Journal

Monochromatic Fruit Project

Feb 22, 2021

We might think that having all options on the table would enhance creativity. The possibilities are endless! However, often the pure white blank canvas strikes fear into the creative person. The options are overwhelming and stifle any creative progress. Setting boundaries to a project and creating inside parameters is a way to increase creativity by challenging what you think might be possible.

This series is a monochromatic color study. Limiting my subjects to fruit and vegetables, limiting my colors, and limiting my props, I can strip away everything that might overpower my message. This minimalistic approach allows the simplicity of lines, colors, and shadows to come through. I want to show what’s often overlooked in a new and exciting way.

The lighting is minimal and consistent throughout the series. A large overhead soft light source, slightly from the back, is used to light the edges and separate the subject from the background. Two tall and narrow strip lights are on both sides to balance the exposure of the fruit and provide highlights for the subject to reflect, adding that touch of sparkle.

Is it possible to be creative with so many rules? This seems to be a continual theme in commercial photography. We have boundaries placed on us at every shoot, and it’s our job to make the magic happen, regardless of what the ideal situation may be. Life is never perfect, and this series is an exercise in strengthening creativity to be able to overcome those obstacles.

RMHC Mobile Dental Care

Feb 22, 2021

Planning

Planning out this shoot, I knew one of my biggest concerns would be the very tight space I would be working inside. The RMHC Care Mobile is a large Super C class RV with a few sliders, containing a complete dental care office. With all of the equipment and three dental chairs, maneuvering to place lights and take photos was indeed challenging.

Another concern was the lighting, as I could tell from other photos, inside there was going to be very warm light. (Doing a scouting day to measure the light, to be able to color correct my strobes, would have been ideal; however, because the care mobile travels, it was not in my area and was unavailable until the day of the shoot.)

Outside, the lighting would be very harsh, as this shoot was scheduled for 12:30pm, with a typical Arizona day of bright sun and no clouds.

stefanie spencer topaz photography arizona medical dentist mobile care pediatric dental

02-08_stefanie-spencer-topaz-photography_4501

Communicating with the family that I would be photographing was an important aspect of planning. Since they are not models or actors, it is good to help them feel prepared and comfortable about how I will be directing them through each scene. We also discussed their clothing, making sure it would be simple, solid colors and preferably matching the RMHC brand colors.

Part of storytelling is identifying the plot, and I plan that out using storyboarding. I want to set the stage, show the characters, and lead you through the story, creating a connection, and provide a release as the plot resolves at the end. Creating a shot list of what should be wide establishing shots, medium, and close up details helps guide the process to keep me from missing anything.

For this story, I wanted to capture the excitement of coming to the Care Mobile, the gratitude from mom for it being available, the struggle of the children being nervous, the comfort and encouragement that a mother can provide for her children, the gentle care that the doctor and nurses provide, and the joy of the children as the procedures are finished and they leave the Care Mobile.

The Shoot Day

Arriving early to familiarize myself with the location is always important. I noticed the Care Mobile was parked in a different location than I expected, so I revised my shot list and storyboard sketches accordingly. Going inside, I took a few photos to see what the white balance was and what color correcting I would need to do, so I could balance my strobes to match the available light.

When the family arrived, we went over the details of the scenes and how I would be directing them, and everyone was excited and intrigued. It’s not very often that going to a dental cleaning involves a photographer/director and strobes!

Because of the careful planning, everything during the shoot went very smoothly. I captured the entire story in an authentic way, as the feelings expressed were genuine. The kids were nervous, the mom was comforting and encouraging, and the nurses and doctors very patient and caring.

RMHC will be using these photos in their marketing materials to show the story of the Care Mobile as part of their larger mission to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families around the world.

02-08_stefanie-spencer-topaz-photography_4665

02-08_stefanie-spencer-topaz-photography_4893

Commercial Photographer Located in Southern Arizona, Specializing in Advertising & Editorial Images for Industrial and Small Business Clients

What project are you working on?

Journal

Monochromatic Fruit Project

RMHC Mobile Dental Care

Planning

The Shoot Day

Thank you! I'll be in touch!