Jason Christopher, LA Commercial & Fashion Photographer Bio

As a working professional fashion photographer I love to give back.  I love to share my knowledge with other photographers and help them learn and get a bit of a head start in this competitive field.  Some people think I’m crazy but it really does make sense  What you give is what you get.  Listen up guys, there will ALWAYS be someone better than you.   So instead of keeping your “secrets” which aren’t even secrets , all to yourselves, learn to share and you will be surprised how good it feels and what comes back to you.

My private one on one photo workshop with Kevin Miller was great !  Kevin came all the way out from Ohio to spend two full days with me learning and having fun shooting.   As I have said before, my private workshops are specially prepared to suit your level  and skill.  Kevin messes around with his dslr however he really wanted to get to the grit and learn the right way, learn fundamentals and learn how to work with models and put together a fashion shoot all by himself.   His particular area of interest is commercial fashion and glamor.  So the first part of day 1 started with me and Kevin only.  We went over the basics of how aperture effects shutter speed, ambient light, and the mechanics of the camera and how and why it does what it does. I went over the zone system with him which is very important.

I then went over the basics of studio lighting explaining lighting ratios and depth of field, and where to place your lights etc.  As we progressed, Kevin took diligent notes and referred back to the lighting diagrams I provide.  I showed him soft boxes, grids, reflectors, umbrellas and even gels.

It was then time to bring in the make up artist and model.  It’s very important for the photographer to have a vision for the make up and relate that to the make up artist.  When I began shooting I must admit I was intimidated to tell the make up artist what to do.  Well I soon learned that I had better tell the make up artist what to do and to let he or she know what my vision was.  Kevin listened and observed as I directed, yes directed my make up artist on how I wanted the make up to look.  A professional make up artist is used to this and will not be offended.  IF your make up artist gets offended, you pull them to the side in a calm manner and explain to them how you work.  If that doesn’t work, show them the door lol !

As the make up progressed I started to set up the lighting for  our first shot.  Kevin helped me hands on which is very beneficial so he learns as he is actually doing.  We set up a medium soft box, reflector etc.  During this period we went to check on the make up to make sure it was coming out as we planned.  The hair was now being styled and I directed my make up artist on how I wanted the hair to look.  I do this by showing tear sheets or images from the web.  I do the same with make up.

Ok so now the make up is done, the lighting is all set up so we go over to the wardrobe rack and try on clothes so we know what we will be shooting the rest of the day.  Very important part of the process.  On large jobs I have a wardrobe stylist to do all this BUT don’t you think for a second that I am not involved.  All this prep with the make up, hair and wardrobe is to show Kevin that you must be involved in every aspect of the shoot AND you the photographer have the last word OR on a large job, the art director or designer will have the last word.  Every situation is different.

Now it’s time to get down to business.  After picking out a nice outfit, I start shooting and Kevin watches and listen how I interact with the model.  From time to time I call the make up artist in to make adjustments etc.  Kevin took many many notes which was great.  After I shot it was time for Kevin to shoot. He did great. I let him do his thing and when he got stuck I helped him out like a good instructor does.

So for our first day these are the images Kevin shot. We see a great example of side lighting on the second photo.

As you can see, the styling, make up and lighting is perfect.  And let’s not forget the expression from the model.   Kevin wanted to come in tight on Nadia’s beautiful face so we shot this wonderful image.

A nice example of Rembrandt lighting.

Stay tuned for DAY 2  of my private one on one photography workshop with Kevin Miller.

Please ask any questions or comment.

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