This post could also be titled, “Working for the Man.” But not because it was some sort of sellout thing. It was just a “client” operation. For my part, I did not have much creative control beyond getting the lens in the right place. The models were picked, the wardrobe was decided upon, and the coffee came from Starbucks. (I have nothing against Starbucks per se, but if you are in Portland, maybe get some Stumptown?)

The shoot was for a t-shirt company that focuses on yoga lifestyle designs, but also has some other random graphics. The owner/designer Gabriel is totally a great dude and our meeting about the shoot went really well. Obviously for a “commercial shoot” like this, you will definitely want to meet with your client beforehand to be sure that you’re thinking along the same lines for style and possible shot setups.

As I mentioned, I hadn’t seen the models before I showed up at our location (under the Morrison Bridge again), so I had no idea what to expect. And it was probably better that way. Our model break down went like this:

We had the “I’m a male model” guy.

We had the “I have one look” guy.

We had the “petite chick that got stuck with the men’s medium” chick.

All three were super nice (and good sports), but it felt just a little random. And honestly, I felt bad for the gal, Dusty, she tried really hard to get some good stuff, but she’s a tiny little thing, and a men’s medium absolutely absorbs her. As for the two dudes, “male model” guy really got into it and was super helpful keeping the energy up. And that was good, cause “one look” guy was pretty mellow (and not like yellow, nor like the NBA’s leading scorer).

All-in-all though, we had a good time. It was freezing cold and Gabriel hooked us up with piping hot coffee and some delicious pastries. And as it turned out, shooting Gabriel ended up providing the best shots of the day. At that point I put together something that really made sense to me.

TIP: When your model really buys in to the concept, you are the winner. That’s right, winner. Because Gabriel was emotionally and financially invested in the project, he was willing to really get going on the shoot. The others, though compensated with some coffee and donuts, didn’t really have the same motivation. I have noticed this since this shoot—believing in the concept really shows through. Oh, and by the way, don’t discount the idea that you, as the photographer, should be bought in as well. If you fail to find a fire for the shoot, your photographs will show it (another lesson I have had to remember since).

Here are a few more shots from the Identity:Me shoot. If you dig the shirts, check them out online!