Enchanted Forests & Freezing Promenades

Despite the wind chill dragging the air temperature down to 2 degrees, Krystal approached me in the context of a forest shoot. I wasn’t expecting her to model a line of lingerie (!) but she posed effortlessly and without complaint. Though these conditions ran the cold gauntlet, they greatly reduced the probability of encountering (not to mention, offending) dog walkers and other passers-by.

We shot about 20 frames, in twenty minutes before deciding it was time to move on. I had intended to bring a large blanket with me, so Krystal could (a) Remain warm (b) Preserve her modesty, in the event of someone showing up.

However, she’d already brought a sizeable winter coat, leggings and dealer boots. Garments that could be quickly donned/dispensed with, as need arose.

We concluded the forest looked uniformly bland, given the time of year. Krystal took this opportunity, to change into her second outfit. I’d spotted some agricultural equipment, along an adjacent farm track, so we employed these, as our second backdrop.

I had also noticed a partially cannibalised Land Rover…Being as it was languishing on private property, I was not prepared to pitch up and start shooting. Professionalism aside, trespass is one of those things, which can take a darker turn.

Though signage may say “Trespassers will be prosecuted”; chances are, not for the crime of trespass, rather the more serious charge of criminal damage. I attempted to contact the landowner, but no-one was home, so we shot a few final frames, against these logs.

Three days later, KA with fresh MOT certificate, I was gifted some unexpectedly free time. Bracing coastal winds meant plucking my cowhide pilots’ jacket, gloves and thermal skull cap from hibernation. I headed out to Walton on the Naze and Revved up Tea Hut. Warm welcome, good ambience and a new range, of cold beating beanies and hoodies…If you were stuck for stocking fillers.  

Lipstick, Powder & Paint...Collaborating with Ellie Thurgood MUA

There’s no shortage of people, claiming to be makeup artists. Unemployed talent show hopefuls, dripping in disastrously ill matched foundation, being cases in point.

Qualified makeup artists (the sort delivering commercially credible results) are highly trained and skilled.

I was approached by Ellie Thurgood https://purpleport.com/portfolio/elliethurgoodmua/ , a part time MUA, who’d attained her NVQ level 2 funded by, and alongside another role. Ellie was talking in terms of moody portraiture. Despite a lack of references, she communicated her ideas coherently, came across as focused, reliable and professional. Gut instinct paid off.

With light and climate becoming unreliable, we agreed on an indoor location. I left model selection in Ellie’s court. She’d know the attributes required and I didn’t want the shoot scuppered by an unknown (and potentially unreliable) candidate.

I headed to the East Midlands, on another mission. Ellie quickly recruited Jerri Eliza https://purpleport.com/portfolio/jerrieliza/  Location, timing and suggestions flowed between us, via networking sites and other, digital platforms. Ellie was bringing her portable ring light, I opted to keep things simple. Flashguns, Sony Alpha SLR, Samsung NX CSC, batteries, portable LED “wand” and reflector.

Oh, and of course, sustenance for all parties. Miserable models, or (more likely) surly photographer could prove a real creativity killer during a four-hour shoot. We’d all agreed Monday evening-7pm.

I arrived on set at 6.45, Ellie 5 minutes later. Jerri was already there. Real world introductions done, we unpacked and set up. I’d gone for a 50mm 1.8 prime, set the flashgun and fired a few shots, then tweaked the settings to suit.

With a relaxed, yet purposeful mood, talk turned to our backgrounds. Something of a sociable loner (contradiction in terms, anyone) I am fascinated by people, which probably explains my transition to social photography.

Jerri happened to mention her family were of Irish origin, which explained her very pale “Celtic” complexion (although they had been in London’s East End for several generations).

She’s grown up in Newham (Custom House and later, East Ham). I’d lived in the central park area of E6. A stable and relatively, safe district 20 odd years back. However, inner city districts are always transitioning to some extent and once the creatives enter, developers aren’t far behind…

On best behaviour, I managed to subdue any urges to lament the area’s loss of derelict buildings/backdrops. She’d also worked in animal welfare, with an impressive understanding of dog breeds and their foibles.

My lighting calculations were accurate. Alternating between silver and bronze reflectors also achieved some positive contrasts. I have a resistance (rather than aversion) to golden hues but it appeared complimentary to Jerri’s tones and hair colour.        

Two striking looks (and variations) and good rapport saw time literally evaporate- We said our goodbyes, and I headed home to begin post-processing.