Molly - We typically start the Christmas card idea conception stage in October. We had a few ideas on the table for consideration at the beginning of November but nothing truly exceptional. I thought we were going to settle for the re-creation of a Norman Rockwell inspired Christmas image—practically perfect in every way with me looking very Donna Reed in heels serving cookies and hot chocolate to Steve and the children by a roaring fire. The idea was that the card would be a panorama to showcase the production of it all—an over the top scene we all invision for the holidays but can’t quite emulate because, let’s face it, perfection is an illusion; besides that, I’m no Donna Reed, although I do like cute aprons. As I mentioned, I thought the photo decision was final and the many details would follow, but I was so wrong. As many of you know, Steve took up SCUBA diving, and, as with most projects he undertakes or hobbies he pursues, he has enthusiastically immersed himself—literally and as often as possible. So, around the second week in November he either stuck his finger in an electrical outlet while wet from diving, or he had a stroke of genius; it depends on who you ask. He emerged from his office, flew open the kitchen door in Kramer like fashion with wide eyes and hair afire to pronounce, “I know what we’re going to do for our Christmas card!” The overjoyed, wild look in his eyes told me there would be no need for further negotiations, questions or considerations. We would in fact be decking the halls underwater for the 2009 Exum family Christmas card.
Steve - The effort required, as it turned out, was a bit more than any of us bargained for. My hair-brained idea started with an artificial Christmas tree on loan from friend Angela Kalo. Our studio intern, Will Page, spent hours on tree assembly and decorating. The shoot location was the Burlington Dive Center's training pool. With the ambitious overconfidence of an Exum, I estimated the shoot would last from 2 to 7:30 pm with a promise that Bella and Sawyer would be in bed by 8:30 pm. A perfect plan ... yeah, right! After towing the tree at 15 mph standing up in a trailer to the Burlington Dive Center's deep training pool, we were off to a late start. Thankfully, the tree sank with little resistance. Quickly, however, the onslaught of challenges began. We first shot lights into the ceiling to make a nice wash of light. Unfortunately, that gave us a washed-out image. When we directed our lights into the pool our scene took shape. Flashy highlights danced across the pool wall and the tree popped. Then, our underwater camera housing leaked. Water pooled inside around a $2600 Nikon D700 because we hadn't properly sealed the bag housing. Thankfully, Nikon makes a damn good camera. The water did nothing but fog the lens. But then our wireless transmitter refused to trip our lights. Apparently, pocket wizards are not designed to work under water. Three hours into the production and we haven't shot a single person underwater. My family, each ready for their turn to dive down and decorate, stood by perplexed. Now, it's 5:20 pm and Bella's mandatory ballet practice is at 6. Wearing a pool soaked 3 mil wet suit, Molly dutifully drives Bella to dance. Carpooling at night in a wet suit with the temperature near freezing was not part of the plan. Nerves raw, I barked orders at Griffin in frustration as my camera lens fogged for the 10th time. The camera had to be removed from the bag housing, completely towel dried and reinserted, a 15 minute process every time. My son, Sawyer, was losing it after hearing Dad's endless request, "OK, can you dive one more time?" As my composure slipped away and my blood pressure rose, I barely managed to keep a slew of expletives under clinched teeth. I paused. I hung my head and waited. Suddenly, I felt a calm. It must have been the "angel of Christmas stress relief." Slowly, MY picture became clearer. Actually, everything was "perfect." I was surrounded by friends and family sharing in two passions: photography and scuba diving. AND I was at work. Life, as it pertains to work, really doesn't get any better. I mellowed, and the project slowly gelled. Pizza was delivered. Sawyer made two long, flawless dives and I got my shot. Bella returned to follow direction without complaint and dove so gracefully. Molly, quietly aware of my frustration, dove cooperatively despite my erratic behavior. The kids were done by 10 pm and my crew finished up at midnight.
In hindsight, I know not to expect perfection from cast and crew while exposing them to cold water and sleep deprivation. I realize it's difficult for me to be patient, loving and kind while working in a chilly pool surrounded by expensive photography equipment and potentially dangerous lighting gear. Most importantly, I understand more completely that the creative process has to be a dynamic flow of good planning, serendipity, patient execution and teamwork.
I want to thank so many people for their cooperation and inspiration on this project. First, let me say how proud I am of my children Bella and Sawyer. They are outstanding skin divers and very cooperative kids considering all the oddball requests they field from their photographer dad. Thank you Molly for encouraging and agreeing with all my hair-brained ideas. Also, thanks for copy editing most of the text. I’m sorry for the last minute changes that you didn’t edit. I made a couple of mistakes on the final edit. Thank you Griffin for your patient assistance poolside and for your "true to the core" photographer's spirit. Griffin took many of the behind the scene photos wearing only a pair of boxers in a pool that never got above 74 degrees. Without being asked, Griffin took the initiative to literally jump right in and photograph Joey and I sinking the tree and decorating it underwater. Thank you Angela Kalo for letting us borrow your artificial Christmas tree. Thank you Will Page for putting together and decorating the tree. Thank you Rob McDorman for answering my late night call for your design expertise and for taking on the project last minute. We all love the "Happy Holidays" type; it's similarity to the font from the movie "Jaws" was genius. Thank you Diane Weatherford,
owner of the Burlington Dive Center, for allowing us to use your great facility. Thank you Murphy, our dog, for enduring long hours in our car that night waiting for your poolside debut. Most of all, I want to thank Mr. Joey Seawell for his scuba diving assistance during the shoot and his INCREDIBLE Photoshop wizardry that made my vision a reality. The success of this card is truly a testament to his computer skills. Joey is an incredible photographer, studio associate, Photoshop-guru and just an all around fantastic person. Thanks again my friend!
- Steve Exum - Main Photog, Project Producer, Skin Diver 1,
- Joey Seawell - 2nd Photog, Scuba Diver, Photoshop Wizard,
- Griffin Davis - 3rd Photog, Digital Tech and Lighting Grip
- Will Page - Tree Assembly & Decor, 4th photog
- Molly Exum - Skin Diver 2
- Bella Exum - Skin Diver 3
- Sawyer Exum - Skin Diver 4
- Murphy Exum - Dog
- Burlington Dive Center - Location
- Rob McDorman - Graphic Design
