Rangers-Inspired Costumed Shoot

The Rangers is an independent film being made this summer, by some friends of friends of mine, from which Robin and I took our inspiration this almost-spring day in March!

It's almost as if we need an excuse to dress up and play outside with swords and cameras.

April 2014 Check-in

It's April and I feel the cabin fever setting in.

As such, I have a good handful of personal and professional goals.

-Start running. Which is a terribly strange thing for me to want to do, because running hurts my joints like mad, and that generally means I hate it. I've had an itch to run recently, though, and instead of fighting it I think I will simply invest in a decent pair of shoes.
-Spring cleaning. I'm moving in a couple of months and will have less space for all the things, so I've got to start getting rid of what I don't need!
-Upgrade equipment. It's time to get ready for the shooting season, and that means getting my hands on some better glass. Super excited.
-Experiment. With photography. I want to start prisming and freelensing a bit more. I will also remember to set my damn white balance before every setup. I will, I promise.

And here's my favorite frame from this week's fun times with Robin, dressing up and playing ranger/elven swordmaiden, inspired by The Rangers, an independent film being made this summer.

More garbed shoots, please.

New Things

There's so many things that seem to be at odds right now in both my life and this business. How do I balance all the things I want to do and have to do? How can we as photographers work together to strengthen our industry? These both seem difficult tasks from my small perspective. I've heard many sides of many arguments; I've debated with myself, and people in my life, about what I am going to do next and where I'm going to go. At a certain point it all becomes too much to fit in my head.

And then I'll have a moment of clarity. 

There comes a time when what everyone else says simply doesn't matter, and that I just have to do what I know is right for me.

(Another Genre Wars promotional image.)

Genre Wars Concepts and Promos Shoot

If you follow my Facebook page, then you've seen these already... but some of the images in this post are among my absolute favorite work so far, and were begging to be blogged! I had such a blast with these people back in June and simply cannot wait for more shooting. Photographing people in costumes is one of my favorite things to do, ever.
Big shout-out to my two friends, Justin and Robin, for pulling this project up onto its feet and slapping it into shape, and also for having me in on it. They are such talented and hardworking people; the 100% dedicated, driving force behind what you see below.
Though everyone present worked hard to make this a great shoot, our makeup artists Jessica Mongeon and Felicia Douglas were an absolutely vital part of the team and all these photos simply wouldn't have turned out the same without them.
Filming for season one commences next week. Get pumped!
For more information about the Genre Wars webseries, visit their website and Facebook page, and check out this first look featurette on Youtube. Don't hesitate to contact anyone (like myself or any of the lovely people I've mentioned) if you are interested in being involved.

Please note that any weapons displayed, most of which are stage props, were handled with care and respect by all cast and crew.