“This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Two Summers ago, we hopped into Brad’s SUV and headed to Los Angeles. It was a long drive there….20 hours of straight driving the 1st day + 7 hours the next day. The trip was more than we could have imagined or hoped for. We explored the city of of Phoenix, AZ examining and documenting the architecture there. Then upon arriving in Los Angeles, Brad and I spent the next 6 week…exploring more architecture.
I was commissioned to shoot 9 of Lisa Breaux Design Projects in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, one of which being Art Streiber’s home. Art Streiber is considered by some to be the God of commercial and celebrity art + photography. So to say that I was intimated….nervous, scared would be slightly understating my feelings toward documenting the redesign of his home. We spent the day photographing Lisa’s work and in the process I had the pleasure of meeting his wife. As a side note, her ring, is my dream engagement ring: architectural and artistic. Anyway…moving on:
Lisa was kind enough to shoot Art an email asking if he would consider allowing me on the set for his upcoming shoot. He agreed to my coming for the morning portion and leaving after lunch. The details for the shoot had not been revealed, so when I arrived and realized that he was going to be shooting none other than the ENTIRE cast of Modern Family…you can say that I was ELATED.
Let me back up to when I arrived. I walked in the door and I was immediately taken back the production (because thats what it was). There was a crew of at least 12-24 assisting. The shoot was catered, there were hair stylists, makeup artists, costume designers, and more. I had never witnessed anything like it. The experience was truly humbly and for the first 2 hours, I felt about the size of an ant. I jumped in helping wherever and whenever I could. I held cords, moved lights, and listened. When Art arrived, he sat down with everyone there and explained the plan for the day. The man….is not only a creative GENIUS, but extremely organized and experienced.
Around lunchtime, one of the volunteers who was allowed to stay for the entire day, mentioned that he was “peacing out.” So, I took that as my cue to stay for the remainder of the afternoon. I decided that they could use the extra hands and if they asked me to leave, I would do so politely. Approximately, 12 hours from the time I arrived, the shoot concluded and the equipment was packed up. Just as I was about to walk out the door, Art asked for me and the 2 other volunteers who stayed for the entire shoot to chat with him for a second.
I will never forget that:
1. He took those few miinutes out of his busy schedule to speak to us.
2. His words:
“I know there was a 4th volunteer, and I noticed him leaving. He will never make it. In this profession, you must be dedicated, passionate, and disciplined. I appreciate each of you for being here, it shows that you already possess these characteristics. If you hold true to these three things, and stay focused on your goals…you’re destined to succeed.”
I was browsing his website last night and in the process of researching his work, I came across an article on the shoot which was done for Entertainment Weekly. You can view the images and the post by clicking on the image below.
Watching him create the image below was phenomenal. The entire set was constructed; he even sent someone out to pick up this carpet runner in the middle of the shoot. So YES! Even to Art Streiber, the details matter.
Photo by Art Streiber for Entertainment Weekly
While internet surfing last night, I came across this interview with Art Streiber. I believe the part that stuck out for me the most was when he referenced a conversation that he had with a 24 year old on his team.
These were his words:
” It’s not a ramp up, you’re going to climb stairs and you have to be completely committed to the climb. There are few primary elements of my business:
1. Shooots 2. Production 3. Marketing 4. Finances
You have to maintain, attack, and massage all at the same time, while balancing your personal life.”
Art says that he’s most inspired by those who are dedicated to one trade and remain focused until they rise to the top. Ironically, he is one of those people. I feel fortunate to have met him.
