Reflections on the photo shoot

8/29/08Reflections on the shoot daySo the shoot was incredible. That being said, the past couple of days have been rough, time wise. I just started teaching at the local community college. In fact this is my first week to teach there. So really the shoot coming the very first week of classes is not the best timing. But that’s when Barbara, the photographer, could come so we have to take advantage of that. I met with Barbara at 9:00 in the morning yesterday to have a short production meeting to talk about how we wanted the day to go and what kind of pictures were needed for the movie. We discussed some possible locations for the band group shot and some ideas for Lyz, the actress that would be there for shots, too. Jimmy, the drummer, got there a little bit early for his 10:00 shoot. Jimmy is awesome. He called me to let me know he was on his way and then got there early. I was so pleased with that. And he showed up looking fabulous! Barbara powdered him down a bit and she and Jimmy were off. Lyz got there just a few minutes after Jimmy. Also, looking fabulous. I had asked her to arrive at the shoot camera ready since the day was stacked. Barbara is a marvelous make up artist. Very often she does the make up for the shoot as well. Of course that’s when she’s shooting at a leisurely pace. Yesterday was not leisurely. The artists were scheduled just an hour apart. So I was happy when Lyz walked in looking gorgeous. Of course I think she is a natural beauty. We went over some of the wardrobe she brought. When I looked at the clock, it was 10:30 and I was running late to be at school by 11:00.

 I raced across town to get to school, just barely making it in time to teach my first class. Then, as soon as classes were over, I raced back to the photo shoot arriving right at 5:30, which is when the group shots of the band were supposed to start. All that racing around was incredibly stressful. In the morning, I was really worried I was going to be late for my classes. Not a good thing for the first week of classes as a new instructor. I’m sure my blood pressure was through the roof. While rushing around in the car and feeling the weight of the day, I took a breath and had a realization of how momentous the day was. I’m teaching a class I’ve always wanted to teach and I’m in the process of making my first feature film. That is indeed a wonderful thing. I don’t think there are many moments like that in life. I calmed down and meditated on that. This morning I went back over to the shoot location to have my shots taken and then taught my classes afterwards. I’m thankful my classes are in the afternoon so I can do that but I am completely exhausted now. Must get SLEEP, now!