A few weeks ago, a project for Diamond Water Incorporated included, from the director of business development, the phrase I love to hear: ” Craig, go back into the shop area and do your thing!” To me, that means: photograph anything that will look dynamic, compelling, colorful (or not), active, powerful and interesting. Images of industry and product that could tell a story in one frame. Often times I shoot with direction, from a marketing person, based on what the company wants to portray, a new machine, a unique process or a new addition to the facility. Routinely, I don’t get permission to shoot whatever I think looks cool!
Armed with my Nikon D850 and three Nikon SB900 portable speedlights on stands, I headed back to the production shop area and quickly was in the zone. The zone, for me is a tuned in visual scanning that takes over, opening me to potential images as they happen. I work quickly and this day, I was lucky enough to have a HLS ( Human Light Stand), Chelsey, the art director for the project. My other 2 speedlights were on light stands.
Having my trusted equipment, camera at my hip with 17 – 35 mm zoom lens, Nikon Speedlites , all triggered by Pocket Wizard radio slaves, provides me with everything I need on location to capture amazing images. It is simply up to me to see them.
This visual “zone” I get in to as I hunt for angles, lighting, subject matter and personalities neutralizes all ambient distractions. I wander the back shop area scouting for interesting images. I know it when I see it.
