I shot two rolls of [Kodak 100 UC] and one roll of [Fuji Acros 100 B&W]. These were my two favorite film stocks in college.

While the Kodak 100 UC (UC stands for “Ultra Color”) is a fun and vibrant film stock – I realized that it was a bit too hot on the skin tones – especially with back-lighting. It held up okay in open shade, but I would definitely settle for a more neutral tone stock (like [Kodak Porta]) for future portrait work. I was just looking up the UC online – and apparently it’s now discontinued. I still have quite a few rolls left on 35mm AND 120 (Medium Format). I guess I better save those up for a rainy day!! (I’m assuming it got replaced by [Kodak Ektar 100] – the most comparable film stock I could find online).

[Fuji Acros 100 B&W] is my ABSOLUTE favorite B&W film stock for 35mm and Medium Format. It never fails to impress straight out of the camera – and always has the best contrast – without over stopping in the blacks. Of course I stick with my general rule of thumb to over-expose slightly, creating a rich and vibrant black and white that remains a classic for years to come.

The BEST way to pick your favorite film stock is to head to your local camera supply store (such as [Glazer's Camera] here in Seattle) – and grab a few different varieties. At one point or another I’ve tried almost every film stock Glazer’s had to offer (while in college). I spent countless hours chatting with the shop employees about each kind of film – what they were best for, and went out and experimented. When you stop by, make sure to say hi to Kevin or Eddy – they’ll take good care of you!

These images were all shot with my [Canon EOS-1V] and [Canon 85mm 1.2L] (I’ve decided to keep my 85 for a bit longer).

Check out my photographer friends who shoot film,
[Dan O'Day]
[Jonathan Canlas]
[Tanja Lippert]

Do you shoot film (full time, or on the side)? What’s your favorite film stock and why?? Leave a comment below!! XOXO

Makeup by, [Fresh Face Stace]

XOXO

Here’s what Caitlin had to say about her session, “I had such an incredible, beautiful and sunny day with Michelle! At first I was extremely nervous about getting my pictures taken because I’m so used to being behind the camera instead of in front. But Michelle completely understood and made me feel at ease with her insurance and humor. By the end of the shoot I was feeling completely comfortable and was laughing throughout my shoot. Also, Jenny did the makeup absolutely flawlessly! I’m so ecstatic with the way the photos turned out, Michelle is AWESOME!” Thanks Caitlin!!

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]
Hair, [Swink Style Bar]

All images from this post shot with the [Canon 50mm 1.0L]

Meet Ruthie!! Our SUPER awesome and energetic Senior Rep!! I LOVED hanging out with Ruthie – we had some really gorgeous light, and rocked out my newest/recently discovered shoot location. Enjoy having a peek at her session, and be sure to ask her about photos with us. Ruthie is off on a million and one fun adventures/travels this summer, and I can’t wait to hear all about them!!

Enjoy! XOXO

Here is what Ruthie had to say about her session, “I cannot even begin to describe in words how much fun i had taking pictures with Michelle. After about ten minutes of being around her i felt like a was just hanging out and having fun with an old friend! She made me feel great about myself and the pictures she was taking of me, and completely comfortable in my own skin. If you know me you may know i am quite energetic, easily distracted, and a little hyperactive, and if you do not know me take my word for it. I feel as though Michelle captured that of me in every shot. My feelings showing through in the pictures are real and caused by the great laughs me and Michelle and even Jenny, who is awesome, shared during this shoot. I had such an amazing time and loved taking my pictures and spending time with Michelle!”

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]

Up until about the end of last year, my 35mm f1.4L was my favorite go-to lens, but now I’ve found myself using my 50mm about 90% of all my Senior Portrait shoots. I think my style goes in waves, and right now I’m digging the magazine editorial quality/look and I’ve found the 50 to give me the best for what I need.

The [Canon 50mm f1.0L] is a VERY rare, and limited edition lens that was discontinued in 2000. Canon eventually released the [Canon 50mm 1.2L] which is a very popular lens among wedding and portrait photographers. Canon talks about their reasons for discontinuing production of the f1 due to sharpness issues, but I have always been in love with my lens. It is a tricky thing to master at f1.0 – but I rarely shoot at that aperture unless I’m doing a close-up beauty shot where I can focus and re-compose and make multiple exposures so I know one will be tack sharp. I mainly stick between f1.8 and f2.2 with this lens to ensure the best quality.

I would definitely recommend the [Canon 50mm 1.2L] over the Canon 50mm 1.8, but if you are just starting out and want a GREAT go-to lens, get the [Canon 50mm 1.4]. It is a great lens for starting out, but (for me personally) after about a couple of years the autofocus wore out. It’s perfect for getting started, but if you have the budget and want to invest in a lifetime piece of glass, go for the 1.2L.

Maybe one day I’ll invest in the 1.2L so I can retire the 1.0L, but if you are a collector of lenses, and want your hands on this amazing one of a kind lens, there’s one for sale at [B&H]. This lens is so rare now I NEVER see it on ebay, and this is the only one I’ve run across in quite some time. However, you can always RENT it on [Borrow Lenses] for a fun treat!

For more GEAR FAQ, please check out my [What Gear Do You Use?] post, or our [Gear Page] for ALL your gear questions!

This image below was shot with my 50mm f1.0L at f1.0 – I shoot with the [Canon 1Ds Series] which has 48 focus points, versus the 5 or so you get with a [Canon 5D]. Of course I was able to focus right on her eye, and re-compose just slightly, and took a number of frames to be sure to get one perfectly in focus.

If you have any additional questions about this post, please leave a comment below, and I’ll be sure to try and reply right in the comment section!
Thank you and have a fabulous weekend!

Makeup for Kendall by, [Jessica Belknap]

Swink is offering their services as part of a COMPLETE package from Michelle Moore – in an all day MINI portrait event this summer!! There are only 8 spots available – and they will sell out FAST! Check out the details, then call or email us to book your slot for this SWEET DEAL!

“MINI SIMPLE” Photoshoot with Michelle Moore //
WEDNESDAY July 14th, 2010 in Downtown Seattle
Hair Styling & Makeup provided by [Swink Style Bar]

What’s included,
Hair Styling & Makeup application at Swink Style Bar in Seattle
30 minute photo session with Michelle Moore in the South Lake Union area
Prepare to be pampered and bring your two best ROCKSTAR outfits!

Final products include,
An online gallery with your proofs
$100 print credit
2 hi-res digital files
Complimentary facebook images & yearbook photo!

Available Time slots,
SOLD OUT

To BOOK your appointment please [Email us] with your top TWO preferred time slots. Feel free to email with any questions!

(Appointment start time is when you arrive at Swink. Hair and Makeup will take 60 minutes, and then you will head over to where we will be doing the photos just a few blocks away. Session time will last about 30 minutes and cover two outfits. Swink asks that you please arrive with your hair washed and dry in order to have the best experience possible. Hair & Makeup is included in your session fee. Gratuity is not included for Salon services. More details will be provided upon booking your time slot. Space is limited and first come, first serve)

Hair provided for Tara by [Swink Style Bar]
Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]

Makeup, [Jenny Bowker]
Hair, Meghann Oliberos
Styling, [Stacy Zimmerman]
Model, Emily Hogan of [SMG]

I am here to share with you an editorial I worked on in August of 2009. No that is not a typo. I want to share a similar experience to Melissa’s and tell you that this type of thing happens a LOT in this industry. Fashion is subjective. One minute, one person may totally dig you, the next minute you’re old news. We shot this piece as a Fall/Winter 09/10 editorial and submitted it to a particular magazine. They immediately picked it up, and we anxiously awaited the issue release. The January issue came and went, and I was told it would be printed in the April issue instead. April came and went – with no issue at all, but I was told it was coming out in May. Fast forward to last week, and the issue was finally released – but no images. It’s sad but true, and at this point in the game this piece is already “out-dated”. It will be FANTASTIC portfolio material, but as I’ve learned early in the game, nothing is “published” until I’m holding the magazine in my hands and looking at my images in print. It’s just the way this industry works, and I’m glad to have had such a great learning experience early in my career.

Alas, I hope you enjoy these images we shot on a rainy midnight last summer. Dawn Tunnell came up with the initial concept, and it was fun to put together the shoot with her and Rebecca Luke. It was definitely a step out of my “normal” style, but I’m still decently pleased with the results. Enjoy!

(Just a note to female photographers and teams, I HIGHLY recommend hiring an assistant/bodyguard for night shoots and/or less than ideal locations. We were very thankful to have some “man power” along with us on this shoot! Safety ALWAYS comes first!!)

Hair + Makeup, [Dawn Tunnell] represented by [Ajentse]
Wardrobe Styling, [Rebecca Luke]
Assistant Stylist, [Petra Thompson]
Assistant to the Photographer, Ben Medina
Model, Heather Howard of [TCM]
Shot on location in Seattle’s Chinatown District

I’ll be out this weekend celebrating MY BIRTHDAY, so enjoy the sun and have a lovely weekend!

Make sure to leave Kate lots of love on the blog!! She’s our FIRST 2011 Rep, and I’m sure you’ll be seeing her photos around a lot more (plus stay tuned for more amazing Class of 2011 sessions coming SOON!) It’s time for Class of 2011 to book your [Senior Portraits] this summer. We can’t wait for an exciting year ahead!!

XOXO

(PS, Kate totally reminds me of a particular celebrity – can you guess who?)

Here’s what Kate wanted to add about her session,
So I am telling ya…I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up to be a rep for Michelle AKA having to pose by myself– in PUBLIC– for a few hours, knowing full well that my pictures might be posted all over the place! Needless to say, I was a definitely a little nervous BUT the second I walked into Michelle’s chic condo I was greeted with a bubbly “Hello!” and glowing smile by both Michelle and Jenny, which made me immediately feel at ease. I loved how Michelle was not pushy during the entire shoot about what her own opinions were, but instead allowed me to be a goofball and act like I was just chatting it up with a friend (which she quickly became :)! My absolute favorite part about the whole experience was definitely the fact that Michelle used her innate ability to capture the perfect moment in a casual way, without making me feel like I was artificially posing. I will admit, I was definitely a bit of a diva in some shots, but overall I genuinely laughed and smiled during the shoot because of my reactions to our conversations, not because she shouted “okay Kate now, smile!” My experience with Michelle was definitely one for the books, and I truly felt like a total DIVA for a day!

Makeup by, [Jenny Bowker]

BIG HUGS and much love to you all! XOXO

Before continuing you MUST go and download [Faithfully] by the GLEE Cast from last night’s season finale, and listen to it while looking through these images.

It’s time for Class of 2011 to book your [Senior Portraits]. We can’t wait for an exciting year ahead!!

I rode horses my entire childhood/teens, and LOVE working with girls and their horses!! If you want a session like this – let’s make it happen!

To book YOUR 2011 Senior Portrait session, please check out our [Website] and submit your info through our contact form!

XOXO

Makeup by, [Jenny Bowker]