We started off our headshot photoshoot with Chicago Fitness Model Isaac McKinley doing a 4 light look that was a mix of hard and soft light modifiers on Profoto D1 Air 500 Monolights. The main light was a hard source created by a CheetahStand 48″ RiceBowl RB-120 Deep Para with their Chopstick zooming rod.
When I received a Photek Softlighter II for Christmas in 2015, it quickly became one of my most treasured tools. I first became aware of this miraculous modifier when I discovered my favorite photographer, Art Streiber’s work on Instagram and I noticed him using a ten sided umbrella while shooting Placido Domingo for Vanity Fair. I loved the way it looked and rather than just asking him in a comment what he was using, I went on a day long journey to find it and once I did I never looked back.
I met Chicago Actor and Model Amir Y while doing a photoshoot for another client, which will be released soon. He was so wonderful to work with that I asked him if he would be willing to do a actor headshot test shoot and thankfully for me, he said yes. The shoot wouldn’t have been a success without the hard work of stylist Isaac King.
For the third year in a row the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Team To End AIDS (T2) hired me to photograph their major sports competitions. The resulting lifestyle images have been used in their advertising and fund raising ad campaigns.
A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure and honor of spending the lunch hour chatting with Simeon Hendrix, and recording an interview for his Steady Focused web series. Which covers photography, filmmaking, lighting, lenses, cameras, etc…. discussing how to identify weak points, overcome struggles, how to succeed and how to live a fulfilled life. Their most important rule is to work hard, love yourself and have fun!
