Picnic on the River: Test Shoot
September 15, 2010
I’ve been alluding to this shoot in posts for the last month or so, and finally…here it is! Early this summer I was inspired to really push my work in directions that I wanted to go in, so I started brainstorming shoots that I would love to do. The idea was twofold: to come up with assignments that I would LOVE to get paid to do and shoot them, and to do these assignments 100% my way, to build my portfolio work that not only represented my ability to photograph, but the style and look that I love to work with personally.
I set the shoot up as a lifestyle fashion shoot out on a river…the concept was pulling from several brands that I like (photography wise) such as Anthropologie and Free People, but with my personal approach to shooting. I, once again, had an AMAZING team come together to make this possible…Hair, makeup, wardrobe, models and assistant…all of them made this shoot fantastic and I couldn’t say enough about how great they were to work with. We’re already scheming a few more test ideas for the fall! Until these two shoots I didn’t quite understand the importance of a styling team for commercial work (my experience with it was limited), but it’s been amazing to see how much of a difference it makes having specific people specialize and come together to work with you on making the shoot look perfect. It’s such a fun thing and really can take a good shoot and turn it great with just the attention to detail that you get from 3 more sets of eyes each focused on their part.
Styling: Megan LaRussa
Make Up: Jackie Robinson
Hair: Tori Doss
Models: Katie Johnston and Zach Williams
Assistant: Jonathan Wade
Location: Jemison Park
Technical info for you photogs:
Shot at 5ish PM all natural light (used a scrim on a few of the shots). Kodak 400NC pushed to 800 (over exposed by about a stop) on my mamiya 645 afd with 80mm f2.8 lens (almost all shot around f4.

















Woah; when did you post these? By far–my favorite post yet. This is quality work here. I am just inspired!
Chris Breedlove
September 15, 2010
Thanks Chris! Just posted it a few moments ago…so happy with this shoot. Can’t wait to do more!
stephen
September 15, 2010
Curious though, reading back over your technical info, you mention: Kodak 400NC pushed to 800 (over exposed by about a stop). Did you push the film in developing or the original exposure? I guess I am thinking, if you ‘push’ to 800, wouldn’t that underexpose? Just curious is all, because I love this gallery.
Chris Breedlove
September 15, 2010
I had the lab push the film in processing to 800 but when I shot it I set my handheld meter to 640 and metered the shadows.
stephen
September 15, 2010
LOVE this…one day, when I finally get ready for some portraits of John & I…this is the location!
Hannah Pruitt
September 15, 2010
Just a’s expected, these are fantastic, Stephen! I’ve been brainstorming ideas for the same PBing goal you talk about. I have an e-session coming up that wants an “Autumn Picnic” theme and this shoot was majorly inspiring! Well executed, for sure. Keep it up!
Jaclyn Michele
September 15, 2010
thanks Jaclyn! can’t wait to see that shoot you have coming up!
stephen
September 15, 2010
Wow. These are stunning. Such a sweet tone. I adore the color and expressions. Amazing job!
Jen Otchy
September 16, 2010
LOVE THIS! I’ve been wanting to get some stylized shoot ideas going too, this inspires me to get on it!
ronnie
September 16, 2010
Thanks Ronni! It’s a lot of fun, especially when you have total creative control over it…have fun!
stephen
September 17, 2010
Thanks Jen!
stephen
September 17, 2010
WOW!!!! Those are fantastic! The next time you’re in this part of the world, please let Kate or Zach know. My wife and I would love to meet you.
Jim
Jim Johnston
September 20, 2010
[...] and we couldn’t be more exited about our photography! Jessi and I had been preparing for my River Test Shoot so we had 2 great things going for us coming up to our shoot: Ideas (digging the [...]
My Engagements! | Stephen Devries Chronicles
September 22, 2010
How did I not comment on this before? I absolutely adore this shoot! You did an incredible job on this. Stunning, really. (Amazing styling & gorgeous couple, too!)
Laura Reaux
September 24, 2010
Stephen, those are flippin’ sweet! Very well done on the light – they look amazing! Jackie has been singing your praises:)
David
July 8, 2011