Bella & Kristen

 Bella invited me to do another shoot and this time with her friend Kristen. I’ve only done a couple of duo shoots and I’m usually very cautious if I don’t know one, or indeed both parties. Having worked with Bella on two earlier occasions, I was confident she would choose someone who had a similarly professional attitude.  

They were eager to continue the lingerie theme of our last shoot but in a woodland setting. The window of opportunity was short, given the potential temperature and lighting constraints, so they wanted to shoot promptly. Thankfully, we had free time the following week, which was dry and more temperate. We’re talking high teens, which is still comfortable for lingerie and to a lesser extent glamour themes.  

Bella had chosen a location in Drayton, which was suitably secluded and at that time of day, had minimal footfall- the odd dog walker and mountain biker. In practice, this also included the odd teenager taking the scenic route home, but they kept a respectful, if slightly awkward distance. Kristen is new to modelling, which is significant since bad experiences mean I generally politely swerve aspiring models. However, there are (almost) always exceptions to any rule and in this instance, the gamble paid off.   

Bella is 5’7 (1m70) Kristen is slightly taller at 5’9 (1m80) both within what some suggest is the ideal height for a female model. This also made for a very compatible pairing, given the theme they wanted to explore.  I tend to break the ice and test settings by starting with portraits and headshots.  

A technique I’m told Kristen appreciated and helped establish a comfortable rapport. Two hours is generally my sweet spot for shooting, especially with newer models. It allows for rapport, changes in style/pace, and breaks to recap and recharge. This set was taken using my faithful A600/Viltrox 33mm (about 1.3 in) 1.4 and A6300 with 60mm (about 2.36 in) Sigma 2.8 (set to f.3.2). 

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.