Monthly Archives: December 2015

News

Chris Hernandez and Valerie Gatto for MMG

Behind the scenes shot of one of my favorite setups. Sunset on a Manhattan rooftop can't be beat.
Behind the scenes shot of one of my favorite setups. Sunset on a Manhattan rooftop can’t be beat.

Model Management Group (MMG) is an internationally-acclaimed modeling agency with offices including Europe, Canada and the United States. Our models for this shoot were Chris Hernandez (America’s Next Top Model) and Valerie Gatto (Miss Pennsylvania 2014). They were both pleasant to work with and that’s half the magic of a successful photo shoot.

The apartment we shot in was a perfect setting for the first date. Additionally we shot on the roof of the building which had just the right light for a few minutes before sundown. All photos were taken using a Mamiya 645 Pro and Kodak Porta 400 and TMAX400 film. Thanks to Lew Monty for trekking into New York City for this shoot and taking behind the scenes shots and all his usual duties.

Before you dig into the photos, check out this quick video we did together on the roof. It’s a shame sunset only lasts for a few minutes, but I guess that’s what makes it special right?

To see more of my work, please visit thatwerksphotography.com

Chris Hernandez and Valerie Gatto for Model Management Group from Chris Sztybel on Vimeo.

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group
Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

Valerie Gatto for Model Management Group

Valerie Gatto for Model Management Group

Chris Hernandez and Valerie for Model Management Group

News

Stylish Feminine Portraits With A Touch of Leather

Keep shooting. I tell myself this even though I can get overwhelmed. It’s being overwhelmed in the good way. The way every starving artist hopes to eventually be overwhelmed. Even though I have quite a few projects to wrap up, I found myself having that itch to photograph someone new this week. Luckily my makeup friend Wanida had a friend named Maria who kindly volunteered to take some pictures around New Brunswick. For the close up portrait work, we worked in my home studio and used just one main light and a canvas backdrop. That worked perfectly with her skin tone and black attire.

The abandoned lot in the neighborhood is a perfect backdrop right around sundown. It’s an odd combination of urban decay, workshops and what appears to be farmland. No lack of visual character in this city that’s for sure.

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

Maria Tenorio

maria-tenorio-0363-2015-12-07

 

News

Downtown Somerville Alliance Holiday Commercial #2

That Werks just completed the second holiday commercial for Somerville, New Jersey. This one features Santa Claus counting down the tree lighting. We tried to tell a complete story of the Holiday Jubilee in thirty seconds. Not an easy task, so it’s very important to be extra critical with shot choices and framing. Most of the clips are just a second or two long. You can spot many local favorites like Alfonso’s and many of the great shops on Division Street. Look for this playing on the Downtown Somerville Facebook page as well as on your local cable provider next week.

Thanks to Lew, Matt and Alexa for their fine help on this exciting project. Merry Christmas to you all!

Downtown Somerville Alliance Holiday Commercial #2 from Chris Sztybel on Vimeo.