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.  

Carla: Spring Shoot by the sea

 

I’d been almost a year since I’d worked with Carla and I was immediately struck by how far her confidence had grown since then, though she had lost none of her humility, warmth, and charm. She’d approached me about a winter fashion shoot but then decided she fancied shooting in Spring when the weather was more temperate. She proposed a beach theme with a mix of dresses and swimwear, which was a little different from recent commissions, so an easy “yes” on my part.

After some discussion, we decided upon Walcott Beach in Norfolk and took a gamble on the weather. Despite being dry for several weeks, various forecasts were predicting rain, but that’s a calculated risk with location shoots and just calls for some forward planning and creativity. I took my trusty A6300, which has reasonable weather sealing along with my full frame A7 and 40mm lens.

Carla’s bikini hadn’t arrived, so she brought several dresses with denim shorts and crop top as contrast. Thankfully the weather held, and the strong tide offered some powerful, natural effect. Working on location also requires some sensitivity to those around you. I am particularly careful around children and families, but aside from the odd curious and decidedly soggy spaniel we had large areas of beach to ourselves. Oh, and the weather proved equally well-mannered. 

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.  
 

Apocalyptic Weather, Adaptable Team

Bank holidays are notorious for bandit weather and this Saturday’s second shoot with Silvai was no exception. She wanted to do another location shoot with blossom and other Spring backdrops.  

I had come prepared for this, bringing an umbrella, fleecy towel, and snacks. Conditions turned from hazy sunshine and moderate warmth to torrential rain during my hour-long drive to our destination.  

As before, Silvai was immaculately prepared and determined to make the very best of our time together. Her self-awareness and my relatively fast shooting meant we were able to cheat the weather. Results were mutually pleasing.  

Silvai prefers very subtle editing in terms of colours and contrasts. Given her present hair colour, I fancied something a little bolder, so I gave her what she wanted while taking a more mix n’ match approach for mine.   

These were captured using natural light, my Sony A6000 and A6300, defaulting to the 50mm 1.8, with the occasional switch to 35mm 2.8 lenses and a small, hand-held reflector.   

   

Winter Fashion in The Woods with Emma

Emma reached out to me in the context of a winter fashion shoot. She had plenty of ideas and having thrashed out the finer details, I knew just the location. This was mutually convenient, and according to forecasts, conditions were favourable. Cloudy and 11 degrees. In practice, it was decidedly overcast and felt closer to 7/8 degrees, when windchill was factored into the equation.  

This meant we reviewed our work, from the relative comfort of my car and in between clothing changes. I went for 50mm 1.8 and 60mm 2.8 lenses, Sony A65 and A7 bodies respectively. I also packed my hand-held “Light sabre” LED light, in case we needed a tune able light source, to compliment the reflector.

  

However, a few test shots confirmed this would be unnecessary. Umbrellas were also packed, just in case the weather turned. They’d also double as useful props.  

Standing 5’9 Emma’s height and build favours editorial and fashion commissions. She can also apply makeup to a flattering standard and is very self-ware. The latter helps in the context of posing, although, like all good models, she readily accepts direction.  

Relative seclusion meant we could work, and she could change, without interruption, or unwelcome introspection. Two and a half hours later, pleased with the in camera results, we concluded our shoot and I went home to post-process.   

William

William is an aspiring model, who wanted some help with his portfolio. Standing 6ft tall and weighing 11stone, he has promise for commercial, editorial and fashion work.

He had a very clear idea of his objectives, and what would flatter him. Given December has been decidedly wet, a studio setting might’ve been a more obvious choice. However, the weather forecast was favourable, and William had some specific backdrops in mind.

We shot for two hours and I was impressed with his quiet determination, willingness to learn, and receive constructive criticism. He was due to meet with some  agencies this week, and I’m hoping he got signed.

Pin Up! Vintage Fun With Patricia

Patricia approached me, in the context of a 1940s/50’s pin up theme. Knowing how methodical and hardworking she is, I wasn’t fazed by the relatively short notice.

True to form, she was punctual and meticulous. Hair, makeup and dress were flawless. However, for absolute authenticity, she’d sought the services of a professional stylist.

Saturday 26th October marked the start, of a much-hyped cold snap. Though the air temperature wasn’t wildly unseasonal, wind chill was cutting. We started our shoot in a relatively secluded, private car park. Patricia came prepared with a hoodie and quilted jacket, to retain warmth between shooting.

Though it is widely accepted, that model and photographer need to arrive, equipped for changing conditions, I am very conscious of model comfort.

Therefore, fast shooting and more frequent breaks were imperative. Despite the bracing wind, Patricia posed seamlessly and remained stoical throughout. After 45 minutes, or so, we sook shelter (not to mention heating) in my mighty MK1 KA.

As we thawed out, reviewed the images and chatted about modelling/related matters, a flash of inspiration struck. We decided to ask Yaxley hair and beauty, if they would mind us shooting the final frames, in their salon. http://www.yaxleyhairandbeauty.com/

We were taking a gamble, given it was a Saturday morning. However, Phillipa, http://www.yaxleyhairandbeauty.com/the-team graciously agreed. In common with Paul at Revved Up https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2018/10/all-revved-up.html   , she was also incredibly accommodating, clearing space/equipment-without request, or prompting.

Fifteen minutes later, we were finished. Patricia had another shoot, and admin demanded my attention.

Sincerest thanks go to all the team, at Yaxley Hair & Beauty, for accommodating us at such a busy period, and on spec.