There's Something About Mary...

Mary had never modelled before but had a background in cosplay and making her own costumes, coupled with some acting experience. Being her first shoot and not having worked together in the past, we agreed on a fairly simple theme and set in a very public, park-based location of her choosing. She was initially a little nervous but relaxed considerably as the shoot progressed, Nothing new there. 

Model and photographer tend to produce their best work towards the end of the shoot when rapport and synchronicity is hopefully at its best. I was also keen to produce images that she could use in other commercial/professional contexts. Hence the portraiture. The  Cosplay dress she wanted to model had the potential for slippage and potentially exposure, so something best suited to a studio. 

Hence, our decision to err towards something more fluid and relaxed. For portraiture-based sessions, I go for a relaxed, conversational style, which sets the model at ease, thus letting their personality come through. I also factor regular breaks to review, rest, and reflect upon where we have been and the next frames. Mary was very pleased with the results of this two- hour session and we’re at the discussion stage of a second shoot.

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). 

Catching up With Krystal: Boho Dresses & Borrowed Bicycles

 It had been a good while since Krystal, and I worked together. She had retired from modeling, wanting to concentrate on mentoring new models and the fashion/clothing side of the business.   

Out of the blue she emailed, saying she wanted to shoot with some dresses and a traditional “roadster” bicycle complete with panniers, dynamo and basket.  Given COVID is still very prevalent, I am being very careful about who and where I will work. Presently, studios are off but I’m agreeable to open, sparsely populated locations, theme allowing. 

We met at the location and enjoyed a very relaxed shoot, much of our conversation revolving around the business, and comparing notes regarding new models we had worked with. The good, the bad, and the downright bizarre. One common narrative was their desire (and expectation) for instant recognition.  

Some aspiring models have expected to be snapped up and agency represented within a week. Constructive tempering of expectations is met with defensive disgust and quite often, tirades on social media. However, we also discussed some very good debutants who were personable, willing to learn and looking toward building a solid career. I was also touched to learn she recommends me to new models she feels show promise.   

Long story short, it was lovely to work and catch up with Krystal again and I'm pleased she was happy with the results.  

Ana

Ana is a new model who was encouraged by Krystal J https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2018/07/delight-in-decay-some-shoots-with.html to approach me, in the context of booking a portfolio building session. Like many aspiring models, she is building a portfolio in parallel with another career and while being furloughed, due to Covid19. I typically stipulate that models must be at least 21 years old but will “take a view” depending upon the commission’s nature and the model’s maturity.

  

Recommendation in this instance certainly fast-tracked matters. Nonetheless, I still needed to evaluate her and devise a mutually agreed shoot proposal. Pre-shoot communication was suitably good, and she had a clear (though not inflexible) idea of the images she wanted to create. 

I suggested a mix of portraiture and classic fashion-with a view to some being converted to deep monochrome.  These were taken with My A6300 and 50mm 1.8 lens.  

She arrived promptly, well-prepared, and ready to work. Three hours and several locations later, we concluded our first session. Her confidence is growing, and I’d be happy to work with her again, down the line.