Technically this isn’t my job, but it makes the title easier to understand. I cannot emphasize enough how I shoot only for pleasure. My original inspiration for this project, codename “723″, was from Herb Ritts‘ photo of the previous generation of super models all huddled nude next to each other, and I though, why not? I also loved the Sports Illustrated 2006 group photo of all the girls standing next to each other on the beach in white bikini bottoms. I don’t think the real challenge in this project is the technical requirements, but rather getting a group of girls to show up at the same time on the same day. I contacted over 20 girls I’ve worked with previously, and in the end 15 showed up which was more than I could have expected. If you’re wondering how I got all these girls to be part of this huge project, it all comes from having a very good relationship with each and every one of my models. Be nice and trustworthy to people and you will receive the same in return. Being modest yet confident helps as well!
I am extremely lucky and fortunate to have such dedicated supporters of my work, which allowed me access to resources that would have cost me an arm and a leg. My photographer friend Joseph King let me borrow a Hasselblad medium format with a CFV digital back + 50mm f/2.8, although it was only 16 megapixels, I opted to use Melissa Hom’s Canon 1Ds Mark III, which was 21.1 megapixels. With the camera options taken care of, I needed a wide open space to fit all these girls. I looked around Manhattan studio locations and daily rates were a minimum of $260 per hour to $1500 a day for just one floor. Instead, my friend Ziggy Chau was able to get me a 5-story 11,000 sq ft location called Bennett Media Studio for half the day, at no cost of course. I needed a few assistants to help me and maybe one makeup artist to do basic touchups, instead I was privileged with three professional makeup artists Nancy Lan, Jenn Kang, and her friend Paula who volunteered for this project, as well as my dear friend Frances Jeon as my main assistant.
My only expenses for this project were gifts for those that offered their time and energy. $500 worth of Victoria’s Secret gift cards for the ladies, and a $290 bottle of Chave Hermitage 98 delivered to Edward Bennett for his generosity of opening his studio to me, though I don’t think any guy would pass up 15 topless girls running around their place.
Onto the technical challenges. I specifically wanted natural light, but there’s a difference between shooting into the light versus with the light. I also had to work around the studio space and furniture, which meant I had to shoot with the windows as the backdrop. Having light coming in from the background means less contrast and flat lighting on your subject, which in the end could be more flattering. Unfortunately I was not able to use the Hasselblad’s 50mm lens to fit in all 15 girls, so I shot mostly with the 1Ds. One thing I should have done was shoot the 1Ds on the tripod which was holding up the unused Hasselblad! The studio wasn’t the brightest which required me to shoot at higher ISO and lower shutter speed, which definitely required a tripod. I also would’ve preferred a prime lens over the 24-70mm, but this time I traded convenience for sharpness. No more compromises next time, but of course this was also a great learning experience. The last black and white photo was lit with an AlienBee B400 strobe behind a large white sheet.
My goal for these photos is to sell large, limited edition prints. I’ll work out the details but willing to take up any suggestions or offers for the first edition!
Project 723
models: Christine, Anthea, Joli, Alyssa, Ruby, Lisa, Tanya, Anna, Nicole, Jestina, Venus, Ziggy, Sarah, Diana, Jeyona
