Jess in the Studio

I had worked with Jess back in August 2022. It was a Blade Runner-inspired shoot, which proved very successful. This time round, we’d decided upon a studio-based implied nude theme. I’ve shot nudes outside but this has been through the height and heat of summer. November calls for a temperate studio setting.  Jess knew a studio she was comfortable with and relatively close to both of us.  Our initial shoot was postponed due to Storm Ciaran and the related chaos caused by flooding.

 

What Are You Implying

 

Implied, as with other genres is open to interpretation and means different things to different people. Glamour is a case in point. The genre in Poland is closest to 1940s film noir and worlds apart from the Page3 it's synonymous with, here in the UK. 

Implied is best thought of as the suggestion of nudity but with concealment at key areas-breasts, genitals etc. At the more extreme end, there’s some blurring of the lines between implied and glamour.  Another key reason why models and photographers need to have a proper, open discussion-before shooting and not on the day. On the day, it's also best to recap and check both are still comfortable with the detail and themes.

 

I prefer to let a model lead, setting the pace, especially where these and higher levels are involved.  Following this principle, I was delighted to leave Jess to start with her selection of clothing for the first hour and then gradually moving to more revealing themes, first with my corduroy jacket and later, my distressed leather waistcoat. Photographer and model typically warm up. Just like a welder’s first bead of the day isn’t comparable with that 90 minutes into a shift and this was no exception. 

Communication, confidence, and rapport are paramount, flanked by trust and professionalism. We chatted about a wealth of things but the theme of some photographers almost viewing shoots as dates held sway for a while. 

 She wasn’t the first model to say photographers had suggested, during pre-shoot communications that they should go for a meal, then shoot. The last thing I’d want to do is model, or shoot on a full stomach and besides, a shoot is a professional setting- both parties come together to achieve a set, agreed aim. 

I can also understand how strong professional bonds can strike but there are some photographers who seem seduced by the slightly outdated concept of a muse and with darker motivations. I must feel comfortable and enjoy the company of someone during a shoot, and hopefully that’s reciprocal but that’s where the line is drawn.

 

Ultimately, we were happy with the results and will doubtless work together later down the line.

Emma

Emma is a full time Nanny who has recently dipped her toe in the murky, though sometimes magical waters of modelling. She approached me, in the context of a fashion/portraiture themed commission. At 5'9 and blessed with an hour glass figure, Emma has more options than shorter models.

Modelling demands stamina. Mental and physical discipline. Dancers tend to fare very well, in this respect, some enjoying successful careers, well into their 40's and 50's.  Emma practices Ariel hoops, alongside more generic gym work, which became quite evident as time progressed. 

Sadly, I wasn't surprised to learn she's had some very inappropriate, and downright distasteful approaches from some "photographers". I am of course referring to those predatory people with no interest in the profession, or creative ability. 

The sort who use a camera as frontage, a legitimate means of approaching young women, but with much darker intent. This has spawned a new market, referred to colloquially as GWT (Girl With Tits). Arguably a mirror image of the GWC (Guy With Camera), these are women offering to "model" naked for £40ph. I've been approached by a few, in the last couple of years. Graciously decline, block and move on. Mind you, fair play to them, if they can secure regular custom and stay safe!

Commuter towns tend to lack characterful landmarks but Emma knew of several suitable settings, so I followed her lead. 

A railway backdrop was arguably the best, even if we were photo-bombed by a seemingly endless procession of secondary school children. While we pondered the probability of a carefully engineered, mass bunk-off, most passed with a palpable sense of  sheepish deference. 

This set were taken with my A58 and 50mm 1.8 prime, although the A6000 and 35mm Sigma also saw some action. While not formally trained as a Make Up Artist, Emma shows genuine competence, which is another, definite plus. Her fair complexion and rich auburn hair contrast beautifully, so I prioritised colour, although converted a few to monochrome, which she also seems pleased with.