so what do you do when you are given 30 minutes to make a portrait with a big exec?
1. bring help (thanks Ben)
2. prepare to really only have 10 minutes when they tell you you get 30.
3. shoot the safe stuff first
4. stay calm
5. move quickly
6. hope for the best
that's pretty much how I was able to get 5 different shots of Alan Mullaly in about 10 minutes. I was told I would get 30 minutes (after the interview ran long I had about 20 minutes) and he gave me about 10 minutes. I literally shot 35 frames total and got 5 different settings. Albeit, not all of them are my best work, all things considered, I could have only done a little better if I had more time. The most important part was to come prepared, which meant having an assistant. My brother-in-law happened to have the day off class and since the budget didn't allow for a professional assistant, he would do. I had him stand in so I could find the shots i wanted and test the lights. After an hour of setting up and figuring out what I wanted to shoot, I was taken up to the big office on the top floor. I was able get one quick shot in there after the interview ended - no lights, just a quick shot - he let me snap about 5 frames before saying "ok, let's go do something else." Then off to the lobby where I was set up to do 3 more shots. The first two were the "safe" shots with the car in the background/foreground. Then he decided to get in the car with the reporter and said "hey, lets get a few in here.." I had not planned for this so I just guessed on the exposure and prayed. I got 2 out of 5 frames that worked. Then I was able to get him infront of the softbox I had set up to get a tight portrait on white. Not something that anyone asked me to get, but it may have future sales potential with the agency I was working for. It was all a whilwind. Ironically, i don't think the photos have even run yet. They were for the Guardian (UK). Alan seemed to be very genuine and down to earth - probably why he didn't love having his photo taken... All in all, a good day. Then I drove off in my Japanese car that had been egged while i was inside (just kidding).
first shot in his office - all ambient light - luckily he had big windows. Side note: that TV in the background was not a flat screen... I guess that is how Ford has avoided bankruptcy
safe shot#1 - I liked the Israeli flag behind him
safe shot #2
another tighter one - window light worked well
in the car - his idea
last shot.
