Production: Jason Pachura, Birdman Inc

Photographer: Keith Seamen, Camerad Inc

Location: The Slanted Door, San Francisco

On January 19th I (Jason) attended the APA Resolve to Connect event at Dogpatch Studios in San Francisco. The purpose of the event was to bring the SF photo community together to kick off 2011 and meet new people within the industry. Teri Cundall of the Propville Directory organized an exercise where everyone at the event was to put their business card into a hat. Business cards were drawn, for the most part, at random and teams of strangers were formed. As my luck would have it, my card was chosen. The assignment was to make a great photo, we were given one month and no budget. After a quick introduction, our team had a common goal in mind; create an image to represent San Francisco while incorporating food and architecture. Our photographer Keith Seaman is a seasoned food photographer new to the San Francisco chapter. He and his wife Jill, also his studio manager, have worked as a team for some time making great connections within the food world. Jill quickly suggested celebrity chef and architect Charles Phan of the Slanted Door. We could only hope that Chef Charles would be open to the idea and available on short notice. Boy did we luck out! Chef Charles graciously excepted Keith's request to photograph him at The Slanted Door the following week.I took on the obvious roll of location scout and the not so familiar roll of producer. Thankfully Chef Charles and his team at the restaurant were great to work with. I think Keith said it best; "The shoot was a dream. The team worked as though we’d been together for years. We only had an hour to shoot Chef Charles. Everyone schlepped equipment. Thea looked over my shoulder to make sure everything was in its place and gave valuable creative input. Joanna was right at my side doing the perfect assist in a high-pressure environment. Jill and Jason everywhere at once. We nailed our two photos and were rewarded with an incredible meal at one of the best tables in the house, all courtesy of Chef Charles."This project really was great! Our team had fun and we made some great photos. It was nice to be challenged and work without a budget. Our success came form a common passion for quality photography. Thanks to Keith, Thea, Jill and Joanna for all the hard work. And most of all a big thanks to Chef Charles and the staff of The Slanted Door!

BIRDMAN INC

On Set With Chef Charles Phan