a fashion showcase

The past weekend was a busy time around the project... at least so it was planned. However the plans failed over and over at succeeding. In the wake of this we have to examine the causes and effects, how to improve the process, and move forward efficiently.

Saturday

The fashion show at Blightbusters didn't happen, we had two models and no designer appear. Checking at the last minute offered some support. Fate somehow had Gina T at the Redford Theater on a make up call and she brought a few outfits with her. However with two models appearing and perhaps pulling 3-4 more from the audience the choice was made to cancel rather than force the show within a couple hours.

I felt like a fool in front of an organization that will be an excellent partner for the project. Blightbusters demolishes crack-houses and is involved in seeing Detroit's communities brought together through the arts. They are tightly partnered with Artists Village, who offers mentoring for youth and a space for the arts to be realized. I didn't see the opportunity to put on a fashion show at the 20th anniversary celebration until June 11. Thinking back on what was coming up... I would have seen that many of the project participants were committed to the "Fashion Explosion" show that took place Saturday at Bert's on Broadway. Another problem is that I didn't arrange transportation for a designer that was requesting assistance. I try to bring carpools together so we support each other, but I can't promise that will exist and participants need to conspire to create support for themselves as well.

I pitched in my support for the Creative Juicez show at Artists Village that evening taking photos throughout. My intent was to get out by midnight, but I didn't leave until 3am and got home at 5am.

Sunday

I woke up at 8:25am - running late, packed up gear for the shoot into a backpack, hopped on my bicycle and rode to Eastern Market which is 8.5 miles away. I was text messaging a number of people as I was riding the bike. Granted I got up late and arrived at 10:15am, so I may have missed anyone that was on-time. I didn't get a phone call from anyone at Shed 5 saying they were looking for me, but there were calls and text messages from those not attending. The most common message was - too tired from the night before.

When I got to the Stand Up For Kids rally I had to tell them that we were canceling the fashion show. The project didn't have anything to show. That makes the second charity organization to which Abandoned In Detroit had a fail to appear this weekend. I'm not happy about it. I'm distressed about it and wondering what to do about it. I have to put the question out there to YOU - what will make this work?

I'd like to approach a few organizations for grant dollars and sponsor assistance. I have warm leads to speak with.

Sunday's Photoshoot

Someone once said "when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade". My conversation with Windy has been great the past week about being in the project. Friday she was in the Divagroove fashion show. I've seen her at several events so I know she has an above average drive to succeed. She packed a few outfits and came to Eastern Market. Sure it was even later still, but she did come to shoot. It became a personal shoot for her for most of the day, and reminded me of a shoot I did in 2006 with Uzoma which was also a single person AID photoshoot. We went through four of five looks and shot around the Dequindre Cut from Eastern Market to Lafayette. Gina T came out for the shoot at 5pm and we shot until 7pm working with a couple looks for the two of them in a few locations at Eastern Market. So Gina's label Identity Studios was the designer for the June photoshoot.

Roles During A Shoot

What some people don't get is what I'm willing and able to bring into a photoshoot. I'll do your makeup, work with you in styling, posing, and expression. If I have one person at the shoot I can wear all the hats comfortably. When there are more than four people I require assistance simply running things. That is why coordinator roles were established.

Coordination of May's Photoshoot

There were a few people taking on these coordinator roles during the May 2008 shoot, when the coordinator roles were established: Cassie was Style Coordinator, Lasijas was Artistic Director, and Farah was Talent Coordinator. Time limitations for each of them became an issue. Without the talent coordinator on-site I ended up running people around the site. Without the artistic director there all day the models had little direction on posing or interacting in the environment. If the style coordinator wasn't on-site for the day the models would not be transitioning wardrobe and accessories smoothly. The intent is to fully showcase what is brought to the shoot. That means close-ups, full shots, portraiture, and themed images. Getting these images is where the interaction between coordinators comes in. Interaction can take many forms from a check-list to conversation. Precisely how to do the role I was leaving in the hands of the coordinators because I know people like to own what they do and how it is done. Guidance can be offered if the coordinator isn't sure, not just from myself but the people you interact with. They have desired ways to work with you.

Credits for the people creating photos is such an important thing when you are working on no or little money. The new roles open up additional credits to place beyond those of model, photographer, wardrobe designer, jewelry designer, accessory designer, makeup artist, hair stylist, ... Take care of each other and acknowledge your community and those participating in it.