Matinee’ with Michelle

Almost two years since I’d last worked with Michelle, so I was rather pleased she’d got in touch.  I’d also gone through a familiar, but frustrating phase of unreliable models-ghosting and cancelations being the key issues. This is something I’m finding increasingly common with aspiring or novice models, and why I tend to be very discerning.  

I am still happy to work with new models and those returning to the industry, but ask searching questions to evaluate the probability of cancellations etc. Sometimes there are genuine reasons and circumstances beyond their control, and I can empathise with these. 

 

Radio silence is not a good sign, but I’ve developed a sixth sense for these things. Professional models seldom cancel, in the same fashion a professional photographer will ensure they’ve brought the right kit along and tested everything beforehand. Michelle comes from a professional glamour-orientated modelling background and is also pursuing an acting career in parallel.  

I’d toyed with various themes, but the wintry weather precluded an outdoor shoot with a horse, or Shetland pony, so I decided we’d go for something boudoir/lifestyle based with a bit of deep monochrome. Hence the emphasis on black lingerie.    

Michelle needs little direction but is equally receptive to this. Professional models are very self-aware and know their bodies very well- poses which flatter, those which don’t and may tactfully refuse an instruction, if the proposal isn’t going to work aesthetically.

 

For example, posing a model with b cup breasts on all fours- say a suggestive lingerie/boudoir shoot might work. Posing a model with A D cup bust this way would look ridiculous, borderline degrading. Similarly, though many may not be qualified makeup artists or hairdressers, they are competent and know how to apply/create complementary colours and styling.   

We chatted about the business and more casual stuff. People will often confide some very deep personal stuff during shoots, and I’m often flattered some feel comfortable enough to do so. However, not something I engage in. We chatted business, equines, osteopaths and our mutual fondness for Ford’s MK1 KA-I'm on my third, hers had a much higher internal specification but we agreed the little cars are very characterful and handle surprisingly well.  

I shot this set using natural light with the similarly faithful Sony A6000 and 6300 bodies sporting Viltrox 23 and 33mm prime (1.4) lenses. I had the urge to bring my recently acquired Fuji XT100 and 35mm1.8 but hadn’t reached the point where the fuji felt like an extension of my right hand. It should be obvious, but never attend a commercial shoot with unfamiliar, let alone untested equipment. Same goes for many other things- motor/cycle racing and other competitive events being cases in point.