As a photographer based in Los Angeles, New York, and London, I've had the privilege of capturing the essence of countless talented individuals through my lens. One such unforgettable experience was the photoshoot with the exceptional actor, Jin Maley, at my photography studio in Los Angeles. Maley, renowned for their role as Ensign Kova Rin Esmar on Star Trek: Picard, brings a remarkable level of skill and passion to their craft. This blog post aims to delve into the intricacies of this memorable photoshoot, highlighting the equipment used, the backdrop choices, and shedding light on the captivating persona of Jin Maley.
For this particular shoot, I knew I needed equipment that would deliver exceptional results, capturing the depth and essence of Jin Maley's presence. Therefore, I chose the Hasselblad X1DII camera, renowned for its impeccable image quality and versatility. With its 90mm F3.2 lens, this combination allowed me to create portraits that were both sharp and vibrant, capturing every nuance of Maley's unique features.
To elevate the lighting setup, I opted for the Profoto A2 lights. These lights provide a compact yet powerful solution for professional studio photography, ensuring that every detail of Maley's face was beautifully illuminated. By incorporating the Click Softboxes, I could achieve the perfect balance of soft and directional lighting, adding depth and dimension to each image. The seamless integration of lighting techniques and the use of top-quality equipment allowed me to capture the dynamic presence of Jin Maley with utmost precision.
Choosing the right backdrop is crucial in setting the mood and enhancing the visual impact of a photoshoot. In this session, I carefully selected two collapsible backdrops from Manfrotto - the Tobacco/Olive and Black/White options. Each backdrop was chosen to evoke different emotions and capture various aspects of Jin Maley's personality.
The Tobacco/Olive backdrop, with its warm and earthy tones, added depth and richness to the images, providing a captivating background that complemented Maley's vibrant presence. In contrast, the Black/White backdrop offered a classic and timeless aesthetic, allowing Maley's versatility to take center stage. The deliberate selection of these backdrops showcased my attention to detail, ensuring that each image told a unique story while emphasizing Maley's captivating persona.
Jin Maley's journey as an actor and coach is nothing short of inspiring. Holding an M.F.A. in acting from Harvard University, Maley's dedication to their craft shines through in their exceptional performances. As an associate artist with Sinking Ship Productions, Maley has made notable contributions, including the commissioned work Cassandra, an Agony, showcased at the Getty Villa in 2022. Their talent and commitment continue to make a significant impact on the stage.
One of Maley's recent stage credits includes the portrayal of Ariel in a 2023 production of The Tempest at the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles. With each performance, Maley brings a unique perspective and authenticity to their characters, captivating audiences with their remarkable skill and stage presence.
It is worth mentioning that Jin Maley identifies as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns. This aspect of their identity is mirrored in their character, Ensign Kova Rin Esmar, on Star Trek: Picard, which Maley described as "really cool." By embracing and representing nonbinary individuals, Jin Maley is playing a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the entertainment industry.
The photoshoot with actor Jin Maley at my Los Angeles photography studio was an unforgettable collaboration.