Models and derelict buildings
are a contrast I have always enjoyed. I moved to London’s East End in 1992. A
time, when the landscape was littered with derelict factories, warehouses and
indeed, domestic dwellings. Long gone now.
I discovered a mutual love of
the derelict (and indeed, the area’s more characterful pubs) during some
earlier studio and location shoots, with Krystal. While out, on other missions I noted several
locations in the Harwich area. We agreed they’d be particularly good settings
for a PVC/latex themed shoot.
Being well versed in the
legalities and related considerations, both parties knew we needed to work
quickly. All three locations were quite exposed, which has some very definite
pros and cons.
First and foremost, it's pretty obvious what you are doing. Suggestions of theft, vandalism, breaking and
entering/similar wrongdoing can be ruled out.
The derelict petrol station
forecourt being a prime example. Several police patrol cars and a steady stream
of rubbernecking office workers passed us. Most slowed, out of
curiosity-including the Police. However, no-one stopped, or interfered.
Conversely, some seclusion is
required, for discreet changing/model modesty. Rapport between model and
photographer also must be “on point”; So, the desired images can flow
seamlessly. Depending upon the location, there are other, environmental factors
to bear in mind.
Abandoned properties can have
their share of danger. Nails, needles, asbestos and unofficial residents, metal
thieves- being but a few. Oh, and if you are asked to leave, smile a lot and
comply. The law of trespass is difficult to enforce. Criminal damage tends to
be the default avenue.
Krystal brought three dresses
and we spent around 30 minutes, at each of these locations.
While out on a ride, I noted a
farm house had been recently boarded up, with no sign of activity, during
subsequent fly-pasts. Krystal was keen to model a vintage tea dress, so this
seemed a surreal, although thought provoking backdrop.
Arriving on the day, there
were signs that the property and grounds are still very much in use. A row of
older cars and agricultural equipment lay equally dormant. No sign of other
life, or mercifully, any bull.
We only wanted to use the
immediate frontage and exterior farm buildings. Not least, since the sun was
very intense. I slipped the f stop to 1.8 and the shutter speed to around the
4000/5000 mark.
I seldom stray away from full manual control.However, in those contexts
where you need to move quickly, or lighting is very changeable. There is an
argument, for selecting aperture priority and letting the camera decide the
others.
We moved to another location,
for a quick retro phone box shoot. Then Krystal spotted a retro garage
forecourt. I approached the garage owners, who were only too delighted to indulge
us. The copyright for these images,
belongs to Stenning Photographic (Michael Stenning). However, prints may be
purchased from my site. https://michael-stenning.format.com/#1
