Motion Workshop Styled Shoots

Now that you know what it's all about (catch up if you don't!) ... we are going to get knee-deep in storyboarding and art directing here.

First is the vision. The mood. This is the place I start and then Alex translates this through styling and art direction on Pinterest.  Wait, WHAT? The best way I can describe this, is basically that Alex translates the vision I have of the character and mood by pinning images that match that and provide inspiration. I'll also pin a few things that stand out to me as I think about filming and the storyline.

After this, Alex pulls clothing and props and basically translates our vision board into reality, including finding the model that suits the look. After having worked together so much - Alex knows exactly what kind elements work best for motion - especially my style of filming.

There were multiple styled shoots (did I mention Alex Evjen is a beast?!) but I'm only going to focus on a few so I don't overwhelm you with content.

The bride: I have personally always wanted to set up a shoot with a very haunting, bohemian feel - something that isn't so typical for bridal shoots. I knew this would push some of my attendees out of their comfort zone, and I was okay with that :) Here's a look at the board Alex curated for this look:

I was DYING. I could swim in this style ALL DAY.  One of Alex's clients, Fame & Partners, became one of the workshop sponsors and sent us a gown specifically for this look. If you go on their website, they actually have videos on some of the dresses so you can see it in motion. GENIUS, right?! As soon as we saw a clip of the dress with movement, we knew that was the one.

Alex took into account the space the attendees were shooting in and communicated some of these ideas to Hilary who was doing florals.  Every single detail from the the floral cuff on Madeleine's wrist to the florals floating in the fountain were thought about. Here is what I filmed at the workshop for this look:


Because half of my attendees were highschool senior photographers, we made sure to have 2 styled shoots catered specifically to this group.

And see what one of my attendees did in motion - BRILLIANT!!

Translated through photos:

photography by Mary Claire

I don't know what I would have done without Alex or Mary Claire.  There was a moment during lunch that I ran to the back to collect myself and the two of them were right there, full of encouragement and support.  I think that's what I'll remember most about these days - these relationships. Brainstorming, slapping on fake tattoos to instagram, pep talks, and dreaming about ways to change our industry.

What I loved most about this first workshop was watching my attendees grow and change things up by incorporating films into their business.  It truly left me speechless to see what they did after the workshop.  That's what I want to do in this industry - change the way people think of and use motion :) Let me know if you want to be a part of that!

Styling and Art Direction: AVE Styles |  Florals: Hilary Lamb |  Make-up: SN Makeup |  Hair: Miriam Kenly |  Model: Madeleine Alexandra |  Assistant: Mary Claire | Dress: Fame & Partners | Event: The Motion Workshop

The Motion Workshop

Part 2. // (see Part 1 here)

So why did I decide to hold a workshop?

I had noticed that a majority of the video workshops happening (online and off) were heavily focused on gear and aimed at very experienced videographers. This sort of left out photographers who didn't originally start their journey through video, but over the past few years have developed a serious interest in it. But it doesn't stop there because I think there's something JUST as important (sometimes even more than) gear when it comes to cinematography: human connection.
  

See, photographers have the amazing ability to have gear that can transition them from stills to video/motion instantly AND know the fundamentals of creating an image (composition, message, lighting). But, when you've been thinking in stills for years, the transition to motion isn't always easy. You are no longer capturing a single still. You are unfolding a moment from start to end. Or, you unfold a moment in an unanticipated way to heighten your viewer's interest. See, that's the kind of stuff that gets me excited. How to set a mood through motion, how to direct, how to create a character, and keeping your viewer's attention.

The Motion Workshop teaches artists the power of motion storytelling. We cover everything from filming for your brand, consistent imagery, creating value for your product, storyboarding, directing clients who aren't models, human connection, technical details, and a beautifully styled set of shoots to do hands-on filming and editing. I also have one-on-one time with each attendee to discuss their specific journey and what their current needs are to incorporate motion into their work.

Photography by Mary Claire

So that's what this is all about. A bit of my world and what I love to do :) Here's where to sign up to be on the mailing list to find out when I announce the next one: The Motion Workshop

Next, we will unfold the magic that happens in conceptualizing the styled shoots! 

Styling and Art Direction: AVE Styles |  Florals: Hilary Lamb |  Make-up: SN Makeup |  Hair: Miriam Kenly |  Model: Madeleine Alexandra |  Assistant: Mary Claire | Dress: Fame & Partners | Event: The Motion Workshop

The Motion Workshop

Part 1.

This was by far one of the most challenging things I've ever accomplished.

My heart wouldn't stop racing weeks before the workshop, knowing it was just around the corner. A moment I had been waiting for and imagining for so long. I remember back in January having a small freak out about securing a location, getting goody bags, and allllll the tiny, millions of details involved in a workshop. While lying on the couch, I told Alex on the phone "I just don't know if there's enough time for a Spring workshop." Alex then proceeded to remind me that I should start with only 2 things: Me teaching, her styling. That's it. And that's the beauty of our partnership with films - we start with what we know best. Over the next few posts, I'll share more details on what the workshop was like, but today I just wanted to share this image. Since I was teaching, I had to steal little moments to film and photograph some of the styled shoots and this one was by far the one that I resonated with the most.

There's dreaming, there's pre-visualizing, then there's execution. I start with a message - a mood - maybe a story. I partner with Alex of AVE Styles to storyboard the tangibles: what will the dress look like? How will it move? What would make sense for the model's hair? I know the characteristics and the emotion, and Alex helps me make it tangible. I'm in love with narratives and directing - so by creating that scene for the model, she can then take hold of that character and embody it. Madeleine Alexandra, this girl right here, was made for motion. Everyday, I am thankful for small dreams that turn into realities and this is what I want to keep making...

Probably one of my most favorite images.

This team. This teeeeeam. These artists have my back. It's one of those things that I don't even have to "check in" because I just KNOW they get it. I'm thankful for their killer talent:

Styling & Art Direction: AVE Styles |  Florals: Hilary Lamb |  Make-up: SN Makeup |  Hair: Miriam Kenly |  Model: Madeleine Alexandra |  Assistant: Mary Claire | Dress: Fame & Partners | Event: The Motion Workshop

Floral Edge: My Place

In the midst of the holidays winding down last year, I had a sudden urge to do a personal project. I had a specific vision in my head and I knew who would be perfect for it.

While I've seen plenty of floral crowns making rounds on social media, I'm still obsessed. However, I knew I wanted to take a different approach to it. If I take time to work on any personal projects, then the project has to be the kind of work that can't get out of my head. The kind of work I yearn to do more of, no matter how busy I may be. We should all make time for those moments...

There's nothing more inspiring than having a subject that completely embodies your vision. That would be Stephanie - who was also the make-up artist.  I contacted Alex to pull specifics for styling and we made it happen. My original plan was to go with one of Mignonne Handmade's gorgeous floral crowns - but as soon as the girls dug through my closet and found this red floral crown I made last year, they knew it was perfect for Stephanie. Not many can pull off this dramatic crown.

I mean, black lace bra, tattoos, graphic tee, and a red floral crown?  Y E S

These were shot in film...

I don't know what it is, but I completely resonate with mixing the tough and soft. The haunting with the romantic. The sketched lines with the watercolor. It's a visual that speaks to my style and I don't always get to express it. But when I do... AHHHH it feels liberating.

And getting to do this in motion? That's my dream. Speaking of motion, I made a special announcement about releasing my first Motion Workshop. Details here :) What can YOU not get out of your head? What's holding you back? What if you kept it simple? I want you to make it happen.

Deconstructing a Photo

Let's dig deep into the process of these images of Katie of La Rousse Photo. Like I said before, Katie loves movement as much as I do. I wanted these images to feel like you were swimming in between the movement.

Pre-visualize. Before you start your shoot, ask yourself what type of mood you'd like to establish with your images. If I don't have a message to tell or an emotion to establish, then I'm shooting without intention. When I DO have a message, I am finding ways to TELL YOU this message. I think about how my composition, subject movement, and light are the ways in which I communicate. It can't just be about what's in front of me. 

And behind the layers of creating the photo - before I even pick up the camera - it all starts with your subject. Honestly, what takes time in a business is to draw in the clients that resonate with your style. And I'm not talking about clients with style, I'm talking about clients that simply connect with your work emotionally. They will bring it if they believe in it. If you're not there yet, then start with friends. Take steps towards that direction. If you are consistent, I promise you will get there sooner. If you have a hard time articulating the style, hire a stylist. Alex of AVE Styles was Katie's styling consultant to prep her for her trip from LA.

You're as strong as your team.

And if it's just you (which is completely fine) then at least sit down, before the camera is in your hand, and imagine what those photos of that specific person in that specific environment could look like. Once you're there, don't force anything - but at least you will be mentally prepared to create visuals with a meaning.

A curious soul

A preview of my shoot with Katie - photographer of La Rousse Photo which means the redhead in French. I knew from our interaction that we would work great together. I mean, when someone says "red lipstick" - you pretty much have me there - BUT, on top of that, she loves movement ... the unpolished-in-between as much as I do.  At first I thought these photos were going to be for her website since she's a photographer, but right before we began our shoot, I realized Katie just wanted this experience (and the images of course).  She felt connected to my work. More than anything, Katie wanted to walk away with "something different."

And I hope that's what I gave her ;)

Content Creation for Brands

I don't know when exactly it happened during my conversation with Alex, but we used the word "original content creation." And it was one of those moments that just made you say "YES!!!" We were able to articulate specifically what our partnership was doing. The impact of our gifts used together.

Alex is a stylist. I am a cinematographer. But together, we create content to be used strategically for brands. Alex isn't just a "stylist." She is able to curate content that not only aligns with the story we want to tell, but resonates with social media (PAUSE: Curate - to collect, style, and piece together with purpose). Then I come in and shoot it with Pinterest / Social Media in mind AND with the story of the brand. That's how your content is strategic. Now, you have a purpose for the way you shoot because you have a message to tell. Alex couldn't have said it better on her blog.

Getting to work with Lone Flag was so inspiring. They are a new, retail shop with a very specific look and well defined mission statement. I get fired up when I work with brands that have a confident understanding of their style but are looking for ways to tell their story through strategic visuals. Because their shop is new, this also allowed Alex to use her Pinterest marketing and curating to draw traffic to them. More pins = more traffic = more probability someone will buy. 

Am I boring you? Cause this stuff makes my heart race :)

More importantly, helping businesses grow makes my heart race. Working with others makes my heart race. I'm so thankful to see how this evolves using the gifts that God said "yep, this one's made for Ale."

In case you missed the brand film last week, you can see it here. Thanks for following along on this journey with me :)

Lone Flag Brand Film

Let me tell you, the debate between releasing the photos AND video at the same time in my head was intense.

But in this case - I need you to see both separately.

This film is a labor of love and more specifically - a motion piece with original content creation. I know some of you have wondered what Alex of AVE Styles and I are creating together. The easiest way to understand is cinematography + art direction with a specific goal to boost brands (via campaign films, stills, and Pinterest content). And you guys. LONE FLAG. Oh-my-laaaaawd. The coolness that drips from the couple behind this retail concept is like butter. Except maybe butter made from coconut oil because they're that cool.

In all seriousness, when we first exchanged e-mails with Kelli and Sam about the story of Lone Flag - the word that was constantly used was "community." They are a brand with a focus on American made goods and they partner with other vendors that share the same mission statement. Visually, I could feel the masculine and raw elements of this brand so I really wanted to portray that and the community in motion. Alex curated a specific look for the overall feel and this is how we brought it to life...



Woooooo!! :)

Fur Vest

I have to say, the perks of shooting an editorial piece is learning some of the styling tricks. I photographed Ashley of The Shine Project for Emma Magazine's how to style a faux fur vest 3 ways and I WANT this outfit!!!

vest: Nordstrom, sweater: Gap

Including the ripped jeans. I would have never thought to pair that sweater with that fur vest. But that's what Mallory Jarvis is there for, not moi. But seriously, I was like: jeans, get on my legs please.

And that lipstick? Oh, you know I was loving that ;)

Lost in the Woods

I stepped into the bed and it immediately began rocking side to side. Woah. Can I sleep through this? The bed felt like a rocking boat, swaying in the darkness. Windows surrounded the room and roof and you could hear the rain against the glass. I thought... this is insane. In a really amazing way. And scary - because let me tell you, out in the woods - it gets DARK.

This, my friends, is the kind of cabin that my sister in law finds. I don't even know how I would begin to find a place like this. I may google "really cool cabin" but I highly doubt I would get somewhere fast with that kind of search. But I was lucky enough to join her on this little trip - for no other reason than to just hang!

So obviously when you are staying in cabins that look straight out of a storybook, one must do a photoshoot. And by one I mean moi and by photoshoot I mean the weird stuff.  

How insane is this cabin?!

Love..

I should really collect an album of the photoshoots Jasmine and I have done since I started dating her brother. I remember the first one I wore this insanely long, platinum wig that made me fairly resemble Lady Gaga. I hope we are old and gray still doing these one day. 

And what would you know - I was also in front of the lens! But those will have to come later ;)

JJ Number 8 Brand Film

I won't forget the summer of 2013. There were projects and videos that I will always look back on and know those represent the shift in my business.

This is one of those videos:



Before releasing this film, I wanted to make sure my portfolio reflected these changes - take a look!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because I don't know how else to express it :) That's it. Just gratefulness for a little more and more clarity.

Desert Rendezvous: A Motion Brand Film

 

So remember the “less chronological, more emotion and mood” films I alluded to on Monday? It’s time to dive in.

photo by Jasmine Star

It started with an idea – a desire to highlight a brand based on how it feels. Or rather, how the brand wants you (the viewer) to feel.  I imagined collaborating with a team of artists and storytelling a brand together. I’m talking plenty of planning and professional styling.

photo by Jasmine Star

And what do we do with crazy ideas?! Make them happen!  Fortunately, Jasmine Star found the idea crazy enough to believe in it. When I mentioned the idea of bringing styled shoots to life – of bringing one component of her editorial brand into a motion piece instead of a talking piece, she rocked my world with a big fat “HECK YEAH.” 

photos by Jasmine Star

Fun. This is the word that Jasmine Star said she wanted the video to feel like in order to represent her, to represent her experience.  After coming up with a concept, I placed it in Alex’s hands to translate those elements into apparel. As the art director, she selected a team of hair and make-up artists, and a prop stylist that would realize the vision. The day of the shoot Jasmine and I tag teamed with our couple, filming and photographing them in ways that told a very specific component of her brand story.  It was thrilling to be shooting alongside Jasmine and playing off of her energy.

photo by Jasmine Star

Aaaaand, well, that is where Desert Rendezvous was born. This is that piece in motion:

photo by Jasmine Star // 

Photography: Jasmine Star, Styling: AVE Styles, Prop Stylist: Misha West, The Agency AZ, SN Makeup, Hair by Kim Cornwell, Location: Jennifer Bush

The amazing team up there :) You should check out Alex's perspective as a stylist and Jasmine's perspective on this project.

As Jasmine and I drove to dinner that night, I sometimes had moments of disbelief that she was there, sitting beside me in my car. She was so good about asking me questions that forced me to verbalize what I really wanted to be doing with video. On the way to dinner that night, I said, “this is it Jasmine. This is exactly what I want to do more and more of.”  You could TOUCH the energy that day. And I believe that comes from the power of a team over the strength of just one.  That is exactly where I want to be.