10 minute read
CAPTURING THE COVER – PAGES
Capturing
THE COVER
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By Sarah Lyons Glabman
Publisher & Lead Photographer Epic Fit Magazine
EpicFitMag.com
Epic [ ep-ik ]
HERO. That is the perfect word to describe Epic Fit Magazine’s cover model, Chad Allen Robinson. He is a hero in business. He is a hero to his wonderful wife Karen and their two children. He is a hero in fitness—and he is definitely a hero to me. This “Capturing the Cover” segment goes a little deeper than most because this shoot was extremely personal to me.
Chad Allen Robinson was introduced to me through a mutual friend, Salomon Surraca, in Miami, Florida. Salomon is a notable fitness photographer who travels to the WBFF fitness shows and photographs tons of fitness competitors during “show weeks”. He also books regular shoots in the Miami area, and we will be featuring some of his work here in Epic Fit Magazine in future issues. Check out salomonurraca.com to see examples of his fabulous work. Salomon photographed Chad at one of the WBFF fitness shows. He was also on my crew as the esteemed videographer during Epic Destination Shoot Miami Version 2.0 in February of this year. Obviously, the crew spends quite a bit of time with each other, and during the down-time, we talk shop about lighting, composition, sets, etc. Lots of fun stuff like that. During our time together, I shared some information with Salomon and the crew about the billboard opportunities I offer in Times Square; and also about the specifics of my two publications BodyScape Magazine and Epic Fit Magazine. And, almost immediately, he suggested that I get on a call with his client, Chad Robinson.
He told me Chad was looking to explore more opportunities in the fitness world outside of competing. I just so happen to have lots of opportunities available for people outside of competing—and inside as well! What happened next is what really sets the stage for this story.
Chad and I got on a call during some downtime in Miami. We spoke about his current fitness achievements, and what I could offer him moving forward. There was electricity on that call, meaning, I could feel Chad’s energy and excitement over the phone. After all, I am the only photographer who can not only offer a guaranteed spot on the cover of a magazine, but I can also offer billboards in Times Square and Los Angeles. I think that is what makes this entire process so EPIC. (Elevated in style, impressively great!)
Chad reflected on our conversation and he decided that he would not only like to schedule a cover shoot of Epic Fit Magazine, but that he would also like to move forward with booking the largest Times Square billboard that I’ve had to date…just at the base of the iconic red steps in the heart of Times Square. What an incredible opportunity for exposure and getting your name out there. In fact, this magazine is being released on the heels of that Times Square billboard being released! And, now you know the players behind this incredible cover shoot, how we were introduced, and what was decided to build Chad’s brand moving forward. The rest is history!
Typically, after a huge out-of-town photo shoot, I like to take a month or two off from shooting altogether. I’m usually swamped with all of the photo organizing, emailing to the clients I just worked with, photo processing, helping the clients choose the images and EDITING. But Chad had some business in Arizona about three weeks after I was done with my big Miami shoot. So, we scheduled the shoot to take place during that time in March!
Chad and his family have a vacation condo about ten minutes away from my studio, however, it just so happened that their condo was booked during the time he was scheduled to do his shoot, So, I offered Chad a place to stay in my comfy, cozy studio for the six days leading up to the big day. Keep in mind, I do not live at the studio, but I felt like I had a roommate because all of my “stuff” is there. Chad had access to the studio before I could get there to formally welcome him, so he stayed the night there upon his arrival.
The next morning, I went over to the studio and introduced myself. I think we were both so excited about what the week would bring that we just laughed and gave each other a big ol’ welcome hug. I felt completely at ease with Chad staying in my place. You may wonder why Chad was there so long before the shoot…well, coming from Calgary, Canada, Chad wanted to make sure that he had time to acclimate to the time change and climate before our shoot. It’s a very strategic move that athletes make to ensure they are getting the PROPER rest, nutrition, training, and hydration prior to a shoot of this caliber. I’m all too familiar with this process, so I encouraged him to come down and make himself at home before the big shoot day.
Once he was rested, acclimated and charged up—READY TO GO—I remember he said to me: “Hey, Sarah, do you think you could show me some shops here in Scottsdale that have some good clothes for this shoot? I don’t have much sense of fashion.” Ummm, you are speaking my language Chad! Let’s get you to Fashion Square STAT! First stop: Neiman’s. We spent at least an hour and a half in Neiman’s wandering, assessing and looking. It’s a little intimidating in there. Almost everything is so fabulous that I just wanted him to try EVERYTHING on, but we played it conservative… So we thought...
I had an idea to get Chad in a very ornate, bespoke men’s tuxedo jacket, but Neiman’s didn’t have exactly what I was looking for. However, we did find a gorgeous blue cashmere plaid sport coat that we knew would be absolutely gorgeous in photos. Once Chad had chosen his pieces, along with that blue plaid sport coat, I believe there were six or seven pieces in all, no biggie. We were being catered to in the back area (which I can only assume is the VIP area of Neiman’s) and I thought to myself, “Umm, I feel like this is going to be pricey.” Keep in mind, neither Chad nor myself was paying attention to price tags because we were just having fun! Eventually, the cashier rang him up, and as it turns out that gorgeous plaid coat was $8,000 USD! Needless to say, that was NOT in the bag when we left, but everything else was.
Next, we were off to Versace…which obviously didn’t disappoint. I don’t shop there often—maybe once every few years—but what I do know about Versace is they have
quality and timeless style. So, we picked up a few items there as well. Can you pick out which pieces are Versace in the feature? The wardrobe, rest, training, and focus for the shoot were now dialed into perfection. WE were ready.
The shoot day consisted of four shoot locations in one day. These cover shoots can be rigorous, but the outcome makes it all worth it! On-deck for the shoot crew, I was (obviously) the photographer. Fitness celebrity Monica Brant was there as Chad’s posing coach, helping him to dial in his poses to perfection. Leiah Scheibel was on-set as Chad’s “man-glam” expert, ensuring Chad didn’t get too shiny, or leave one hair out of place. Finally, my good friend and associate Tony Swann was on-set to capture movielevel video of Chad’s shoot while we were working throughout the day. We were ready.
Beginning at my studio, we shot Chad in one of my favorite, and very simple areas, the hallway outside my studio. I have shot some monumental stuff there before but nothing like this! The depth of field, the mood, you can see why it’s one of my favorite places. Moving inside, to a variety of different colored backdrops, we created the centerpiece of Chad’s magnificent Times Square billboard with the purple backdrop.
I have some very good friends in North Scottsdale that offered up their backyard area for the shoot. Not only are they good friends, but they also love to follow my work to see what I’m up to! We loaded up the production van and three other vehicles and headed up into the gated community. Driving through the exclusive neighborhood, I’m always in awe of God’s splendor and what he has created for us. There was no shortage of scenery with the massive backyard, infinity-edge pool, and views with views on views. I LOVE this place. Chad also had access to the private casita to hang his wardrobe and get ready for each new scene in privacy. Tony Swann and his crew shot a few segments there in the backyard while we were taking a bit of a break in between.
Next up was Maximum Fitness Gym. My dear friend, fitness personality, and contributing writer for BodyScape Magazine Karen Mullarkey is a trainer at this amazing gym just down the street from where I live. This gym had everything in place for the actual COVER shot of Chad. It’s a bit of a challenge with these shoots sometimes because what I thought I wanted for the cover didn’t end up being the cover! This intense shot with a heavy blue background just spoke to me for this issue with Chad focusing on his strength, determination, and pure will. He was working HARD in the gym. We grabbed a few amazing looks of him and he needed a small break. Just in time because it was... Time to switch gears, pack up, and move locations one more time…
The last location of the day was at my home! When I tell you this shoot was personal, this is what I mean. I rarely let people into my home, let alone to do a published magazine shoot. Home is home, you know what I mean? I work in so many layers on so many things each day, that when I get HOME, I just want to sink in. But this is where Chad met my wonderful husband Barry. He and Chad are both successful business men—and Barry fully supported this full week of shoot prep and everything that goes along with it for Chad and the success of this edition of Epic Fit Magazine. We shot some fashion looks (Versace anyone?) along with pool-resort looks at my home. These are some of my favorites! Not just because Chad looks chiseled and amazing, but I also think that the HOME element comes into play here too; and I love being at home.
And, that’s a wrap!!!
Whew! What a day for everyone involved. I’m pretty sure I got my steps in that day. Wait…I know I did! Was it rigorous? YES. Was it challenging? YES. Was it worth it? YES. In all ways. Chad’s images have now been seen by tens of thousands of people in Times Square New York, during New York Fashion Week, and online! And, guess what? Getty images was also there snapping photos of his monstrous billboard, advertising his brand new website,
NRGY4Life.com. There is a process and a method to all of this. It all starts with an idea, a photoshoot, and then, who knows? It takes time and patience, but as I mentioned before… it is all worth it! Keep watching Chad and see what happens next. I guarantee you, you’ll be amazed at what this man is up to.
