Dallas, Texas-based Fashion photographer Chris Ossenfort recently did a shoot for return client The Office of Angela Scott, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and individuality. Founded by luxury shoe designer and female entrepreneur Angela Scott in 2012, the brand’s goal was to create shoes that not only exude elegance but also empower the women who wear them. With a background in the construction business, Angela recognized the impracticality of wearing heels and set out to redefine luxury footwear. For this project, the brand needed stills for a seasonal print catalog, as well as website use and social media.
Chris has been working with The Office of Angela Scott for several years now. An art director from a previous job recommended him to the brand, and their immediate connection laid the foundation for an ongoing professional relationship.
The Office of Angela Scott brand is producing something of quality. They also care about what they are putting out into the world. It’s not just product for the sake of product.
Chris’s photo expertise spans product-driven imagery, ranging from watches to shoes. For this project, however, he combined still life/product photography with on-figure imagery.
While the difference in producing and shooting on-figure vs still life is massive, I’ve always been drawn to both equally. I love the energy from a model shoot as well as the collaboration, then when I get to do still life I have an opportunity to really dial in the nuances of lighting and get drastically more technical. My experience in product photography taught me how to let the product shine while showcasing the set or model as supporting roles.
Prior to the shoot, Chris worked closely with the brand’s creative director for over a month, exchanging ideas, sharing mood boards, producing, and planning every aspect of the shoot. The photoshoot itself took place over four days across two studios. They used Chris’ private studio for still-life photography, while Forge Studios in LA provided the perfect backdrop for on-figure shots.
We loaded into the rental studio and wasted no time in setting up for the shoot as soon as the models were out of hair and makeup. This allowed us to wrap up a bit earlier than expected on the second day. Forge is a comfortable space with extremely accommodating owners. I’ve shot in their space several times.
When it comes to setting the mood for a photoshoot, every photographer has their own approach. For some, it’s all about finding peace and quiet to focus on the task at hand. Others, like Chris, find music to be the heartbeat of the set.
Music is key for maintaining energy on set. We will range from dance beats to hip-hop jams, and even pop hits — anything that gets people moving. There will typically be a full team on set, including HMU, Stylist, Creative Director, assistants, and models.
Another essential aspect of the good vibes on set is Chris’s approach to interacting with the models.
I strongly believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. That mixed with a curiosity of actually wanting to get to know what people are thinking or feeling tends to make a more authentic connection, even if only for a brief time during a shoot.
Chris and his team navigated the shoot without any significant constraints. With a well-coordinated team, they operated like a well-oiled machine, as Chris put it. With many successful shoots behind them, this one was no exception.
When a team is in a flow state and you are getting great shots, then it’s hard to stop shooting. Sometimes it’s good to have a creative director or an assistant let you know that we have enough.
Much like music on set, having a dog around can really lift everyone’s spirits during a long shoot day.
Our stylist brought her pup to the shoot and the joy was palpable.
With spirits high, and motivation sharp, Chris’s shoot for The Office of Angela Scott was a resounding success, embodying the individuality and confidence of the brand’s clientele.
See more of Chris’s work on his website.
Credits
Stylist: Sadie Sapphire
HMU: Erica Davidson
Photo Assistant: Jon Walter Mocey
Models: India Gants, Aissa, and Johanna Cure
Studio: Forge LA
Equipment rental: Edge LA
Further Reading
Read more Photographer Spotlight articles about our other photographers.
Let us help you Find Photographers, source Stock Photography,
Produce Your Shoot — or just reach out to hear more!