Royal Capture

Rafael Gallar-Esquire Mag

Russ — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:37:00 +0000

So, Sunday was part two. A story to run in I think Septembers edition. This time it was inspired by 70′s detective movies like Dirty Harry. Ryan, our model was great. Been around for a long time at this so he knew what to give. We went up to the Hollywood sign first. It was a much better day for the weather. I really felt for the Spanish folks on our first day. They had come all the way over to get sun and blue skies but it was overcast all day. Today we were all slathering on the spf 50. Much better light.

Shooting with his own Hasselblad and P30+ back and sometimes with the 5Dmk2, Rafael was getting the story from the start. We went to Bottega Louie downtown for lunch. Had the best pizza I have had in a long time. All the crew loved their lunch and the cakes. You got to try it!

So, to enjoy the after glow after a great meal, we went and shot in the stinkiest, rat infested alley we could find. This story was a ‘detective’ story so this made for a great ‘crime scene’ shot. Even the pidgeons were pooping down on us. Great shots though.

Went to Redwing Shoes as Rafa is a keen motocyclist and wanted to get some new boots. He got them and was very happy.

Next we found a dusty parking lot outside a clothing manufacturer and an abandoned Fiat X19. Body in the trunk? Rafael got the crew to kick up some dust out of shot for atmosphere. Glad the camera was his and not rented!!

As the night fell, we got 3 more shots in and eventually got back to base by around 9pm.

Been a long couple of days but were allot of fun.

Great to meet cool new people. Hope to see them again soon.

Rafael Gallar-Spanish-Esquire-Mag

Russ — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:10:30 +0000

This past weekend I met up with another crew in from Spain. Madrid this time, even though the photographer was from Calpe, 20 minutes from where my Folks live. Rafael Gallar was so easy going and a blast to work with. He came over with the director of fashion for Esquire and another from the parent company, stylist and her assistant, so small crew moving around Hollywood and Downtown. Lunch at Lemonade on Beverly. Chicken curry.

First day was for a story inspired by American Gigolo. They were staying at the Standard (can’t figure out how to write that upside down) Hotel and we did our first shots there and moved onto the Mondrion and Rodeo Drive. Last shots were on Sunset Blvd at dusk using car headlights and street lights as key. I really like Rafael’s style.

Always fun getting out of the Standard on a Saturday night.

Joan Allen-Sepraspray

Russ — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:24:53 +0000

If you havn’t worked with Joan, then you must. Great photographer and wonderful attitude.

Spent a couple of days with her on this ad job. I knew her assistants well so the crew banter was prime. Always a fun shoot and Joan was on form as usual.

Hot sunny days in the Santa Monica State Park can’t be bad. We shot in a location I had never been to but always wanted to. Just round the corner where they filmed M*A*S*H. Can you hear that guitar?

One of those jobs that come around and you wish you could do every week.

Marius Bugge-The Rock

Russ — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:07:12 +0000

So, never worked with Marius before but I really hope we can again. A real pleasure.

Off to Anaheim Convention Center for a 9am call. Tom from OTMFC arrived at the loading dock same time as me. I checked to see if I was late! Just kidding. Both 5 minutes early. Marius was not far behind. Stayed at a hotel 2 blocks away after flying in from NYC the night before and going straight back to LAX after the shoot. One of those.

Blinded by the carpet in the room offered to us we got stuff set up and got it done very quickly. The Rock was very professional and gave the shoot what it needed.

Tail-lights at 3pm and back at the dog park by 4:30. My puppy was glad to see me home early.

Caroline Knopf-Neiman Marcus

Russ — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:08:56 +0000

Well, we had a blast on this shoot. Ran around downtown LA for the first 12 hours shooting to laptop and my main station. No major cliches but allot of unpacking and packing up of gear. So whats new. At the end of that first day we all got in our cars and motorhomes and headed up to 29 Palms to the 29 Palms Hotel. I love it up in the High Desert and particularly this location. Arrived just in time before they closed the kitchen and bar. A really good ribeye steak if I remember and a flagon of ale.

The model missed her connection in London to get to LAX so we had a late call but we had to drive another 60 miles out to the salt flats for our second location of the day. Surreal place but fantastic for pictures. Not much wind and warm. Super.

Very tired after the 2 days and the long drive back but all went well and everyone seemed to be happy. I gave the client a drive the next morning to take back with her. Luckily they were all staying in a beach house just down the street form me in Venice. Love it when that happens!

Still picking the salt out my cart tires for a couple of days after.

Good stuff.

Robert Trachtenberg for Parade Mag-John Krasinski

Russ — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:18:21 +0000

Love working with Robert. Who doesn’t. We were at Smashy West Ho to shoot John for the cover. Nice man. Did around 5 set-ups and a cover. 2 hours. Nice. Good lunch too. P45+ on the Hassy. Always reliable (now I’ve jinxed it!). No problems though.

http://www.parade.com/table_of_content/tableOfContent.html?pubDate=03132011

Check it out.