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)