The real MEAT of it!

For the past 2 months, I have anticipated writing this post, but first, the images had to be printed. Now that they are printed, I am able to release them to you, and tell you all about the shoot. Alas! They say that patience is a virtue, and I guess it’s really true!

The images were used for the July issue of INSIGHT MAGAZINE. The subject was Mark Skogen. The idea for the inside spread was mine. The cover concept came from myself, Michael Miller and Jeff Amstutz of A2Z Design. The catalyst was Margaret LeBrun, editor and chief of Insight Magazine. The team work needed to execute this entire project is what I want to talk about.

Quite often, I hear the 5 words, "It's all about you, Shane". However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Without the help of so many others, this shoot would have never gone as smoothly as it did. Scott Ehlers, normally playing the role of photographer and all around nice guy, took the time to help make the table. This table is where all of the oranges sat, allowing Mark’s head to easily slide into place and become the “head fruit”, amongst the oodles of oranges. Bill K., normally the studio manager, played the role of my right hand man; taking care of setting me up, tearing me down, making sure everything ran smoothly and safely, and running cameras and files to perfection. Julie Gardner played the role of stylist; taking care of spreading out all the oranges, finding the perfect apple, making sure the meat counter was up to spec. and taking care of Mark’s make-up and overall comfort. Rob Resnick, executing all of my wishes on flawless post production to deliver another top notch product to our client. Not to mention, Donna and Carla taking care of all the scheduling and misc. logistics.

To you all...THANK YOU! Without a great team, great things may never come to be.

Vanity Fair's Proust

MY OWN LITTLE VANITY FAIR PROUST QUESTIONAIRE:

http://www.vanityfair.com/archives/features/proust

This is a great thing to do on a lazy Sunday morning over a nice cup o’ joe; after you have had time to let go of the Monday thru Friday grind, and Saturday has had time to soak in.

What is your current state of mind?

Excited for what's to come.

What is your greatest fear?

Aside from losing those that are near and dear to my heart or another world war I guess I would have to say having to move back into my parents basement. A slow painful death would suck too.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Forgetting the name of somebody I just met(Selective Hearing in a bad way). Sadly, this is the third change of answer to this question.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Traitorous. Selfishness is a close second.

Which living person(s) do you most admire?

My Parents.

Which living person(s) do you most despise?

Terrorists. Life if frickin' stressful enough.

On what occasion do you lie?

I try not to. One lie always leads to more.

Maybe a little fib if it will make somebody feel more at ease.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Koko.

When and where were you the happiest?

When you make an obscure reference and somebody you are with GETS IT because they were thinking the same thing. Suh-WEEET!

Which talent would you most like to have?

Is being able to fly a talent? I dream about it a lot. Well, sort of. I guess I dream I am able to jump really high and far. Almost float.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I had better comedic skills.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I'll let you know when I'm dead, or maybe that question is best left to others.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

A Pro Skateboarder.

What is your favorite occupation?

Photographer.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Everybody loves my work; only having to do it 3 months out of the year, while making enough money in those 3 months to kick it with Koko somewhere beautiful the other 9, would be perfect! I don't need much.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Bodhi from Point Break. "Ain't it wild? That's what makes it so interesting. You can do what you want, and make up your own rules. Why be a servant to the law, when you can be it's master."

Although, Neo from the Matrix is riding shotgun.

Who are your heroes in real life?

The many that do incredibly great deeds that go unnoticed. Altruistic people are what keeps the world a beautiful place.

What is your most treasured thing?

This was the only question that bugged me. The word “thing” is defined as: “a material object without life or consciousness; an inanimate object.” Things shouldn’t be treasured; people should. But, since this IS a questionnaire, and this IS my blog, here is my answer: My wedding ring would be first and my Stephen Webster ring is a close second. Everybody probably thought I would say my car.

What is your greatest regret?

I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque!

How would you like to die?

While sleeping.... for sure!

What is your motto?

"Today is another opportunity to have the best day of your life"