Three harrowing tales of shoots that were saved by ingenuity, quick thinking and a little luck.

Few cauldrons burn as fiercely as a studio shoot, fueled by sky-high client expectations, impatient art directors and intense deadlines. From within this crucible, some of the world’s most extraordinary photography has been created.

Yet even the finest of plans can shift subtly and go awry in an instant. How does one overcome adversity within the studio? Moreover, how does one transform an unraveling shoot into a great success?

Perhaps the key is to think of the studio as a laboratory. Photography could be called the greatest amalgam of pure science...

Dave Siegel, of Phoenix-based Siegel Photographic, has caused a stir in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area by using advertising space that he normally would have committed to growing his business and tackling such community issues as child abuse, domestic violence and animal adoption.

Using graphic photos–some digitally enhanced–of unwanted animals and abused children, Siegel chose to use the paid and donated ad pages for public service announcements rather than standard marketing and advertising purposes. "I have grown weary of self-promotion with studio ads and decided to use the opportunity to donate the space," said Siegel. "Not everybody agrees with my approach, and I don't like to beat around the bush...