Pro photographer Nathan D’Amour reveals how
to run a successful studio shoot and tests the Phase One IQ180 in the process.
Nathan D’Amour has established himself as
one of the UK’s leading event photographers. He is self-taught and describes
his style as cutting edge and innovative. He says, ‘it’s all about capturing
the energy and drama of a situation.’ Now entering a new phase of development,
Nathan is applying his skills and techniques to fashion photography: ‘Fashion
appeals to me as it’s about freedom of expression, an excuse to experiment and
be extravagant.’ He says, ‘it’s a world where visually anything is possible and
limited only by imagination.’
Phase One IQ180
Planning for the shoot
Welcome to an insight into one of my
fashion shoots. The purpose of this shoot was to put on test the IQ180, Phase
One’s flagship 80 megapixel digital back.
I have a good working relationship with my
Phase One dealer so I’m always keeping him up to date with my activities. I
mentioned I was in the process of organising some fashion test shoots and he
suggested I should try out the new IQ180 digital back. Well of course I jumped
at this dream opportunity, while muttering the words, ‘wow, are you serious?’
Prior to this project, I’d been
communicating with a stylist whose work I’d seen online and been impressed
with. When I mentioned this project he was instantly enthusiastic and eagerly
suggested hair and makeup artists. He also had several models wanting to do
tests with him. He sent me links to their work. Ideas and proposals were sent
back and forth and a model was decided upon. It was agreed that everyone
involved would work on a time-for-prints basis. No money was exchanged but
everyone would stand to benefit from having full use of the final images. This
is a great way to keep the costs down and everyone’s working on equal terms and
for the love of it. Working under this agreement reduces the pressure on all
involved and creates a great working environment.
Diary of a photographer
‘Listen to your team, take suggestions
on board and be prepared to experiment’
My
first consideration for any shoot is to put together a great creative team
My first consideration for any shoot is to
put together a great creative team. This particular project involved a stylist,
hair and makeup artists and a personal assistant, all of which were easily
organised due to prior networking. Next, I took the decision to do a studio
shoot, as I’d already had the offer of using a Manchester based studio with
excellent facilities. The complex has two studios, one with an infinity curve
and one utilising natural daylight. Because of the nature of the shoot, I
thought it was something that would be worthwhile documenting, so I involved a
young talented film maker and a zealous photographer friend to record the day’s
activities.
The day before the shoot and we were
informed that our chosen model couldn’t attend due to casting commitments, so
we had to work quickly in order to find an alternative model. A replacement was
easily found, but the styling then had to be changed to accommodate her.
10.00: It’s
the big day, and although I’ve had little sleep, I’m ready and prepared for the
days’ activities. All equipment has been checked and loaded up ready for my
journey through to Slaughterhouse Studios in Manchester. On my journey to
shoots I make sure I listen to inspiring music this helps me relax and get into
a creative mood.
11.30: I am,
of course, now running late, but find that I’m first on set, giving me the
opportunity to look at the space and work out how I’m going to set up my
equipment. It’s all about priorities, which to me is having a nice cup of tea
and chatting to Ian and Sid the studio owners. I believe in good healthy
working relationships so talking is good.
12.00: My
team starts to arrive. I made the embarrassing mistake of introducing myself to
the person I believe is our make-up artist but she turns out to be our model
for the day! Not a great start, but I’m sure she saw the funny side, and it
brought about the opportunity to explain the nature of the shoot and show her
around the studio. My first job is to ensure everyone is introduced and feels
comfortable. This is vitally important as it sets the mood for the rest of the
day. So we all have a nice relaxed start and chat over coffee. It’s the perfect
opportunity to get to know each other and discuss ideas.
12.30: I
brief Ben and Elouisa who have kindly agreed to film, photograph and document
the day. They immediately set to work. I have a talk with the stylist Taheed,
discussing ideas and what we are aiming to achieve. He then briefs the rest of
the team and sets about preparing out model for her first look. Always
anticipate hair and make-up to take longer than expected. I like the whole
shoot process to be relaxed. To create great photographs you need to listen to
your team, take suggestions on board and be prepared to experiment. Everyone’s
contribution is important and should be considered. Encouraging the creative
process leads to great inspired photographs.
