and detailed?
I’m more of a fashion photographer and have barely done anyting glamour. It’s not something I’ve written off but the opportunity hasn’t arisen. I always try my best to get a full team for the shoot because I do believe it is important to work with a good crew of people who have their own specialty. It always makes my job easier and takes the load off the model as well.
You have a pretty impressive list of big name clients you have done work for, how have you been able to acquire such gigs over a short period of time?
Photography is all about networking. I’ve been lucky enough to make some good connections and make some clients in return. There are the rare times someone calls from searching on Google but for the most part, it’s all through people you know. In this industry, it helps to be a nice guy!
I noticed you have a dedicated category of photos just for the Automotive. You and I seem to share the same passion for cars. What is it about the Automobile that gets you excited and do you have a favorite Auto Session you did?
I’ve always been a huge car fan my entire life and that’s why I started photography in the first place. You generally shoot what you love. My personal favourite automotive photo is the Nissan 240SX underneath the spider at the Ottawa Art Gallery. I only had the opportunity for one photo so I quickly took it and ran back into the car! It was the perfect time of day with dramatic skies and gorgeous reflections on the car.
Overall, do you have a favorite photo session and why?
My favourite photoshoot was probably a recent one I did for Dat Salon for the salon’s entry for the L’Oreal Color competition. We shot it next to the hair salon in a defunct woodworking studio. It’s my favourite because I had a great team, location and my lighting setup turned out better than I could imagine. I generally keep lighting setups minimal but I went all out for this one.
Is there anything else exciting that you are looking forward to in this new year?
So far, I’m just keeping my old clients satisfied with new work because I think it’s important to maintain a good relationship and repeat business is great. I hope to be overwhelmed in the Spring and Summer to make 2011 the best year yet for Kevin Luc Photography!
From a car enthusiast to another car enthusiast, if money was no factor, what dream car would you acquire?
If money wasn’t a factor, I think I’d go for a Pagani Zonda. I think it’s BEAUTIFUL!
Very good pick my friend. The Zonda is not only beautiful but has one of the best sounds I have ever heard from any automobile, including Ferrari.
There you have it. If you are in the Toronto area and needing a photographer, you can’t go wrong with Kevin. Quality work, amazing Portfolio and positive energy. Stay tuned for the next RM Talk.
Happy New Year to everyone. Though I’m a little late on this one, it’s never too late…better now than never. Anyway, it’s been an already busy year with a crazy schedule, so there are many things I am looking forward to. The first few months of every New Year always bring some exciting activities. January is usually the beginning of new resolutions and goals. In the month of Feb we have black history Month and then Love day on the 14th. March is when I look forward to the Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival, even though this year for the first time in 25 years, both have split. So this year I will actually been doing UMF and have been making all plans. March also brings many other fun Spring Break activities as we roll into the Summer season. So hopefully 2011 has great things in store.
This year with RM, I’ll also try to bring you more articles and insights as time permits, especially with the RM Talk Publications, Part 3 for the Art of Shave Series etc. Wishing you all a prosperous year in advance and stay tuned for more!
For a very long time now, I’ve been trying to find a good free Audio converter to convert my M4A files to MP3. You see, I listen to a lot of Audio Podcasts downloaded via iTunes. For those familiar with iTunes, you probably already know that iTunes uses a Proprietary Audio format called M4A. I would like to carry these files with me and play anywhere, but I was unable to burn them to an Audio CD or play them on other Audio devices because of the silly format. Moreover I don’t own an iPod either. I was stuck listening to them only on my Laptop on iTunes or Quicktime, which I just thought to be ridiculous. Finally, last week I found Media.io.
Media.io is a website that allows you to convert files from most of the Audio formats to either MP3/WAV/OGG/WMA. This is all done online on the website for FREE. No fees, no registration, it is all on the fly. Even more amazing is the fact that you can also select a Bit Rate Quality and it allows for files as big as 250MB.
I have already converted a number of Podcasts that I have and am now able to play them in various places like my Phone, Car, CD etc. All you do is upload your file, select the settings you want and Media.io goes to work. Once the conversion is done, a link is provided on the screen for you to download your new file. This thing is a lifesaver! So if you are like me and have been searching for something like this for a very long time, go give this a try.
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