Stroganoff

This past week was a return to Orbit Studio. Finishing off the Baby Catalogue has everyone stressed and jubilant at the same time. On tuesday, I played a new role, producers assistant- assistant. I got to work with Kelly Moey, (acting as the on scene producers assistant) feeding the entire target crew. We made an elaborate breakfast, followed by cleanup, preparation and setup for the lunch caterers. I didn't get into the studio until after 1:00 and only was helping on set for an hour before leaving for the day.

When I arrived at work this morning I was suprised to be met with a new "endearment." Micheal, and his assistants; Greg and Eric, have taken to calling me "Stroganoff." I was only mildly offended until they explained that while Michael had texted my name the word auto-corrected itself from stephanie to stroganoff. Now, I am answering to the title of a pasta dish. Despite the teasing name calling, I am growing fond of the individuals at Orbit, and since tomorrow concludes the project, at least until reshoots, I am grateful for the experience.

Artichoke Statuary

Last night I received a phone call from Michael. He had called to give me directions to the location for todays shoot. He also dropped the bomb that we needed to discuss on-set etiquette. I have a tendency to come off too strong, and need to learn my place when dealing with professionals. Apparently my place is not offering any sort of opinion about sets, lighting, or product styling to professionals working, and any contact with the art director is highly discouraged.

Usually this kind of criticism would irritate me and invoke brisk response. Lucky for me, I held my tongue and decided to do what I was asked, back off. When I arrived on set at 7:30 this morning, I decided to be optimistic about the situation and act in accordance to what was expected from me.

The location was a Mansion lake house in Wayzata. The shoots planned for today were all featuring a similar product, baby gates. The view and atmosphere was breathtaking, and reviving to the senses. In my tour of the house I noticed how it felt sanitary and vacant, it was hard to believe that it was actually lived in. The rooms would more accurately reflect room plans and props of a Pierre One gallery without any personal belongings evident. The dust free shelves and wide spaces appeared stripped of any personality or family, with the exception of a few formal portraits. One thing I repeatedly noticed was the absurdity of the statuary and figurines. So impersonal was this house that the centerpiece of their table was a potted pineapple plant. I noticed several depictions of this fruit around the house, it was only out-shined by the artichoke. Several statues were located on counters, shelves, and even on the patio and terrace, where they loomed like vegetable gargoyles. In addition there were plastic artichokes added to floral arrangements in peculiar vases.

Today I focused on being seen and not heard, On being available when needed, and keeping my thoughts to myself. Apparently it worked, I received no harsh criticism of my "set etiquette" only on my determination to not wear shoes (I was told to protect my feet and keep the flip-flops for a less treacherous venue). I still felt very idle and not entirely accepted, but my awkwardness is lessening. Being on location gave me a great lake view, sunshine, and fresh air to occupy me when I was not needed on set; quite preferable to a hot, crowded, studio.

I just started my second week of Interning. To recap, Last week I began working with Michael Haug on a huge commercial project. I arrived on my first day at Orbit Studio's expecting to work with Michael, an assistant or two, and maybe a couple others, but what I found was a full blown, bustling production!

Target is creating a new baby catalogue for 2011. This current project involves four photographers, a few art directors, multiple assistants, stylists, set builders, producers and producer assistants, even a child wrangler, not to mention the multiple others I can't remember right now. I was amazed at the size of such a project and the money that must go into something like this. Throughout my first day multiple children and babies were styled and switched out on set. This project is planned to last about three weeks give or take.

During my first four hours the most productive thing I managed to do was change a flash bulb, not quite what I was expecting. I was tired of standing idle and wanted to learn and be challenged with new things. By the end of the first week, I learned that my place was to stand back and silently observe. Its kind of ironic that I almost willingly am falling to the role of "woman who is seen and not heard," one I utterly despise. At least until there is some grunt work to be done rearranging sets, I need to stay out of everyones, especially the art directors, way.

Scouting

Yesterday I met with Sara Jorde. Sara is one of the first photographers that responded to my inquisitions about an internship. When we spoke last week she told me that she wasn't in the position to take on an internship but would like to meet with me anyway. During our meeting yesterday she reviewed my work and advised me to check out the asmp meeting. At the meeting I was to meet with Michael Haug, a local photographer that has many talents including fashion photography.