The day started at around 1pm. My good friend Rob Ugarte gets to my place, we start by having some nice pasta to boost up our stamina, then we start packing the car. We drive up to John Abbott College and start setting up our shoot for Hip Hop band South Shore Riddim. It’s now about 3pm, Rob and I start setting up some flashes, walk around the premises to find the best angles for today’s job. We have a lot to cover: 7 band members shots plus 3 group shots! It’s a heavy load but the location is awesome! The group doesn’t come with empty hands, they have a strong concept that will unify the series: The Fraternity! They bring props to dress up the place and they have custom-made clothing with the band’s crest to play the part! Everything is set so we can have a productive day! The first group shot’s lighting is set-up but we have to wait for one of the guys who hasn’t arrived. So we start by shooting Singles shots of 2 band members. By now it’s past 4pm already! Time flies by and it is an issue as we need some ambiant light to the stained-glass windows in two of our group shots! We finally get to shoot our main shot of the band and finish just as the pizza arrives! But no time to eat just yet, Rob and I move the equipment once more to the next set-up and light it before we grab a slice. Group shot two is done by 8h30pm, the ambiant light has left us, but we’ve got what we need! Moving on to group shot number 3 and by 9pm, all we have left are the Singles shot for the remaining 5! By now, we found our pace and things are running smoothly, so we finish up and wrap up the place by 10h30pm! A long day, but a lot of good shots under our sleeve.

I’ve worked with Rob before, assisting him on his Fashion shoots, and we form yet another great duo. He was lots of help throughout the day, helping me finding the right angles, creating the lighting, providing live comments as I was shooting tethered and making my day much easier. It’s nice to know that you have so many talented people around you not only to help you but to inspire you! Same goes for the guys in the band who, throughout the shoot, came up with ideas and always had a good vibe!