Delight in Decay Some Shoots with Krystal J

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