Some time ago, I saw this great video on the best table flips through movie history. There is something so satisfying as to abusing a defenseless table. Damn it! If I can’t have my way with life, I’ll have it with this table!!

So what is something so satisfying have to do with this blog? Well, let me tell you.

I was fortunate enough to work with by the band “The River” to shoot promotional material for their new album release. And what did they want? A poker sequence with a table flip! Yes!! I’d be able to document the band having it’s way with a table. Nice!

We had carte blanche access to he Pillsbury building near downtown Minneapolis–including the roof. And the thing I love about this profession are the unusual places you get into that are normally off limits.

There would be two shot sequences. A group shot on the roof and the poker scene.

We previewed the location weeks before. But due to scheduling issues, this shoot was occurring when it was below freezing. On the roof. 20 stories up. With wind. And ice. No crampons….

So clearly a clean set up and quick shoot with the talent was needed. The band wanted a contemplative piece with them spread out, overlooking the city.

There is and underlying, unsaid golden rule: It’s bad karma to kill the talent in the process of making the image.

There is an underlying, unsaid golden rule: It’s bad karma to kill the talent in the process of making the image. I think I read that in a book somewhere. Anyway, to this end, I had the assistants set up and then stand in for fine tuning the lights. This is normal, but on this day, very important so as to not break the golden rule.

Several images later, we had to scramble for the second shoot that was the building’s basement. This was significantly more comfortable in less life threatening conditions.

And the band was great as I directed them though the details of the shoot: A glance here, shift a hand there. A whisper. Conveying an underlying story…

Then the flip!

Enjoy!