Interning and Shooting

I had an opportunity to do my first shoot at IMSTEPF studios . I was asked to come up with three donut stories.

I was expected to pre produce, plan, shop, style, prop, and have something to contribute at a pre pro meeting about the donut story shoot, only the night before our multiple set shoot.

We had long pre production meeting about existing "donut stories". We talked the direction we'd like to go as collaborative group.

Our goal is to produce a finished body of work we could string together that has cohesion.

Initially, the whole thing seemed easy enough. My first shoot went..well..I guess I could say it went by too fast.

Some setbacks were learning how to use a few new pieces of equipment; styling the food itself; which is a pain, and getting my set together all for my first time.

I've done it before.. at school and independent projects. But this is a commercial studio; during my internship. This was a bit much to manage, juggle, toggle, organize, prioritize, and think about thoroughly. This was an equation with lots of variables that ran overtime.

In conclusion, I loved the idea of Bacon donuts! My star for this shoot and shot #1 out of the starting gate. Piece of CAKE,.. well donut. Wayyy ... way more difficult than it sounded. WHY?? I did not anticipate some details. For example, the bacon is dark and much darker than a powder white donut. Hmm... it becomes a technical lighting riddle to solve...being that that bacon is so dark in contrast to a white sugar donuts. It can be done.. just a bit more work. ahhh! Not so convenient or time saving:(

At the end of the day as well as the conclusion of my 2nd month here, it's been an amazing experience of learning, growing and expanding in the areas of anticipating, planning, projecting a vision of how I want to see the finished project, shot, and realizing a very satisfying result. There is more to come, for next update. Signing off for now: CG

IMSTEPF's new member: Intern Cristen Geller!

Recently graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography, Miss Cristen Geller couldn't be any happier to have found an internship that suits her perfectly. She a visual artist with a hunger to express her creative soul. Cristen navigated herself into the foodie village of IMSTEPF studios. Cristen expresses a passion for food photography and food culture. In addition she has a great desire to learn, grow,expand her knowledge and experience the business of food photography. Her interest in FOOD, photography, the business,the work, the aspects of shooting, producing, planning, researching, and shooting are some of the things she participates in on a daily basis. Cristen shows great promise in becoming a cohesive and collaborative member of the ever evolving IMSTEPF crew. Born on the east coast, Miss Cristen then eventually moved to Saudi Arabia, for almost a whole decade. She currently resides in the incredible city of Angeles. Imstepf Studios is her current nest. WE are her LA family: a village of creatives and collaborators who she shares yummy treats. Together WE toast to all the sumptuousness of shooting, living, love, and laughs. Hats off to Miss Cristen!

Evan Saunders Joins IMSTEPF team!

Newsflash++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to the IMSTEPF crew Evan Saunders … Intern extraordinaire!! Last week was Evan’s introduction to the studio.. and we are so pleased to have him on set. We love, like, appreciate, we are into his wholesome Pennsylvania vibe. Evan is a superb team player and a shining soul– as in sparkly, strong, sweet, super duper cool. What a treat to have him reorganize the prop shop, like having grandma bake brownies for the weekend. He’s a machine, a well maintained, in check up to date mechanism!! Excellent Attention to detail, he is focused, clear and efficient with time. This makes Evan an ideal match for the IMSTEPF crew. We think he will gel with the IMSTEPF standards of high quality in pursuit of maximum efficiency with minimum output.We WILL provide more updates on Evans progress as the events unfold. Your fans at IMSTEPF studios!