A “liberated” Friday!
January 13, 2006
Well, it is done. The Weekender is on the racks, the nude people are on the cover and all seems well. The only feedback I have heard personally so far is from people who are in the photo and some others who have written to say how much they like it. Of course when I go into work, I could be faced with several more comments both good and bad. Make the job fun for sure! The shoot took about 2 hours total. I told the models up front that I would need them to be patient because positioning 17 people so that nothing “extra” could be seen in the photo was tough. I told them I was not a big fan of digital manipulation and wanted to cover everything up with light and shadows so that would require more test shooting until things were all covered…literally. We tried a few different poses and I realized 17 people were a big group. Maybe too big, so I divided the group into smaller groups, first, two groups of 9 and 8 then finally in groups of 5 and 6 randomly numbered to the best of my ability. Working my way around the group with my camera shooting tests to make sure nothing was showing and finally up on top of the ladder I was doing the main shot from. I shot about 70 frames of the different set ups and presented 4 or 5 different views, groups, and poses for the editors to choose what would make it. I just got my paper this morning and I am really happy with it. Hope you are too! Here is one more outtake from the shoot.
Way to go Mark, and props to Ron Garrison, too, for the Weekender cover. A little daring, a little sensuous, and sure to generate some exciting email. I’m sure you’ve opened a lot of eyes and (hopefully) some minds as well.
Hey Folks,
I couldn’t help it. I just had to write to you. I continue to be impressed with your work. Each day as I look through the paper I can’t help but say WOW! in response to one or more of your images. I marvel at how you look at things and at how you are so technically proficient in presenting your vision. As a community we are lucky to have each of you sharing your perspective with us on a daily basis.
Some of you commented in your recent year in review series that you have one of the best jobs around. I know how the hectic pace can take a toll, but I just want each of you to know that what you do is not only appreciated but often anticipated by your readers. I always look forward to seeing one of you at an event and then picking up the next day’s paper to see your results.
A long time ago, in what seems like another life really, I did a short internship with the paper as a photographer. At the time, I’m not sure I really understood the gravity of the opportunity I was given. I would say I was overwhelmed with it all, but I’m not sure that even does it justice. Now I can look back on it with a somewhat different perspective. Thinking that I was able to work along side Charles, Ron, David Perry, Frank and Tom is now a memory I treasure. So, it is with a somewhat greater sense of understanding that I can view and appreciate your efforts today.
Keep up the good work and please feel free to call on me if I can ever be of assistance to you.
With much appreciation,
Ron