Patricia

Patricia found me via mad cow models www.madcowmodels.co.uk .Impressed by my fashion port-folio, she asked if I would help build hers. After a few exchanges, clarifying dates, times and specifications, we met on a slightly drizzly, unprepossessing October morning.

Originally from Poland, she classed herself as a novice model. However, her poise, pace and almost seamless posing quickly suggested she had modelled before. Terms such as novice and at the other extreme, published or “experienced” are often subjective.

However, Patricia’s tireless enthusiasm and work ethic ensured she was a pleasure. My introductory sessions are two hours long. Enough for us to explore a variety of styles, facilitate costume changes and a short comfort break, or two.

Though it’s true that competent photographers achieve good images from the first few frames, both parties warm up. Those taken an hour or so hence, are usually considerably better.   

In short, we were pleased with the balance and autumnal themes.

Being a location shoot, there were the usual challenges, although most people kept a subtle distance, or were genuinely helpful. The driver of this snack van kindly tolerated a few frames, and customers courteously warned us, when it was about to pull away.

East…to Efi

My love of London’s East End has gone the way of its disused warehouses, derelict factories and other abandoned buildings. Like a jaded old flame, all that remains is a history. Widespread redevelopment and gentrification have also transformed its social geography.

Efi, a model originally from Greece was my only business here. She wanted to do an autumn themed fashion/lifestyle shoot. One that aligned with my desire, to make the very best use of October’s rich colours, and receding daylight.

Having established the specifics, through a series of succinct but well-crafted emails, I packed cameras, spare batteries and reflectors. Despite many years riding and driving through the capital, I didn’t want the hassle. So, train to Stratford and underground to E11.

Despite the world’s fullest bladder and other, network related delays I was “fashionably” (read “characteristically” early. Some emailing, texting and people watching, filled the slack twenty minutes. Not a pearly king, or queen in sight…

Heavily inebriated street drinkers congregated around benches, reflecting on the days’ profits and losses, supping super strength lagers.

A heady cocktail of soiled clothing, stale urine and simmering rage permeated the air.  Local traders busied themselves, affluent couples and office workers passed by, quaffing flat whites. I pondered my good fortune, and the dubious delights of root canal surgery.

I sent her a text advising I’d arrived and where to find me lingering. Thankfully, I didn’t attract any unwelcome attention. Keeping my distance, avoiding eye contact and candid street photography, undoubtedly helped.     

Efi arrived promptly and after a brief introduction, we headed to our first location. I fired a few test shots, gauging settings, while breaking the ice with some headshots. 

Warm, witty and articulate, she has a playful persona and a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve. Various locations and several outfit changes later, the three hours were up. Even her long-haired feline wanted in on the action.

Efi has expressed a desire to hire me for a fitness themed shoot. One I had no hesitation in agreeing to, given the easy rapport, and mutual creative alignment.   

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.