Wandering through the mazes and avenues of producing a photo shoot is both tedious and rewarding. My first month working with the KMR team was a complete whirlwind. Through useful industry information given to you, to the knowledge of effective client relations, Kevin entrusts us to make all the behind-the-scenes planning come together to create a photo shoot. The best way to cope with the multitude of tasks and responsibilities: coffee, cigarettes, multitasking and preparing yourself mentally to be the managing figure of a team of creatives.

First comes first.. the stylist. To make any shoot happen, we need to ensure that a stylist is confirmed to pull, style and create a look for the shoot. Then, we call several modeling agencies to begin previewing the variety of potential models that would best embody the creative direction that Kevin is looking to accomplish in the shot. Finally, we have to look through our pool of amazing make-up artists and hairstylists and confirm the right candidate who has the strengths and ability to put the artistic cherry on the cake.

Sounds like a lot?…I’m not even finished writing about the half of it…

After we have all of the creative minds behind the shoot in our hands, the production manager must then be the “go-to” person before, during and after the shoot. A few days prior to the shoot, we must send out call-sheets, contact sheets and schedules to all confirmed clients, artists and models involved in the shoot. I, personally, like to send out a reminder email the day before to make sure that everyone received all of the production documents and see if anyone has any questions or last minute details that needs attention.

During the shoot, the production manager is responsible for making sure everyone is on time, and basically manage all staff on the shoot. The biggest responsibility, that I’ve come across when producing a photo shoot for Kevin, is making sure everyone is on the same page. I cannot stress enough how key communication is between all the creatives on set.

After the shoot, the production manager is finally responsible for getting final images to the modeling agency, clients and all the creatives that played helped create a productive photo shoot.

The responsibilities coupled with the enormity of running a production seems incredibly arduous. But, I have to say that after running my own production, I personally feel like I have gained such an invaluable understanding of the industry. I have made important career contacts and have been exposed to the commitment and patience it takes to manage such an involving task. I know that I am a more well rounded photographer because of this and have grown more confident in my professional future.

In the world of fashion, you don’t hear these words often, but, “THANK YOU, Kevin!” Just know that myself as well as all of the other interns from the past and present are better photographers and professionals because of the responsibilities that you have given us to make your photo shoots happen.

– Ernesto, the intern

A public thank you.

You're right, we definitely don't hear those words very often. It's kind of sad. I try to make it a point every day to say thank you to all my staff before they leave - unless I'm in a bad mood, which as you know can happen. But I wanted to say, Thank YOU for recognizing the opportunity that I try to provide to my interns. Yes, of course, I need the help at the studio, but in the long run, I hope to give every intern that passes through the studio the opportunity to learn and be successful in their own careers in the future.

KMR


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