3 days and nights in a beautiful mid-century modern home in Palm Springs for W magazine. There were so many set-ups. The photographer, Steven Klein, had us setting up lighting and camera three shots ahead. Steven prefers shooting large format, which requires a tremendous amount of light.

Annie Leibovitz photographer for Roberto Cavalli. I love this photo not only because I am featured in it. Its Vasquez-inspired salon setting is super affective. Lighting-wise, Annie prefers a very Vemeer like wash of light from enormous soft sources usually from the side. Light that diffuse tends to fall off dramatically, and she places the subjects right in that sweet spot. Most fashion photographers start with a white canvas and then punch up the clothes with supplemental lighting. Annie starts with a dark frame and is not afraid to shoot wide open.

Steven Klein for Calvin Klein. This is my first lighting job for fashion. Unsatisfied with the washed out look of strobes, I was called upon to create drama ala noir. A marathon 12 days to shoot, in the course of shooting, we experimented a lot with color. I find this a little sloppy and not to my taste, but it made for an effective campaign and an arresting image.

Mark Seliger Photographer. Pretty standard fare here, but I recall Britney being quite frenetic in her movements. We decided to definitely do strobe. Then, we just experimented with different levels of diffusion and fill. Love the warm shadows on her torso.