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Stuart Wood Lighting Masterclass - June 2016 - part 2 of 1 2 3

by Stuart Wood Published 01/07/2016

Upon landing at Sofia and with brief introductions as we filed out of the main aeroplane aisle, we collected our luggage and rejoined the band on the 'tour bus' whereupon alcoholic refreshments were generously provided for our long adventure to Bulgaria's second city, where a hot meal and rooms were awaiting us all at the same hotel - Izzy and I were both guests of the band's record company.

When we eventually arrived to discover a 'booking' problem with our rooms, Izzy and I were asked to share, for one evening only, which we duly obliged - after first texting my wife back home to wish her 'happy anniversary darling, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be sleeping with a strange lady tonight', but hey that's Rock and Roll! Luckily, I have a very understanding wife!

Next day we were taken with the band to cover the rehearsal with the choir, orchestra and conductor and I was given time in this exhausting day to 'break the ice' and shoot the band. This went very well and all was set for the main event the following evening.

Back at the hotel base on the morning of the big day, an interview with the band was organised followed by a half hour slot for pictures.

This was it.

My time!

I decided to 'recce' the hotel from roof to cellar and duly covered every inch of the sprawling complex. I found a few likely spots that would make for good images, but lacked that 'money shot' location that would really set the pictures apart.

Upon scouring the grounds and gardens like some hunger-driven scavenger, I noticed a door to a ground floor room slightly open that promised ...well something?

Maybe?

I entered a lowly storage room full to the ceiling with excess or ageing furniture, cast aside for less abused replacements. The moment I entered the room I spotted a frosted window and my 'bell' started to ring rather loudly, proclaiming another find. Yes, it would take a bit of reorganising, but this could be the one - the picture that the magazine had sent me out for because I 'always come back with something a bit different' (great incentive to produce when you're under that kind of pressure, but hey, them's the stakes!)

I dashed to the reception and asked if I could use this location on the strict promise that I would replace any disturbed furniture. The bemused staff agreed, but couldn't understand why on earth, when they had such a resplendent hotel and gardens, would I want to shoot this important band in the store room?

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1st Published 01/07/2016
last update 09/12/2022 15:00:26

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