Jane is a professional, agency
represented, mature model. She’s worked in commercial, fashion, editorial,
catalogue and catwalk. Alongside this solid modelling career, she’d been a
teacher for 28 years and has worked as an extra, in TV and film. She approached
me in the context of portraiture and headshots.
She was very specific in her brief, and described herself as very critical. Not in a disparaging, or
otherwise negative sense. Rather, she had high standards, and knew precisely
what she wanted. These briefs may sound daunting but are often the easiest to
fulfil.
There had been a lull in
modelling commissions recently, although I have become increasingly particular
regarding the models and commissions considered. I’ve had several approaches,
but pre-shoot communications have ruled them out.
Jane is based in Suffolk, so
Walton On the Naze seemed a mutually convenient meeting point. 5 days beforehand, she emailed advising she’d
been struck down with a heavy cold but hoped to have fully recovered by then.
We agreed she’d confirm one
way, or the other, 24hours beforehand. She did just that, I checked cameras and
charged batteries. I knew of a few suitable backdrops along the town’s side
streets. Public enough, from the perspective of personal safety but unlikely to
attract unwelcome attention.
I was a little concerned that
the school half-term holidays would present a few challenges. I’d been in
Southend the weekend before and that was unusually busy. Several weeks of
monsoon rains gave way to autumnal sun, bringing people out-myself included!
Wednesday’s conditions were
dry and partly cloudy, which seemed ideal. However., a bracing coastal wind
demanded efficiency. I plumped for primes. My 50mm 1.8 default and a 30mm 2.8 E
mount Sigma.
I usually shoot between 11 am
and 2, especially during autumn and winter. Ours shoot was between 2 and 4.
Therefore, I hoped the light would hold out, at least until 3.30. A 1.8 lens covers most bases and my preferred depth
of field.
Pre-shoot communications are
also a great way of establishing rapport, which helped in the speed stakes.
Nonetheless, model and photographer need a little time to warm up. A set of
weathered workshop doors proved the ideal backdrop for her first selection of clothes.
At Jane’s request, I shot a
mix of headshots and ¾ length. Having
warmed up, we moved on to Walton’s pier, found some sheltered areas and after a
quick change of clothing, continued shooting. This attracted a few onlookers,
but everyone remained at a respectful distance. 90 minutes later, we retired to Revved Up Tea
Bar for coffee, shelter and a final review.
