On Set With Hoka

Through this reading I want to be able to show you what it is like to be on set with the one and only Hoka Family.

This time around I was in San Francisco with the team. It was a four day shoot with each day being a new location. I was blessed with a two day gap in between my shoot dates so I had time to tour the city and see what San Fran had to offer. It was a nice break but also, I genuinely love being on set with this crew. They have become like family to me and are the most caring and fun-loving group of people.

Day One On Set

We were given the chance to travel to a local beach over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was beyond beautiful. The scenery was one for the books. It is amazing to think as a model you are given the opportunity to travel and just see all of these amazing sites. Truly is a blessing. I had a 7 A.M. call time for the moho (motorhome) where I got my hair and makeup done and a hot breakfast on deck. It was a chilly day on set with the wind literally pushing me over during every shot. It was entertaining, I am sure to those that were watching me as I tried not to get carried away with the wind. We ended the day right by the Golden Gate Bridge. The sunset was breathtaking as they had us running up the hill towards the overlook. One of the guy models thought it would be entertaining to run up the whole entire hill after I already was running for close to an hour... He won and me being competitive I had some sort of excuse for the loss I just experienced. Even though I did lose every step up that hill was worth it even with the sore legs that were awaiting me the next morning. We wrapped the shoot around 6:30 P.M.

Day Two On Set

Call time was at 5 A.M. in the hotel conference room for hair and makeup. I woke up in a panic at 2 A.M. thinking I was going to be late and couldn’t get back to sleep. So today I am running on about three hours of sleep, but that is what coffee is for.. Right? We had an amazing hot breakfast ready for us at basecamp so that gave me some extra energy as well. I started running at about 7 A.M. and ran up Vermont St. for about two hours. I wasn't alone for these shots and had the opportunity to race up the steep residential hills with two of the guy models. Nothing like early morning competition to get you rolling. I then had a little gap period until 1 P.M. to go back to running through the city. City running is always entertaining because you always encounter locals walking their dogs and everyone being distracted by the cuteness, including myself. And people stopping to ask “what is going on here?” and awkwardly taking pictures or filming you as you do your running pass. I think it honestly makes me run more gracefully cause all eyes are on me in a sense. I'm like, "ya thats right I am totally famous... you take those pictures and film that run." It is always an interesting experience. Today we wrapped around 6:20 P.M.

The Client

Hoka is so amazing to work with. The people who are connected with this company are so compassionate and genuine. They bring so much light to set with their positive and encouraging direction, big bright sunny smiles and continuous check-ins to ensure that we as the models are comfortable. The vision that they have is flawless. They go in knowing what they want, how to capture it, and direct the models so effortlessly. It isn’t forced, it isn’t a struggle to ever understand what they need from not only the models but also, the photographers and crew. As a client they are literal goals.

The Photographers/Crew

The photographer and 2nd shooter are seriously the best photo duo I have ever encountered while being a model. They just somehow get each other on a whole other level and are able to bounce off of each other's ideas and create the most beautiful content for Hoka. They are so talented and willing to literally climb ladders, lay in all of the dirt and mud and hike endless miles just to get the shot. I am so honored to work with these two because every time I shoot with them I am encouraged and empowered by their positive words, perfect direction and their genuine concern that I am cold or my feet are too squished. Like seriously, these two are amazing and I appreciate them more than I think they know. They also, have the best crew to back them up with all of the extras they may need. At times they even block the wind for us when we are between shots so that we aren't up there shivering our little buns off or hand us their own sunnies so that sand isn't blowing in our eyes. I appreciate you all.

The Stylists

Okay where to start here? This crew is a chef's kiss. They are all so beyond amazing. They not only know how to put together an outfit with the perfect matching accessories, but they also are the most selfless, fun-loving, energetic bunch. They are always checking in on us models making sure we have everything we need in order to perform at our best level. They give us their own coats off their backs when they see us shivering and our coats are at the bottom of the hill. They hold us close when the wind is practically blowing us over the edge and the jackets aren't doing the job. And they somehow carry up bags of clothes, shoes and accessories for endless miles on the many adventures and treks we take to get these photos. The work that goes into styling is beyond me. The organization these guys have is insane and they somehow manage to balance a variety of tasks that are given to them while staying calm and collected. They are such gems and I am so thankful for what they do.

HMUA

Can I just say this woman is a sweetheart. She not only does the hair and makeup for us models but she is always checking in making sure we don't need anything else. She provides the cute hairstyles, the extra chapstick, the lotion even around the ankles and all of the laughs. She is so personable and conversations with her are always a joy.

The PA Team

The PA team is on top of it when it comes to everything. I believe they have one of the earliest call times of the group yet they still manage to provide everything needed. They also, are the last ones to leave after wrap time for the day. Their hours are long and their work consistently has them going from place to place. They are the go to’s when it comes to providing the midday munchies and coffee needs. Let me tell you, they don’t have it easy because usually by this time we are on a 10-15 minute trek up a steep hill or mountain. And little do you know here comes one of them with a backpack full of snacks and drinks and a full on coffee container in hand. Might I add this whole time a smile is on their face. Two of the PA’s I think tag team with this little remote control rat thing that is used to prank literally everyone. The first day on set they decided to get me and record my whole reaction. Pretty sure it was one for the books because I literally almost spilled whatever it was I had in my hands. The PA Team is such a light to be around because they are always bringing the energy and joy to the day and ensure that everyone is getting what they need in order to have an energized and fun day. I really appreciate all that they do for us on set because if it wasn’t for them I would be dehydrated, hungry and craving caffeine for more energy.

Hoka, like I said, has become like a family. I may not work with them all of the time, but every time I do get the opportunity it is as if no time has passed. They are always able to be so intentional and genuine each and every time. I love getting the opportunity to work with this client and hope that they are a client I hold close to in the future. Hoka, I appreciate you and how authentic you are. Until next time.

xx Tayler Fettig