Like the conventional wisdom states, you never know when a connection (bridge) will come back into use. So don’t burn them!
A friend I worked with years ago left the company we worked for to become a photographer. We didn’t communicate much for three or four years. We kept up mostly through Instagram. He had two kids, and got to travel all over, while I sat at my desk, jealous.
His words to me, somewhere along the way, went something like this: “corporate drudgery is a grind—I couldn’t do it anymore.” Ugh, right?
In the last few years, I’ve cultivated my own anti-drudge, with this blog, and with other extracurriculars (GFA).
Today, Clark and I have completed the initial set of an automotive photoshoot, with elements provided by him (model, photography production), and me (car, clothes styling).
All it took was a continued connection, a mutual appreciate of the other’s interests and skills, and the suggestion that we should put together a shoot. Because why not?
We secured a car from Reeves/Audi Tampa, through the same principle of networking. I know someone who knows someone. Score! 2015 A6 Quattro, check.
Clark reviewed models available locally and found Josh McClover through a contact at Benz Models. We both agreed he has a slick, urban look. I think he has beautiful skin. Model, check.
I put together a Pinterest board with styling ideas ahead of time, and then we went shopping on Thursday. To both our surprise, Nordstrom proved tougher to style from and find the proper sizes for our model, who is tall and slim.
We ended up at J.Crew, and dropped some cash to get the right mix of casual and polished. Their Bedford cord pants in Merlot are pretty spot-on for fall.
As it turns out, styling isn’t easy. It’s one thing to know what you like, and another to successfully execute the vision of someone else, or guess what appeal to other people.
Yesterday, we headed to the top of the Fort Brooke Garage in Downtown Tampa, which is unremarkable visually until you get to the top floor or two, where it sits affords a prime view of a handful of Tampa’s best skyscrapers.
Clark brought his assistant Fernando, and they both did a great job coming prepared, setting up and breaking down quickly, and creating a bunch of fantastic shots. I learned a lot just by observing them, and helping tweak our ‘props’ for optimal lighting, shadows, etc.
Together, all these elements made for a successful day of photography, fashion, and a sexy automobile. We were pleased.
A big thank you to Reeves/Audi Tampa for letting us borrow the car! I will be posting a separate review of the A6 in the coming weeks.
Check out a sample of the photos…the complete set will be available on Clark’s site soon.