Cosplay On The Water Front

 

Molly got in touch needing some Cosplay images to bring a book character to life and I fancied something different. Having agreed some dates and an urban, waterfront location and times, she succumbed to COVID- this wasn’t surprising given aside from being a published author, she’s a student, volunteer and full-time carer. We postponed and reconvened a couple of weeks later. My birthday was a mutually convenient date and the weather was also refreshingly good, since the earlier part of the month was characterised by wet and windy conditions. Despite some obvious gentrification and the hubbub of activity. Some of the side streets had interesting backdrops and a usefully dystopian flavour. I carried the A6000 and 6300 bodies shot with Viltrox 23mm 1.4 and Sony 50mm 1.8 lens, using natural light and a small reflector.  

There's Something About Mary...

Mary had never modelled before but had a background in cosplay and making her own costumes, coupled with some acting experience. Being her first shoot and not having worked together in the past, we agreed on a fairly simple theme and set in a very public, park-based location of her choosing. She was initially a little nervous but relaxed considerably as the shoot progressed, Nothing new there. 

Model and photographer tend to produce their best work towards the end of the shoot when rapport and synchronicity is hopefully at its best. I was also keen to produce images that she could use in other commercial/professional contexts. Hence the portraiture. The  Cosplay dress she wanted to model had the potential for slippage and potentially exposure, so something best suited to a studio. 

Hence, our decision to err towards something more fluid and relaxed. For portraiture-based sessions, I go for a relaxed, conversational style, which sets the model at ease, thus letting their personality come through. I also factor regular breaks to review, rest, and reflect upon where we have been and the next frames. Mary was very pleased with the results of this two- hour session and we’re at the discussion stage of a second shoot.

Double Trouble?

Duo shoots are something I do infrequently. Much boils down to disinterest in the projects, and specification presented to me. I’m not talking about couple portraiture, which I find candid and endearing. Rather, cheap pseudo erotica, with little artistic, or commercial value. 

However, Krystal and Gena approached me, thus exception made.  

Being completely candid, I was going on trust and established rapport between the three of us, rather than the brief per se. Besides, while boundaries are important, there’s the need to challenge ourselves and indeed, our perceptions.

KA header tank being replaced, I commandeered an elderly but extremely well-maintained Nissan. Timely too, since Gena had ordered a canvas from me https://michael-stenning.format.com/store . Dimensions (100x100cm) that my otherwise Tardis-like KA couldn’t host. Upon arrival, it transpired Krystal had succumbed to a burst water pipe, hence soggy carpet and curious plumber. Undeterred, we began setting up and deliberated about backdrops.

Both models are strikingly different in terms of skin tone, hence it was imperative we chose a complementary colour. White, or grey was too tame, and I suspected would leave Krystal looking washed out. Confirmed during a few test shots. 

Warm pink was perfect.

The shoot commenced with Lingerie, with leads and soft domination theme running through. Then of course, some PVC and a smattering of solo shots, primarily for Gena’s port-folio.

Contrasting colours, sizes and heights proved a reciprocal mix and frame to frame, the energy was positive and fun. I opted for a combination of 50mm 1.8 prime lens, Godox flashgun and natural light, streaming in from two large windows.

Several outfit changes and three hours later, our shoot concluded. I transferred the canvas to Gena’s car, then headed home, to commence post-production work.

Deadlines allowing and assuming it’s a daytime session, I aim to get a selection of retouched images to model(s), that evening. This also applies, for commercial and domestic customers.

Continuing the duo theme, I also shot this couple shortly afterward, at Juice Photography Studio https://www.facebook.com/Juice-Photographic-Studio-1736661156638282/  One I’ve used on several occasions, this year.

Spacious and well-equipped, Simon and Brian are equally welcoming, and straightforward in their approach. Suffice to say I’ll continue to put business their way, and have no hesitation, recommending them to other photographers/models/MUAs/ similar creatives.