Kate: Steely Gazes & Stunning Equines

 

Kate got in touch with me, initially looking to develop her modelling portfolio and to incorporate her horses. This appealed on several levels but required careful planning to get everything properly coordinated. We agreed a three-hour shoot, since this would allow for preparing the horses, along with changing outfits and comfort breaks.

As the shoot loomed closer, a heatwave, with temperatures 34 degrees plus created another layer of complexity. We initially thought leaving the shoot until the early evening (1730 onwards) would bring cooler temperatures and potentially kinder natural lighting. However, Kate called me early on the morning of our shoot, explaining her concerns, especially for the horses.

Mercifully, I hadn’t any other plans, so we agreed to shoot between 1030 and 1330. At that point, the heat was fairly intense, but we’d found some suitably shaded areas to shoot in. This would hopefully achieve a more even spread of light, while keeping the horses cooler. We ultimately elected to take one of the horses and shorten the riding sequences, focusing on fashion, portraiture and headshots for the remaining two hours.  I alternated between 85mm 1.8 Viltrox lens and 60mm Sigma 2.8 lens bolted to my trusty A6000 and 6300 bodies. I also employed a small hand- held reflector for some additional light. 

Helen Rose: Mood, Movement & Music

 

Helen got in touch since she was in the region and liked my work. Having learned she was an accomplished musician, rock climber and horse rider, I was intrigued and believed we could add something to our respective portfolios. 

Helen had been modelling on a part-time basis for eleven years, instigated by a relationship breakdown. Given these variables, I was keen to let her lead in terms of outfits and props.

We both knew the intended location very well, which helped in terms of planning for the unexpected, changing and good shooting areas.  Being the early part of an increasingly Spring-like day, there was a lot of activity. Public spaces are best for first, or formative shoots, but can present some challenges.

Passers-by can either be decidedly reverential and respectful, curious and chatty, or in some cases, intrusive. Mercifully, people were very respectful, but would also stop for a brief, flattering remark. As I am always saying, model and photographer also warm up during the course of a shoot, and I’m never surprised to find this tells in the images.

The light was generally favourable, although there were moments when the sun created annoying drop shadows- easily corrected by moving to areas with more even light and a small reflector.  I shot the majority of these with my trusty Sony Alpha 6300 and 50mm 1.8 prime lens set to F2 for most flattering effect, although when conditions became a little more restrictive, I switched to the 6000 and Viltrox 23mm set to F1.4

   

One Location, Two Models

 

Some photographers seem to default to a set location, which to me can quickly become tired and doesn’t necessarily work with the model(s) concerned. I don’t but every so often, make exceptions. Mary wanted me to do some promotional portraiture and related business themed headshots. Krystal got in touch saying she would be in the area that week and essentially, asking if I was coming out to play...Spoiler alert, the answer was yes to both.  

On both occasions, I chose the Neptune quay area of Ipswich given the mix of peely paint porn, abandoned buildings, high quality murals and of course, the marina. Though I used some of the same locations for both, I deliberately avoided carbon copies. Krystal and I found a very obviously derelict looking building and steel door with obviously receding paint. She and I have worked together for years and enjoy the unbeaten path.  

Mary had only worked with me on one previous occasion, so I was wary of leading her away from the immediate area and where she felt most at ease. Often, it’s about making the best of your environment. Noting Mary had a faux leather “Brando” jacket, I posed her with this Kawasaki. Krystals very bold red dress saw us employ the phone box, the buoy while the tunnel and skate park made effect contrasts.  

There were some interesting alleys and features-suitably public but set back from potential, unwelcome intrusion.  This was another opportunity to use the full frame A7 and dedicated 50mm prime lens. Mary’s entire shoot was captured with the A7, Krystals a mix of the A7 and A6300 with wider angle lens.     

Carla

Carla is an aspiring model and had clearly gained confidence through a series of earlier shoots. She had also received good mentoring from photographers and a model I’ve had a long-standing professional relationship with. Carla had noted my relatively close regional proximity and got in touch, asking to shoot. Her manner of approach, existing portfolio and location held my attention and we quickly thrashed out some dates and themes.  

Being as we’d not worked together, I suggested we do two hours of fashion-based work and she should bring herself i.e., garments she felt comfortable and empowered in; while presenting an opportunity for her to model something she hadn’t been able to. We decided upon a forest/woodland backdrop.  

I knew a good public space but one where we weren't likely to be interrupted frequently.  She brought along a large bag and three changes, which was perfect. The first a light summery sheer dress and pale denim jacket, a pale blue “Alice in wonderland” style tea dress and a button-down, figure-hugging denim dress.  

I began with my traditional ice-breaker headshots and candid portraiture and from there, the shoot flowed very seamlessly. There were lots of sheltered areas making it relatively easy to achieve a uniform, even light and on another practical note, plenty of trees and foliage to change discretely behind. We did have the occasional speeding Spaniel but otherwise passers-by remained at a very respectful distance. 

There had also been rain forecast but we had bright sunshine and temperatures in the early 20s. I had brought an umbrella, in case of a heavy shower, which coupled with the 6300 body (which has weather sealing) would’ve made for some dramatic effects. Either way, we accomplished a decent amount in the two hours, Carla was pleased with the results, and we’ve agreed to shoot again in future. 

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.

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.