Why do I slather on? Emphasis. The cover-shoot I did with Mr. Keller was my first cover for Sports Northwest Magazine. Additionally, Kasey Keller was my first famous portrait. Already an international star, Keller was making headlines with the expansion MLS Seattle Sounders FC because he was a local icon who had returned home. The Sounders experienced tremendous success in the inaugural season, and Keller was the Captain that provided the senior leadership.
At the time of the cover-shoot, the Seattle fans were in a Sounders frenzy, Keller was approaching an MLS record for shutout minutes, and it was only June. As such, the headline story for NWM was to be Keller's desire to occupy a spot in the "front office" (when he is done in goal)....and, with that, Kasey was interested in a shoot on the condition that he would wear a suit, and the shoot would take place at Sounders HQ. ...in Tod Leiweke's office (the CEO). The stage was set.
I was able to show up 1 hour prior to the shoot. The editor had been hesitant to petition for extra time, but I emphasized the need to have everything setup-- so that, upon arrival, Kasey would be plug-and-play. I was surprised that I had to be earnest about my request--the editor was very concerned and emphatic about how we would only get 20-30 mins for the shoot. To which I responded, "it can either be a 20-30 fiasco, or a 20-30 min success" ....I needed to set lights and If I was going to have to setup "in the moment"...someone was going to be pissed (2 someones, and I was the least important). Luckily, it was no problem for me to show up early.
For the cover shot, I wanted to portray Keller's field presence in the office--He's the field general, so I wanted to show that commanding presence in a suit.
I was thankful that the weather cooperated...and felt the clouds in the background gave the scene an ominous mood. What I really wanted, but did not get, was to have Kasey wearing his keeper-gloves (with his fists on the desk... I think the gloves would have made this shot).
Next, I needed to get a "feature shot" to accompany the story (inside). Initially, my thought was to get Keller sitting at the desk--more of a measured business tone. But, as we switched gears (and through the course of conversation, as I explained the intent), Keller said jokingly, "why don't you get a shot of me doing what Leiweke does?" .... After which, Keller grabs the phone, leans back in his chair...and just about throws his feet up on the desk as he pretends to talk about a pending T-time. (He and I had a collective laugh over those shots.)
Just to be safe, I had Kasey sit for the "canned" shot, as well...which I thought showed his softer side. (...turns out he is an exceptionally nice person.)
...and then, I said, "Thank you. I think that'll do" ....in under 10 min. Keller was somewhat surprised "Really?".
"Yep, that should do it." to which, Keller replied, "Efficient. I like it when people are prepared and ready to go."
I was pleased after he said that....although, shortly after, I had a bit of a panic attack..."what if everything was out of focus, or if the editor doesn't like it...I should have changed things up a little more, not been tied by the vision I had...should have allowed things to flow a little more by using more time..." so on, and so forth.
But at the end of the day, the cover was shot, and the inside content as well...and, most importantly, the subject was very happy with the time that I used. I think he was glad that I ended the session as well...neither he nor the PR guy had to cut me off. The session ended on a positive note. ...my first famous subject had left pleased. I was left hoping that it was, indeed, successful.
Turned out, the Editor was very pleased, and very happy with the impression we left with the organization....I was a little disappointed that the designers and publisher took the mood out of the shot, and blanched the sky, but I think my first cover turned out well. (I will save the diatribe about the print-press coming out too red.)
stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
