Book Three Photoshoot!

Many ask how the Hollywood High Chronicles book cover photoshoots work.

Book Cover Three just hit the studio, and it’s the perfect example of the exciting mayhem that goes on. The book covers are a process that starts with design.

My photographer meets with me to determine my initial preferences on the feel of the cover. I give him a series of descriptive words that I want to evoke with the image we create. We discuss storyline and decide if we’re going to show a montage of key characters from the book, or if we should create a scene from the book. In the case of book three, we created a scene.

Without giving away too much, book three is a wild ride that ends with a pulse pounding event.

We decided on a particular scene from the book after much hilarious debate. While seeing a scene come to life is a thrilling development, the particular scene in question involves nine models. NINE! That meant nine sets of wardrobe, nine separate models’ schedules, nine people to work through characters, an unreal list for the hair and makeup team.

The next step in our, (yes, “our” … this is a team effort that is no longer “mine” at this phase), monumental book cover feat is location scouting. In the case of cover three, we needed a location that invokes a foreshadowing, ominous, underground feel. My team and I all thought of the same location, which is a great sign. We met at the location.

Our scouting team included the photographer, his assistant who has great artistic layout vision, the lead model who portrays Melanie, and myself. We stood in an echoing staircase, debating angles and light plots. We planned the layout of where each model would stand, in relation to their characters roles, relationships, and responsibilities within the fictional group and story. My team is incredible at asking the right questions and listening to the backstory. There’s excitement during location planning excursions. You start to feel magic bubbling.

Once a shooting month and location are decided, calls go out to each model to get them booked and hash out scheduling. This is one of my favorite moments. I get the opportunity to know my models during these calls.

We laugh and discuss the project. I’ve found great camaraderie with my models. These are incredible individuals with a sense of humor. Some are quiet introverts, while others have boisterous personalities. The one common thread is that all the Hollywood High Chronicles models are bubbling over with enthusiasm about this long-running project. These are artists with great vision. Many are painters, actors, dancers, writers, and photographers, in other areas of the arts industry. They are driven and dedicated to the projects they commit too. I’ve found the models to be incredibly selective about the projects they take on. They must align with the artistic vision of the project. 

We arrive and the organized-chaos “shoot day” dance begins.

People are scheduled on a staggered arrival, and filtered through wardrobe, paperwork, and makeup stations. As a model becomes available, a discussion happens regarding their characters’ personality and what we need to see in photos. The model reads excerpts from the book and asks questions of me. I enjoy this collaboration time. Often, the models’ personalities and life stories bring inspiration to the series.

I love watching a model with a long career under their belt, step in and assist another model. Everyone has been incredibly open to these collaborative moments. Laughter reigns supreme in our photo shoots and my photographer has a great eye for capturing “blooper reel” moments that leave us in stitches.

Individual and couple’s shots happen as models complete their wardrobe and glam process. In a perfect world, everyone stays busy and things move like a well-oiled machine. Even when the stars align, there’s a lot of waiting around. Generally, down time is filled with quiet conversation. Everyone gets to know each other, and friendships have been forged during these times.

Some covers are a compilation of different model shots that are put into a single image during post-production. Those shoots are both easy and difficult. Angles must be exact. The post-production work is extensive for the photographer.

In the case of cover three, all nine models were photographed in the staircase at the same time. This is a process. All nine facial expressions and angles must be perfect in the chosen shot.

The models worked tirelessly, adapting to instruction as the photographer and I make adjustments and give instructions. It’s a process that requires patience and group effort. 

There’s a feeling in the right picture. You know it when you see it. Evoking emotion through the eyes, expressions, body positions, and location, is a magical moment. That picture flashes across the camera screen, and we know we have it. An understanding must come through a still shot. The reader needs to feel the story from the glossy cover. We always get our shot.