In this post we’re featuring a full set of 59 image from a photo shot by the team at Crudo Visual along with some commentary giving some behind the scenes information on the concept and how it was achieved (below the images). I hope you enjoy this type of post!
– Darren
TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY.
Dissecting the photo shoot “No Originality”.
Rodrigo Rey del Castillo, Producer.
THE PROJECT.
“NO ORIGINALITY” is a project that Crudo Visual ( www.crudovisual.com) did in collaboration with local photographer Alejandro Renteria and fashion designer Azucar. For this particular project we wanted to do something different, more than just showing Azucar’s new collection, we wanted to tell a story. A story that would resemble this new collection, different, colorful, somewhat elegant yet, casual for everyday use.
THE SETUP.
For this particular piece, we used actors instead of models, because we wanted to really be able to express emotions and develop character. The locations we selected were on the outskirts of the city of Miami; we wanted dust, long dirt roads, we wanted to stay away from beautiful skylines, amazing beaches, crazy nightlife and show a different side of Miami. Once again, this project needed to be different from what people are used to seeing when it comes to fashion photography.
THE SHOOT.
One of my main concerns was the safety of the photographer and assistants while doing the driving shots. These shots of the three individuals riding the blue Land Rover, were shot from another moving vehicle in front of it. The lead vehicle was rigged with lights, safety harnesses for the photographer and assistant, and radio communication between both vehicles for cues. In these kinds of setups, safety meetings are required. It only takes minutes, but helps keep everyone safe and injury free.
One important factor that we had to keep in mind was the sun’s position, making sure we got the sun light we needed on every location. We scheduled four setups on the three different locations. Even though some lighting was used, we utilized all the natural light we could.
Alejandro Renteria, photographer.
“The concept behind No Originality began as just an artistic expression of my amusement and acknowledgment of life’s inescapable cliches: machismo, religion, greed, heroism, and love. No matter what it is, it’s all been done before. However, when asked to really inspect the inspiration of it all, I had subconsciously pulled experiences from my own life to come up with the piece. It is only in retrospect that I am able to draw the comparison. Basically, you’ve got a guy who’s trying to find his way in life, and the one thing he knows for sure is that time is running out. Along his journey, he meets a woman who is off limits, and he goes for it in anyway. The situation gets worst, and he finds himself trying to find himself again. So he turns to religion for guidance. Once again, he realizes this is not what he truly wants for himself. He continues on once more and finally finds the hottest mamacita in all the land…. and she needs him. So just like in fairy tales ,they live happily ever after.– no originality!”
I’m always trying to convey a story in each of my photographs, and that was the main focus of this project. My photography background comes from studio work; so, when first approached for this project I sat down and wrote a script with detailed frames so I could recreate them later on set. I knew I was not going to have the same control I am used to in the studio environment. Preparation was the key point to make “No originality” a one day shoot. We had four scenes/setups: “The Walk,” “The Ride,” “The Rooster,” and “The Girl.” Each having subtle different color schemes, allowing them to have unique feelings as well as helping separate each chapter. Being shot in different locations and forcing us to work with consistently moving sun light. For “the Girl” section being almost nonexistent, having to use very low shutter speed and a lot of flash power with CTO to make that golden/orange feeling.
Nikon D300 with Sigma lenses?
Hasselblad 501 with Carl Zeiss
The project was a success and the first one of many collaborations with fashion designer Azucar.
Crudo Visual – www.crudovisual.com.
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