Big Morning Sun and a Big Migraine
It's 7am, your morning commute, and the sun is streaking across your face. For most, the sun is a refreshing feeling, however not so for others. For some people with migraines, headache pain is compounded by an intense sensitivity to light called photophobia. Demonstrating the difficulty a migraine sufferer experiences trying to avoid bright light was the goal of this promotion for "Maxalt" , a prescription migraine medication made by Merck. We shot this photo, with Chris Heron, senior art director from Corbett. We held a casting for our "light-sensitive" model, and our extras who were our bus passengers. Our well thought out list of production values were allowed to take place because of our outstanding weather conditions. We needed direct sunlight, hitting at a very strict side angle into the bus, but our time was limited. With all of our necessary paperwork, permits and insurance documents in hand, we arrived at our location. A Chicago bus depot where the CTA has an adjacent driving course, so we could angle our bus as we wished. At the time of booking we gave the CTA clear instructions that a clean, brand new bus was needed. We were presented with a bus that wasn't clean or brand new. We had to convey to our CTA rep the importance of a clean bus, so a second bus was brought out to our set up. It was in the same exact unusable condition. I ran to the bus depot and shared with my CTA friend, exactly what we required. This time I was really hoping for the best. Now here's the scene: The first two buses were rejected, model talent was in wardrobe and make-up, everyone had enjoyed our food service, I just ran 1,000 yards, AND the sun was rising. (In my mind faster than it ever had). All of a sudden, Chris and I broke into laughter when a caravan of five, different style, brand new buses were paraded out for our choosing. I guess my new CTA friend didn't want to fool with me anymore! There's nothing like soft persuasion. The sun had been great for a short while already, but I had only about half an hour of this perfect light remaining. Following our layout schematic, all of our talent went to their pre-determined places. Now we were ready to shoot. To fill the shadows from the hard sunlight, a wall of foam-core was placed in the aisle of the bus. All of our talent was aware of our impending time restraint, and performed beautifully. Waking up at midnight, getting to the studio by 2:30am, and arriving at the location by 4:30am all paid off for my half hour of shooting. By arriving early, I prepped for the inevitable; Murphy (and his law) might be driving the bus. I always believe that if you can t get somewhere on time, get there early. Migraines are not allowed here. |
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