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.   

Ship To Shore...

 A combination of Christmas and Covid surges meant shooting models and indeed, people generally were off the table. Determined to get creative behind the lens. Poor weather and low light were similar things to negotiate, and I didn’t fancy a mission, distance-wise. 

Then came a tip-off about a boat graveyard, around 35-40minutes from me. Cursory checks of tide times, parking, and general conditions deemed it viable, so I set off at 730am the next morning. Easily accessed, the site is decidedly eerie, was a palpable sense of being watched. Nonetheless, I was undisturbed for 45 minutes, whereupon I felt it best to discretely plod on home...