Apart from writing, I've been involved with producing shoots for various publications over the years. Will be putting up a series of those eventually (with the permission of photographers and publishers of course).
Papers you read, for magazines, you need great visuals and I've been very lucky in having had the opportunity to work with some of the best photographers in the world (some of whom are listed and linked on the right - scroll down!).
After a very bad experience that's scarred me for life, my new rule is to ONLY work with people I like. Thus, producing this shoot was great fun, mostly because I worked with a great team that's easily the best in the biz; namely Ike, Karen and David.
On the day of the shoot, between the scorching heat, the bugs and the pungent aroma of festering trash, I wasn't having a good day. But I faked bravado and false cheer, as the entire team was nonchalant and worked non-stop, without complaining and whinging. So I held in the inner gripe, even though into hour two, I was ready to hop onto a boat heading home. I'm not one for nature; burn it down and put up a cinema I say!
Anyhoo...
Many, many thanks to the perfectly delicious Mz Rebecca Walker, editor-in-chief of Asia Spa, for getting this shoot published. Apart from being a gem of a person, gorgeous beyond belief, I'm forever humbled by her professionalism and getting the job done. She's also living and loving embodiment that you can head a magazine, be a pro and NOT be a raving lunatic! More on that laters (SCMP feature on crazy bosses!).
Huge debt of gratitude for the fashion brands involved here too. Um.. too many to list - but dutifully credited in images and in print.
The Blue Lagoon
Perhaps a reflection of the economic times but men’s fashion has got a hint of the blues. Various shades of the moody hues have crept into designer labels and the designer conscience as the colour made guest appearances in every collection this (and past!) season. Photographer Ike found a slice of paradise in one of the hundreds of islets that constitute Hong Kong and did this fine shoot, far from the madding crowd. Cool, calm and collected, we focus on the serene aspects of the azure template and sapphire shades.
Producer: P Ramakrishnan
Photography: Ike
Assistant: Cal
Hair & Makeup: Karen Yiu
Model: David O from Models International Ltd
Credits:
1. Striped shirt from Versace, striped shorts from Vintage at Lane Crawford, Emporio Armani white briefs (available at Rouge Amour), blue suede shoes from Cole Haan, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
2. T-shirt by John Galliano, blue boxer-briefs by Dolce & Gabbana (both available at Rouge Amour), embroidered sarong from Fine’n’Rhine and watch from Ernst Benz.
3. Indigo check trousers from Lane Crawford, printed briefs by John Galliano (available at Rouge Amour), J.M. Weston black leather sandals, large leather bag from the Boss Orange collection by Hugo Boss, model carrying a blue and brown zipped cardigan by Hermes, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
4. Hooded sweatshirt in grey/blue perforated suede lambskin and printed blue swimming trunks by Hermes, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, J.M. Weston black leather sandals and watch from Ernst Benz.
5. Blue angel print jeans by KSubi from Lane Crawford, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, shades by Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz.
6. White linen shirt, baby blue pashmina by Fine’n’Rhine, white linen pants from Daks London, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo and watch from Ernst Benz.
7. Blue jeans by Blaak from Harvey Nichols, blue linen scarf by Loro Piana, brown leather bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, shades model’s own, shoes by Cole Haan and watch from Ernst Benz.
BEHIND THE SCENES
These are some of my blurry caps of the making of a shoot. Keeping track of outfits and accessories, always a potential for a mini-feature in case I need a filler for the magazine, at every shoot, I take my own amateur snaps - which are often subject to ridicule and risible conversation. Thank God I stick to writing.
I don't usually put up all the pics but some time ago, a photographer friend of mine mentioned that despite having put up 1000s of images and hundreds of entries, the most popular page was always the one with the hot model.
Which got me thinking - what's the most popular page in my blog? Now, the main reason I started this was for selfish reasons, keeping track of my own published work, a little ego massage from friends. So many, many words, so much thought and effort, copious blood, sweat and tears... ok, scratch that. Typing in an air-conditioned room, its mostly just tears when hitting deadline, very little of the blood and sweat.
Insult to injury, no one cares about them damn words either. Its the pages with the shirtless shots of supermodel David Oshry that always grab the most hits. Sad. But true.
What the public wants, the public gets! David O, in all his pectoral glory. He's also the nicest guy in the horizon, a kind and wonderful friend who works with great sincerity, enthusiasm and effort, but again, no one cares. Shirt off David, shirt off.
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| David Oshry - click to enlarge |
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