It was a few months back when I travelled to the US to shoot the images for the Sierra and Canyon models for GMC. (You may remember the BTS blog about ‘technological warfare’ as we pondered on wether our tech was being used against us!) The weather was glorious, just what you’d hope for when shooting stateside, yet despite the images the reality didn’t quite live up to the perception.
I’ve been told, many times, that my job must be glamourous, exciting, intriguing…and sometimes it’s true. I’m never going to berate my job as I love to live it every day, although it’s been a bit of luck, and a lot of hard work that’s landed me here. Shooting shiny new cars in unusual locations with the ultimate in latest photography equipment? Playing with a bit of CGI and mixing with some of ‘Adlands’ best while gaining recognition for a job well done. What’s not to love?
I’ve had a crew following me for a bit now who shoot the behind the scenes life of a photographer and they’ve seen the other side. The side not many see when they look at the images and read the tweets. I must be a sucker for punishment because I love the other side too. I love a photographic challenge, a puzzle to solve or just good old fashioned hard work, so long as there is a great result at the end of it.
This pickup, set to be the must have all rounder vehicle in America, was a delight to shoot. We embraced the surrealism of it that combined the sweat and tears of the work with closing bridges and Yoga poses from our producer. We absorbed the super strong sunlight, wearing hats & sunglasses trying to stay cool and pieced together covers and shades to keep the camera kit & computers from overheating.
For those with the perception that I sat on the bridge with my camera kit, cold beer in hand while being wafted with palm leaves, please join us on the next jaunt. You can take over from one of the runners and be the one to transport all the equipment and scout camps for snakes. We’d love that 😉
In all seriousness, the heat did work in our favour as the effect of the light on the surroundings and the arches of this unique bridge brought the opportunity to work some great compositions. It is quite a unique experience to have an empty road bridge to yourself while on foot – those arches really are impressive the closer you get. Next time, maybe I’ll take some Yoga gear too for a bit of meditation on location when the heat gets too much!
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