scrapbook: jun'25
Recap from June and some photos on the Contax T2 + Yashica T4.
Hope everyone is doing well. This month was summed up mostly with NYC shoots, a Palm Springs trip, and some other one off personal projects including one for Canyon Coffee. I’ll try to keep the text to a minimum so let’s get into it.
NYC Test Shoots
I know I sound like a broken record talking about New York but I think the point of changing your surroundings is so valuable, especially for just the sake of taking photos of something new.
I was happy to also carve out time for two test shoots ( with one of the local agencies, W360 Management. Planning a test shoot in NYC always felt intimidating—no car for gear, limited spots to change wardrobe or do makeup, and chasing good light in unfamiliar places. Anyways, it worked out and I ended up shooting the first one with the help of a friend, Tessa, who assisted with wardrobe, and the other one was just me.
It was refreshing to go the simplistic route with these tests where the models met us at the location and ready to go (i.e. Soho and Tribeca). I had location scouted the areas days before so it really helped the flow of the shoot. It’s a fun way to connect with new models and try something different..in this case it was experimenting with new backdrops/surroundings of the city. Here’s the two mood boards I sent to the agency/model:
Palm Springs: Golden Hour and Underexposing Lessons
Next up was the Palm Springs trip, which was for a hotel, but also snuck a couple personal shots in. I’ll share more about the hotel another time..it all went well, but dinging myself for underexposing a few of the interior shots on the Pentax/Mamiya. Going forward, I’m metering Portra 400 at 200 if I’m working with softer/dimmer light indoors.
On a separate note, if anyone gets the chance to shoot in Palm Springs, I recommend waking up for sunrise to shoot with how the angle of the sun rises/sets out there. You get a clean burst of light in the morning while the sun dips behind the mountains in the evening. Both are great but different. Also, if you’re into architecture, check out the historic Bank of America and Coachella Valley Savings & Loan locations downtown on Palm Canyon..you won’t be disappointed..
What was your most memorable shoot of the summer so far? Would love to hear what you guys are working on.
That’s all for this week.
-Kendall