Alternative fun with Amy

Amy contacted me, interested in my style of photography and inviting me to refresh her port-folio. She also happened to be very local, which was another incentive to shoot. Given the present pandemic and accelerating infection rates here in the UK, I am sticking to location work. Having discussed a theme of portraiture and headshots, we talked in terms of woodland backdrops but ultimately, ditched these in favour of a canal and graffiti underpass. A relaxed, though focused two hours followed, with mutually pleasing results.  
 

Morning Worship Amongst Falling Leaves

I specialise in working with newcomers and models returning to the profession. I have no upper age limit, but am reticent to work with anyone, younger than 21.

The reasons are varied both legal, moral and personal. I shoot a variety of styles, from fashion, portraiture and wedding to what’s termed implied and classic/art nude. Valid ID and record keeping are not the issue here.

Rather, I am aware of incidences, where 18-year old models have participated in a nude, or topless shoot without fully realising the implications. One was trying to reclaim and ultimately regain control of these intimate images.

Whether she had been unduly influenced, by a photographer, or had done so of her own volition was unclear. Unfortunately, she had signed a model release form, permitting the photographer to use such images, for his own and broader, commercial purposes.

I have also been approached by parents, managing their teenage daughter’s modelling schedules, wanting me to work with them. I always decline, since their communications suggest my personal and professional boundaries are likely to be pushed, or disrespected. My son is almost 16. Would I want him modelling at this age? No.   

That said; my emphasis upon thorough pre-shoot screening and communication means sometimes, I will “Take a view”. Some people in their late teens show better judgement and maturity than adults in their 30s. Nonetheless, clothed fashion, portraiture, or lifestyle are my limits.  

Paige MJ is a case in point. Aged 18, she had only been modelling for a matter of weeks and wanted me to shoot her, on location at Flitch Way in Braintree. She was seeking to create something edgy, with a punk flavour. Several messages were exchanged, specification agreed, and rapport established. We arranged to shoot 24 hours later.

Flitch Way is 15 miles of disused railway running from Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford. Flat and well surfaced, the shared access path is popular with cyclists, horse riders and walkers. Its also blessed with a wealth of interesting backdrops, including artist grade graffiti.

Page had already experienced “Level pushing” from one “Photographer” offering way above the odds, for a topless shoot. This didn’t interest her and perturbed by his behaviour, she declined to work with him. Two hours later, we were pleased with the results. I would happily work with her in future.

Krystal also wanted to collaborate with me this week. She’d bought a new gothic black dress and some lingerie. We knew a suitably secluded location, thus unlikely to draw unwanted attention. Comfortable for her and conducive to seamless creativity.

That said; there is a creeping and very tangible sensation of being watched. Both of us have experienced this very acutely. We work fast and have an easy rapport, thus work very quickly together. Sure enough, after twenty minutes, a couple arrived in a car and sat, observing us. 

No approach was made, but we opted for a wardrobe change and an alternative location. While the colours are so vibrant, natural light and climate, kind, I wish to make best use of them.

All Welcome in The House of God…

Except possibly, the photographer…Yes, I can recount stories of wedding photographers, arriving at the church, only to find themselves barred surly clergy.

During our last shoot, Krystal expressed an interest in a gothic church/graveyard theme. I knew just the place. However, research, planning and forward preparation are crucial to success.

So, as you should, when purchasing residential property, I took a few trips at various times, assessing whether we were likely to attract the wrong sort of attention. Discretion is the better part of valour-conflict with and distress to, others are ideally, avoided. 

Location sussed and agreed, we arrived at 11am. “They’re Coming to Get You Barbara” we mused, referring to the classic line from George A Romero’s “Night of The Living Dead” 

Regardless of time/season, this location is very eerie.There’s a very real sense of being watched. While evaluating the best place for Krystal to change, a young, modestly dressed woman materialised. She appeared to be engaged, on her phone but intuition told us, she was observing and moreover, taking snapshots of us.

I looked her in the eye, acknowledging her with a nod. She smiled, and a few moments later, Krystal emerged from the trees. From that point on, we were left to our own devices, although that sensation of being watched never relented. As I’ve said in previous entries, public shoots are double edged swords.

On the one hand, completely transparent. There’s no suggestion of theft/criminal damage. Conversely, it can attract the wrong sort of attention. Krystal and I have worked together many times. An easy rapport certainly helps. Within 30minutes, we’d got the results we’d hoped for and moved on, to other locations. Next on her shoot list is a fairground/carousel theme.