Elle: Tall & Tattooed

 

I discovered Elle while having a wander around the portfolio hosting and networking sites. January, as most of us know can be a long, slow month, so I relish the opportunity to get creative. Alternative is one of those words, rather like Bohemian that has arguably been used to the point of losing its meaning.  

In a modelling context it refers to characteristics or features that arguably wouldn’t be of interest to high fashion and traditional model agencies. However, some highly experienced models can and do transition from the world of bridal and traditional modelling.  

Elle stands 5’10 tall, which certainly falls into the beautiful end sought by fashion houses and publications. She’d been modelling for a decade both here in the UK and Italy. We discussed themes and locations- neither of us shoot from our homes and for mutually appreciated reasons. Privacy and personal security being high up the list.  

Elle secured a hotel for our first meeting. We’d discussed some themes- bold and adventurous but without crossing into gratuitous nudity.  I was also keen to capture who Elle was and moreover, a comfortable model always produces better images. I always start a shoot with the emphasis upon clothed and then transitining slowly to nudity.  

Aside from establishing happy, comfortable rapport between both model and photographer, it allows me to see how someone stands, moves and evaluate how to pose them. I also make a point of letting the model lead, especially an experienced model such as Elle who knows her body and how to create flattering angles. During this phase ideas tend to flow seamlessly. Sometimes this translates beautifully in the final images, sometimes not but that’s all part of the creative process. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  

These were shot using natural light, alternating between 25mm and 50mm prime lenses.  

Vintage Visions on a Wintry Day

It had been a while since Krystal, and I’d caught up and we both fancied a change from the day to day. She posed a vintage theme of lingerie; dresses and we’d even toyed with the idea of derelict buildings as a backdrop. Ultimately, and for several reasons, we elected to shoot from her home. Good thing too, given the torrential rains.  

 

Thankfully, her home had a reasonable amount of natural light and I’d brought flashgun, soft box, portable lighting, low light prime lenses, and reflector. I shot several frames outside, from her summer house in the drizzle. Thankfully, I had the A6300 body which has some weather sealing- shot at F1.8 with a Viltrox prime lens.  The other option is sheltering beneath a smaller umbrella and shooting. However, depending on the shutter speed and other settings, it runs the risk of some camera shake, resulting in blur. 

  

Indoors, given the low cloud, I alternated between the 6300 mounted on a tripod and the A6000 with prime lens and Godox flashgun. Coffee, breaks, chat- general and business the two hours flew by. Doesn’t it always when fun’s involved. I loaded up the car and headed back to post -process our chosen favourites.

 

Elodie

Elodie and I had been discussing a shoot back in 2020, then the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns struck. I received an email message from her at the end of January asking if we could shoot. After a little back n’ forth we agreed a mutually convenient Sunday in February.  

I was intrigued as to what drew her to me and my work specifically. Elodie replied saying she liked the way I could go from capturing “cheeky” images to very formal portraiture. We agreed on a mix of fashion and lingerie and shot from her home.  

I’d had to postpone a shoot with a young, aspiring male model a fortnight earlier (due to a major crash involving a flipped HGV), so was determined to make the journey to Peterborough. Despite flooded roads and lots of standing water, I made it to her home in good time. That’s Michael-speak for 40 minutes early.  

I’d always prefer to be an hour early rather than two minutes late. I’d brought a reflector, flashgun, and portable LED light but thankfully, with 1.4 prime lenses, large windows, and a break in the cloud, it was often possible to shoot using natural light. 

Guided by Godiva

No, Krystal did not disrobe, hop aboard this highly charismatic horse, and canter around Coventry (We were a good 125 miles away, for starters). However, they met at the close of our shoot and formed a very photogenic bond. I’ve worked with Krystal on many occasions, since 2018 and we have a shared fondness/fascination for derelict buildings/similar locations.  

She’d been in touch, wanting to shoot with a new dress and some accessories. I had been let down by another model (although ending a relationship with a coercive and controlling partner are suitably mitigating circumstances, in my book. All too common, too). Locations discussed and agreed, we wandered around, finding suitably backdrops collectively and at random.  

Some have suggested she is my muse. No, in short. We gel well professionally, but the muse construct is something that belongs in a very different era. Shooting aside, we do spend a decent amount of time discussing the business and indeed, experiences with certain parties.  

All captured using my trusty Sony A6000 body and Viltrox prime lenses.

Back to the Boatyard. Work, Rest & Play with Krystal J

 I received a “Coming out to play” invite from Krystal. She hadn’t a location in mind, so I suggested the Pin Mill Boat Graveyard. She was very excited by the slightly eerie vibe. We share a mutual fascination for derelict and abandoned places and this wavelength certainly helps cement the creative harmony. Krystal is an experienced model. She started with bridal and transitioned toward the “alternative” genre via custom motorcycle publications, including Back Street Heroes.  

I’d prepared for most eventualities- towels, bucket, solvent cleaner, snacks, change of clothes, waterproof hiking boots and first aid kit. However, we were able to shoot uninterrupted, save for the odd friendly greeting from dog walkers negotiating the wooded trail above. An elderly couple were also capturing the wrecks with their SLRs, so we kept a respectful distance.  

 

I was earlier than originally planned and traffic was light, so the tide was also in our favour. The final set was taken as the tide was racing in, but we had a good 90 minutes prior to that. All were shot using my Sony A6000 and A6300 bodies with Viltrox 23mm 1.4 and Viltrox 33mm 1.4 prime lenses.   

Ayla

 

I’d been wanting to work with Ayla for some time but opportunity, not to mention the pandemic had frustrated this.  A chance conversation in October led to us working through a shoot plan, and ultimately shooting at her home.  

Good pre-shoot communications are paramount, but rapport and trust between photographer and model usually take time to develop. For this reason and regardless of experience, I prefer models to set the pace. 

We warmed up with some flirty fashion, slowly progressing through lingerie, boudoir and art nude. I also brought some props and Ayla unleashed her creativity. Conversation flowed naturally and the two hours proved incredibly productive.  

Most of this set was taken using natural light, Viltrox 23mm 1.4 prime lens and Sony A6000 body, although I used a 50mm 1.8 counterpart and Sony A7.   

* All images copyright Stenning photographic *