Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Casey Gorham Photo Shoot: Behind-the-Scenes Preview


Sunday, November 15, 2009:

A few weeks ago, I was asked to help organize a photo shoot for friend and talented photographer, Casey Gorham. We met between classes and shifts at work (Casey is also a co-worker of mine) to discuss the project that she envisioned. She wanted me to assist her with a fashion photo shoot to broaden her body of work and sharpen her skills as an artist and a photographer. I quickly agreed and signed on as Assistant Stylist and Creative Director. Together we discussed the end product she desired, scheduled the time and I got to work finding models and garments.

It took only seconds for me to decide on the perfect talent and I immediately reached out to friends, Chelsey Carter and Christina Mighty. (Not only are these girls gorgeous, talented and intelligent--they also have style for DAYS.) Chelsey is a model and emerging fashion designer of her own line, Alex Carter. Christina is a Chicago model with an eye for styling. Both have attended the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago as my fellow classmates. Needless to say, I was thrilled and eager to work with all these creative women on this project.

Standing-in, as Casey Gorham set the lighting and began test shots:


We went to work setting up the space for the shoot. Casey assembled and placed the lights and I hung the backdrop (which would later be cut out of the photos.) She wanted tight shots, so we were able to use a very small amount of space to achieve her look. The girls brought a stunning array of their personal garments--vintage pieces, original designs, hand-me-downs--plenty to choose from. Together we chose the clothes, make-up, accessories and shoes for each shot and the girls got to work.

The result is a series of fantastic images that Casey will use to produce an art installation and thesis project. Included here are just a few behind-the-scenes photographs from the shoot. Keep an eye out for the final images, posted here, as soon as I get my hands on them! A big thanks to Casey for allowing me the opportunity to help bring her vision to life, and a big thanks to Chelsey and Christina for their positive attitudes, hard work--and gorgeous closets.

Have a look!

The shoot begins:

Models: Christina Mighty (L) and
Chelsey Carter (lookin' smashing in my bowtie!) (R)
with photographer, Casey Gorham:


"Excuse me sir. I'm going to need you to stop right there.":

The "warm" (hot!) color-story:

R.M.B. checks the details:

Chelsey Carter (L) and Christina Mighty (R):

Ms. Mighty:

Jewel tones, anyone?:

Casey Gorham photographs Chelsey Carter:

A collar-ed Christina:

Fringe and sequins, what could be better?:

Christina takes a stance:

Chelsey in vintage fringe:


Remember to check back for the final photos..
As always, thanks for reading TBM!

-R.M.B.

11 comments:

Pholiday said...

Very nice! I cant wait to see the final product!

Unknown said...

Outstanding work! I await the final cut impatiently.

Ryan M. Beshel said...

Thank you Pash and D&N!
I can't wait to see them either..

Thanks for following!

-R.M.B.

Tenisha said...

Great post Ryan! i love behind scenes coverage of fashion shoots...

Ryan M. Beshel said...

Thanks Tenisha!
I should hook you up with Chelsey Carter (emerging Chicago designer) for Qlix!

Let me know if you are interested!

Thanks for reading, my love!

-Ry

Ant Tony Perkins said...

Chelsey is MY cousin. . . LOVE YUH CHELSE. . !!

Ryan M. Beshel said...

Well, ant.thebest..

YOUR cousin is fantastic, and a good friend! I'm hoping you'll be ok with sharing her!

Thanks for reading..

-R.M.B.

Unknown said...

Wow, Ryz! Those shots are fantastic. I'm not the fashion expert by no means but those clothes are great! Wonderful job son! MOM

Ryan M. Beshel said...

Mama!
You just made my day!
Thanks for reading..
I'm bustin' my butt to make you proud..
Keep an eye on the blog for more.

Loooooove,
Ryzie.

Lynne Jordan said...

Love this post!! You have so much fun! Your "girls" are adorable - fierce!

Ryan M. Beshel said...

Thanks Lynne!
We had a blast..

-R.M.B.