Carla

Carla is an aspiring model and had clearly gained confidence through a series of earlier shoots. She had also received good mentoring from photographers and a model I’ve had a long-standing professional relationship with. Carla had noted my relatively close regional proximity and got in touch, asking to shoot. Her manner of approach, existing portfolio and location held my attention and we quickly thrashed out some dates and themes.  

Being as we’d not worked together, I suggested we do two hours of fashion-based work and she should bring herself i.e., garments she felt comfortable and empowered in; while presenting an opportunity for her to model something she hadn’t been able to. We decided upon a forest/woodland backdrop.  

I knew a good public space but one where we weren't likely to be interrupted frequently.  She brought along a large bag and three changes, which was perfect. The first a light summery sheer dress and pale denim jacket, a pale blue “Alice in wonderland” style tea dress and a button-down, figure-hugging denim dress.  

I began with my traditional ice-breaker headshots and candid portraiture and from there, the shoot flowed very seamlessly. There were lots of sheltered areas making it relatively easy to achieve a uniform, even light and on another practical note, plenty of trees and foliage to change discretely behind. We did have the occasional speeding Spaniel but otherwise passers-by remained at a very respectful distance. 

There had also been rain forecast but we had bright sunshine and temperatures in the early 20s. I had brought an umbrella, in case of a heavy shower, which coupled with the 6300 body (which has weather sealing) would’ve made for some dramatic effects. Either way, we accomplished a decent amount in the two hours, Carla was pleased with the results, and we’ve agreed to shoot again in future. 

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). 

Jess

Jess had seen my work and got in touch, suggesting we should shoot and asked me to throw a few themes/ideas her way. She reminded me of the “synths” within the “Humans” series that ran on Channel4 from 2015-2018 and Priss, Daryl Hannah’s replicant character in Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” (The original, 1982 version).  

Jess wasn’t familiar with the latter but au fait with “Humans” and liked the concept. We shot in Nowton Park, which is a very central area, with lots of woodland but civilised features, including café and crucially toilets. She had never worked with me before, so model comfort was paramount. I have shot on location countless times, but public places can present their own challenges.  

Most curious passers-by do so at a respectful distance, but small children and springer spaniels can be less generous in their discretion. Practicalities such as changing, let alone any hint of nudity must be carefully managed. Jess brought three outfits (dresses) which eliminated most risks of unwanted exposure, although a zipper presented challenges. She overcame this by pinning the dress closed (there was a palpably painful moment when her careful pinning turned bandit, lodging into her skin).  

A wince and some deft movements bought her release and without drawing blood. Empathy on the photographer’s part is helpful but, these situations come with the territory and a good model doesn’t let it faze them. She simply progressed to the next outfit, and I alternated between trusty Sony A6000 and 23mm F 1.4 lens and the 6300 50mm F1.8.  

 

Enchanted Forests & Freezing Promenades

Despite the wind chill dragging the air temperature down to 2 degrees, Krystal approached me in the context of a forest shoot. I wasn’t expecting her to model a line of lingerie (!) but she posed effortlessly and without complaint. Though these conditions ran the cold gauntlet, they greatly reduced the probability of encountering (not to mention, offending) dog walkers and other passers-by.

We shot about 20 frames, in twenty minutes before deciding it was time to move on. I had intended to bring a large blanket with me, so Krystal could (a) Remain warm (b) Preserve her modesty, in the event of someone showing up.

However, she’d already brought a sizeable winter coat, leggings and dealer boots. Garments that could be quickly donned/dispensed with, as need arose.

We concluded the forest looked uniformly bland, given the time of year. Krystal took this opportunity, to change into her second outfit. I’d spotted some agricultural equipment, along an adjacent farm track, so we employed these, as our second backdrop.

I had also noticed a partially cannibalised Land Rover…Being as it was languishing on private property, I was not prepared to pitch up and start shooting. Professionalism aside, trespass is one of those things, which can take a darker turn.

Though signage may say “Trespassers will be prosecuted”; chances are, not for the crime of trespass, rather the more serious charge of criminal damage. I attempted to contact the landowner, but no-one was home, so we shot a few final frames, against these logs.

Three days later, KA with fresh MOT certificate, I was gifted some unexpectedly free time. Bracing coastal winds meant plucking my cowhide pilots’ jacket, gloves and thermal skull cap from hibernation. I headed out to Walton on the Naze and Revved up Tea Hut. Warm welcome, good ambience and a new range, of cold beating beanies and hoodies…If you were stuck for stocking fillers.