Faces of Pfizer

We were given the job of creating inspiring portraits for Pfizer's health and well-being campaign. I wanted a bright, lively look to highlight our positive message in the fight against cancer. The lighting aimed to resemble the warmth of sunlight, but since it was cloudy, we chose to use flash to get the effect we wanted.

Key light here was the Profoto Magnum Reflector.

When it comes to portraits, I try to create a sense of direction with the lighting. The key light has to make sense, or our eyes will pick up on it as being unnatural. If there’s no window, like in the photo below, I imagine a theatrical one and light accordingly. Hair lights play a major role in creating this look. If you pay attention to movies, there’s almost always a hair light helping to separate the subject from the background. As long as I have enough grip and space, there will always be a kiss of light on the subject’s head. If there’s no hair, I do my best to make that light as soft and subtle as possible.

A special thank you to Pfizer Montreal & Brief for organizing this photoshoot.

#profoto #magnumreflector #portraits #sonyalpha

40 Shebib & Yonis for Complex Canada

After all these years, I still find it hard to sleep before a photo shoot. For some reason, I wanted to use constant lights for this shoot. I remember now! I was excited about the new Lightbridge kit I purchased not too long before this shoots. I find content light helps create more natural looking lighting. You are forced to balance the existing light. That day, I used the Aputure 600d going through a 6 x 6 frame along with a 4 x 4 white as fill. Backlight was fine with a Aputure 60d on a diffusion 3 board form Lightbridge. Ideally I would have loved to rig up an overhead hair light but, grip equipment was limited along with time.

Having your work published is always exciting for me. In this time, it’s rare to have your work printed. That would be the dream. Theres nothing like holding your work in your hands. Regardless, it’s a nice feeling to have work published on a website that has notoriety.

If I could do it again, I would have used a hazer along with some kind of spot light. I would have made it a bit more moody as well. I’ve become a big fan of high contrast images. I have to remember my limitations that day as well. The location was quite tight with gear. I had to use the 70-200 at some point. Flash may of been my friend that day for never the less, I’m always happy to try new things. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented people and this is a milestone in my career.

PC Designer Portraits

Location portraits are hands down my favorite to shoot. There is something about the challenges of balancing ambient light and flash and getting the best angle with the time given to the client that excites me. 

The one takeaway from this gig was the unending snowstorm that morning. Something people have to understand about working for yourself is that you cannot be late. There is no such thing as a sick day or even calling in sick. I have made my way to gigs through flat tires, storms, traffic and with a looming gout attack. That's right, painkillers have got me through an event that you just can't miss. Your name is on the line, and negative news travels fast. To me, clients come first, time is paramount, and I always strive to do my best with the assists provided to me. 

Enjoy this colorful collection shot for Loblaws. 

Equipment: Nikon D4 + Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 ED + Profoto B1 + Profoto Large White Umbrella + Elinchrom Rotalux 69" Octabank

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