Beach & Bullets

 

I hadn’t shot with Krystal for a few months. Only because our paths and projects hadn’t crossed. She fancied doing a beach shoot, to promote some of her new clothing range (Instagram kj_pretty_threads ). I reasoned a break from the keyboard would do me good. 

For the uninitiated, there’s an 80/20% rule. 80% should be promotion, 20% doing your trade. Not an easy balance to strike, at least, if self-promotion isn’t second nature. So, with the weather decidedly spring-like, we headed to Walton-On-The Naze. Finding a quiet space, on the beach was tricky, given the favourable weather, and school holidays.

Though no nudity was involved, we are always very conscious and respectful. Especially around families with young children.  Thankfully, this was uneventful, save for me testing the waterproof membrane of my boots, and almost losing a lens cap to the lusty waves.

After an hour and two changes, we made our way back to the car and stopped for another impromptu shoot at Revved Up Tea Bar. Plenty of riders and friendly faces there. Serendipity rather than intent, saw a congregation of Enfield owners. A friendly bunch, who were only too happy to chat, and encourage use of their machines.

We also drew a fair bit of attention from passers-by. No-one interfered; or threatened to test my liability cover. Boiled down to rubber-necking. Oh, and a husband’s lingering gaze incurring his wife’s wrath rather comically.

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.