Helen got in touch since she was in the region and liked my work. Having learned she was an accomplished musician, rock climber and horse rider, I was intrigued and believed we could add something to our respective portfolios.
Helen had been modelling on a part-time
basis for eleven years, instigated by a relationship breakdown. Given these
variables, I was keen to let her lead in terms of outfits and props.
We both knew the intended
location very well, which helped in terms of planning for the unexpected, changing
and good shooting areas. Being the early
part of an increasingly Spring-like day, there was a lot of activity. Public
spaces are best for first, or formative shoots, but can present some challenges.
Passers-by can either be
decidedly reverential and respectful, curious and chatty, or in some cases, intrusive.
Mercifully, people were very respectful, but would also stop for a brief,
flattering remark. As I am always saying, model and photographer also warm up
during the course of a shoot, and I’m never surprised to find this tells in the
images.
The light was generally
favourable, although there were moments when the sun created annoying drop
shadows- easily corrected by moving to areas with more even light and a small
reflector. I shot the majority of these
with my trusty Sony Alpha 6300 and 50mm 1.8 prime lens set to F2 for most
flattering effect, although when conditions became a little more restrictive, I
switched to the 6000 and Viltrox 23mm set to F1.4
