Studio build progressing well, first shoots done!
- At November 28, 2010
- By Photograjph
- In Check It Out, Latest, ShutterClass
1
It’s been almost a month since the last update, and what a busy 3 or so weeks it has been. Floors are in and complete, we now have 2.5 cycs (the corner cyc 3 is still a work in progress, but the main half of it is functional). The portrait walls are done and came up really well with the chosen colours, but there are still more coats of paint required on the cyc curves (masonite is a resilient product, but pretty ordinary to get filled and painted). The biggest challenge has simply been time and the weather – hot humid conditions has not been ideal for plastering, sanding and painting, but we are getting there. We’ve encountered some cracks in some of the plaster and may need to revisit that if time permits.
First shoots happened today in the studios, and they appear to have been successful – got some positive feedback, and hopefully we’ll see people back in the studios in future. It was great to get back in the studio and work with other shooters – while I like nothing better than having a great shoot myself, I also get right into helping others solve their challenges, particularly when it works out and they are getting the results they want!
Did some light testing as well, initial tests to see what the cyc looks like under strobe – seems to produce workable results so far. As mentioned above, the cracking may be an issue depending on light angle, but in most cases it is not even visible (so perhaps I worry too much about it being perfect?). Here’s a candid shot of me taking a look, shot by the wonderful and supportive Morgana (of Morgana Creely Photography. Model is the ever talented Martin (of Martin Creely Photography) who’s also a great sport and event shooter too! Go check them both out!
More images to come, as the build wraps up! Thanks everyone for your support so far – feel free to check out the ShutterClass site, and drop past the studio or keep an eye on the upcoming workshops (announced via the ShutterClass Facebook page)
Update on new news
- At November 01, 2010
- By Photograjph
- In Check It Out, Latest, ShutterClass
- 0
It’s been almost a month since my announcements about exiting things happening in my photography space (if you want to refresh your memory, here’s the original new news!).
So, where are we at? Well, we’re behind schedule by about 8 days due to some delays in getting the floor sorted – old warehouse floors are apparently not ideal for resurfacing, particularly with so much old oil in play. We had to go with plan B, and lay an entire new floor over the top, which cost a heap of time that we hadn’t planned on. We’re still aiming for a 15/11 open, but the run to the finish line is going to be crazy!
Signage has now been installed – if you drive past us on Huntingdale Road (just north of the train station), look out for the ShutterClass warehouse at the end of the shopping strip (on the left, heading towards Dandenong Rd/Princes Hwy).
Cyc construction should start Saturday if the rest of this week works out – that means the floor laying has to finish tomorrow, sanding must happen Weds and then sealing can happen Thurs/Fri. If we don’t make those deadlines, the 15th is looking shaky!
Still a bunch of challenges to sort out as well – lighting in the makeup/change area is still to be determined, it has to be the right colour, otherwise makeup will be put on under one colour light, only to be shot in something different – egads!! Other simple things are still outstanding as well (waiting on the landlord) – taps in the kitchen, a vanity in the shower/change room, a few leaks to be plugged in the roof (nothing like a massive weekend of rain to discover all those holes – 14 buckets scattered around the floor!).
But overall it’s looking quite positive and getting very exciting – it’s a great space, it has surprisingly nice ambient light and a really good feel to it (for a large open warehouse!). It will be awesome when the floors are shiny and the cycs are done, then it will look like the real deal.
We’ve been doing timelapse of the construction as we go, so there will be videos and some photos in a couple of weeks (we’ll be posting them to coincide with the launch). No date determined yet for the launch party, but it’s likely to be early in the new year since no-one has free time in December with the crazy holiday period.
Touch wood no other major hurdles are encountered, and hopefully the train will stay on the tracks.
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