Our First Location Shoot - Underground Cafe with Elizabeth Alexander

Yesterday was our first major milestone for the project.  For our first on-location shoot, Mark Emerson, owner of Underground Cafe at 144 Genesee St. in Auburn was an extremely gracious (and patient) host.  Mark opened up the restaurant for us, and gave us free reign to use the location as we saw fit.  Kat proceeded to begin the hair/makeup/costuming process with our first model for the project, Elizabeth Alexander.  While they were occupied there, I set up the lighting for the first scene.

Naturally, I had a flash bulb fail, but I used a backup speedlite to compensate.

We shot in two locations in the Underground Cafe, one along the bar, the other upstairs in the stairwell/foyer.  Underground Cafe was really a perfect first location, as we had the chance to shake out some bugs and start to get a feel for how this will shape up artistically.  As an environment, Underground Cafe really emulates the family restaurant/cafe aesthetic that I remember fondly from my childhood.

In between scene setups, while Kat and Elizabeth were preparing the next look, I had a chance to talk to Mr. Emerson.  Listening to him describe their Freedom Sandwich (chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, cajun mayo) made me anxious for dinner.  I'll be there sometime next week to try it out for sure!

I'm going to sign off with a quick thank you to Chris Molloy, a colleague of mine and friend.  Chris allowed me to share some of his equipment that really helped this shoot go well.  Thanks, Chris!

Also...here's some quick samples from the shoot (all images Copyright 2013, Jason T. Countryman)

The Girl Anachronism Project - Juxtaposing Histories

I don't necessarily believe there is a cure for this

So I might join your century, but only as a doubtful guest

From "Girl Anachronism" by The Dresden Dolls

Welcome to The Girl Anachronism Project.  I'm going to take a minute to introduce myself and my co-conspirator in the project, then I'll discuss the project itself.

My name is Jason Countryman.  I'm the photographer for the project.  I've been pursuing photography in my spare time for nearly a decade now.  I've done portrait sittings, weddings, commercial projects and more.  Now it is time for a personal project, and I believe I've found the perfect one.

Katherine "Kat" Alexander and I are partners in this project.  Kat will be doing hair/makeup and art direction, as well as being the driving force behind booking locations and models.  Kat's vision is really what brought form to this project, and it's a vision we're excited to pursue and capture.

What is The Girl Anachronism Project?  Auburn, New York, and the Finger Lakes Area as a whole are vibrant areas with rich cultural and social histories.  William Seward, Harriet Tubman, Merry-Go-Round Theatre at Emerson Park, and Fort Hill Cemetery are all major landmarks themselves, just in Auburn itself.  That's not to mention the thin-slices of history and snapshots of Americana that exist in the simplest of places.  (Stay tuned for a report from our first on-location shoot, that highlights one of these places.)

It is our goal to show the heritage of these locations, balanced against a model/models in contrasting perspective.  I'm not going to give away the whole idea here.  You'll just have to stay with us as we reach various milestones.  I'm sure you'll get an inclination as to the mood of the project as we move along closer to the endgame.

Again, we hope you'll check the site as we proceed along.  Feel free to post your comments.  Your thoughts are appreciated.

- Jason