Please Stand In

I remember fondly the days when I was assisting. The photographer would always, ALWAYS, ask me to stand in. It was just part of the job. I guess I didn't mind it too much. It's one of the reasons I have such a great record of the couple of years that I assisted. My favorite memory and image from those days documents my incredibly changing display of facial hair. In this case, in the form of a mustache. What can I say, Magnum PI was popular back in those days.

Enough about that and don't even ask because those images are safely put away in a bank vault far away.

The tables have turned and now I'm the guy asking the assistants to please stand in. Usually they are receptive and even happy about it. Today's lucky stand in was Lucas Rosin. Great guy and I have to say, photographs nicely.

Thanks Lucas for taking one for the team. Or should I say, thanks for letting me take one of the team.

From the Art Director's eyes.

To keep the theme going I thought I’d post another series of images from backstage. A VIP view into the world of a location shoot and best of all, it's from the perspective of the Art Director.
A ton of work went into planning this long week of photography at 7 different locations. It all started from the first call. Tim Bogert of Bolt Creative, a friend of nearly 15 years, called with a request for a quote. One of his clients was ready to push a series of products into the world of retail. It meant new packaging and point of sale for over 25 products. Thankfully he thought of us.

After working through product scenarios, uses, target consumers, schedules, and locations that really made sense, we were ready to go. After a month of planning, we set out for one week of shooting. Collectively, we all agreed that being REAL was the way to go. Only on a few shots did we choose to bring in hired talent. The rest of the shoot, we cast the real guy that uses these tools. Man, did it really work out well.

From a fiberglass-filled boat shop to a spotless race shop and an ant-infested farm to a dusty auto body shop (to name a few), we moved with great precision. Thanks again to Rosemary, everything was timed and the shoot moved like clockwork. And at the end of the week, we all felt two things, exhaustion and an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Check out some of the images captured by Tim. Thanks, pal, for the great coverage and the incredible project.

Back Stage

This might be one of the first times I've ever posted images from behind the scenes. A couple of weeks ago, several days of production came together for a great shoot. Thanks to my amazing producer, Rosemary, the shoot went off without a hitch. There were many items to juggle, but for Rosemary it was just another day in the park. After a talent scout, dog search, location search, wardrobe shop, etc, the time finally came to put it on film. Okay, no film; but you get the idea.

With well-coordinated production and a talented art direction team, we were able to produce a really killer photo for an upcoming ad series. Thanks to everyone for your time and professionalism. Great shoot.

Have a look at a few images shot by Dustin, MCP's trusty intern.

You can call me Moose.

My first question to the wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers was, “So, is it okay to call you Moose?” His response, “Sure, my friends call me Moose.”

I have photographed many celebrities and star athletes in my long and lustrous career, but meeting and photographing Muhsin Muhammad was pretty special.

Along with other good deeds, Moose gives his name and energy to an event that benefits his foundation M2 for Kids. What an incredible guy. I think what separates us all as humans is our capacity to give.

The shoot went incredibly well. Moose and his co-star, William Snellgrove, were great sports. As you can see, authentic dodgeball attire was instrumental in pulling this all together. With no complaints at all, Moose and William donned the shorts, goofy socks, tanks, and sweat bands. Very funny!

Have a look at a few outtakes, the team at Little Red Bird, and one of the finished posters. Please go to M2 for Kids and give. Better yet, come try your luck at the 1st Annual Dodgeball Tournament in February. (Previously scheduled for Sunday, June 21.)

Sharan

Sharan told me that her father was the reason her name was spelled with two a's. She told me that her father did it so she would learn to stand up for herself and not take crap from anyone. As a father, I think that's a pretty good idea. We,as fathers, want our daughters to be strong. Tough even. We want them to succeed and be beautiful people.I met Sharan at The Light Factory Shoot Out. We were both volunteering. At first sight I thought to myself, I have to photograph this girl. She's different. Just the way she carried herself caught my eye. SO, thankfully she accepted my offer and here are some of the images.

I shot nearly 300 exposures. It was tough to narrow it down and select these but I did it with much thought. Also, I rarely release images straight out of the camera, but these have not yet been touched. I think I like them this way. Just Sharan. No retouching.

Thanks Sharan. Brilliant job.

-- Mike

When the band comes over.

My wife and I have been supporting local music for as long as we can remember. As a matter of fact, it's how we met. One of our favorite local bands is Moonshine Racers. They are really one of the best bluegrass bands around. So when I got the call from Matt, one of the members, asking me to do a new PR shot, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know that the shoot would turn into an event (nice way of saying party).

As I sat up lights and a background in my home studio, the beer and music began to flow. The tunes just kept coming. My daughters danced. My wife chimed in on vocals. And I watched with camera in hand trying to capture it all. What a GREAT night.

These are just a couple of my favorite images. Check out the real band in a dive near you.

My First, Lucy

This little child changed everything. Thank goodness. My wife and I now have two, Lucy and Ella. When I moved the studio to its new location, our house, it gave me the most wonderful gift of all. At any point I can stop what I'm doing and capture the three greatest gifts of all, my lovely wife and two incredible daughters.

I know, sounds sappy but it's true.

This past Friday I was photographing a friend for his portfolio cover as Lucy watched from behind me. She just sat there patiently and watched. She's almost 3 (August 18th). When my pal, Jeff, and I got an image that we were happy with we both said, got it. Lucy said, my turn. So, this is Lucy's shot. She's such a fantastic subject.