So this Sunday Rose Kidman urban photoshoot idea popped into my head last month. Always admired how she carries that effortless vibe in crowded places. Reached out to her team through my usual channels – cold emailed her publicist three times before finally getting a “maybe” reply. Kept poking every few days like “hey still available?” till they confirmed.
Scouting Locations Morning Of
Woke up at 5AM even though call time was noon. Drove around downtown with my scuffed leather notebook. Needed spots with: gritty walls, steam vents, and neon signs. Paused behind that taco truck on 5th – perfect steam plumes when they lifted the grill lid. Marked three alleys behind the old theater where graffiti hadn’t been cleaned yet.
- Packed two DSLRs with 35mm prime lenses
- Threw six extra batteries in my jacket pocket
- Wiped my polarizing filter with shirttail
First Shots Outside Lou’s Diner
Sunday showed up exactly at 12:07 rocking ripped jeans and no makeup. Loved it. Immediately told her “lean on that fire hydrant like it’s your lazy cousin”. Got that iconic shot of her laughing while some dude on a delivery bike photobombed the left frame. Didn’t mind – made the whole scene feel raw.
Moved to the brick alley near the dumpsters. Light was crap so I handheld my speedlight. Kept yelling “ACT NATURAL!” which made her giggle every time. Traffic noise ruined audio but caught this dope shot of her squinting in sunlight while steam curled around her boots.
Inside The Record Store Mess
Store owner nearly kicked us out till I slid him $40 cash. Shelves were crammed full – terrible background. Made Sunday kneel by the discount bin with vintage vinyl. Shot upward so her face popped against those yellow ceiling tiles. She flipped through a Bowie album while I rapid-fired the shutter. Got twelve keepers before the owner started tapping his watch.
Wrapping Up At The Bus Stop
Last location was that broken bus shelter. Sunday got chilly so I gave her my flannel shirt. Told her “stare at passing cabs like they stole your tacos”. Best frame? Her reflection in the shattered glass with blurred traffic lights behind. Dusk light hit perfectly for five minutes then vanished. Packed up as rain started splattering my lens.
Edited till 3AM drinking cold brew. Ended up with 23 usable shots. That dumpster steam pic already got 12K likes. Moral? Always carry spare socks when shooting alleys – stepped in mystery puddle twice.
