Sam is a novice model, who
wanted to cultivate a strong port-folio. While modelling has certainly become less
prescriptive, male models seeking editorial and fashion assignments should stand at least 1m80 tall.
Sam stands 1m90 and weighs a
commensurate 86kilos. He is looking toward fashion and lifestyle but very keen
to avoid nude, implied, or similarly provocative style. Genres which might compromise his career prospects, beyond modelling.
Based in Chelmsford, Southend
was within easy reach for both of us, and offers a decent mix of backdrops.
Having met by Southend Central
Station, I took him to a favourite row of murals and shot a few frames to warm
up, gauge camera settings and put him at ease. Several large retail outlets had
folded, their premises shuttered and seemingly derelict. However, street
homelessness was less apparent than September, when I shot with Gena Rose.
I didn’t want to reuse those
backdrops, so we moved to London Rd. An alleyway, behind a row of derelict
shops, to be precise. I was looking for a wrought iron/similarly industrial
looking staircase.
These would provide a slightly
edgier feel, while accentuating his height and build. Though seemingly
deserted, being the alley was a dead end we needed to shoot quickly.
I switched to my Samsung
NX3000 and 30mm f2 lens.
Discarded cans of lager, baby
baths and a decomposing sludge also prompted more careful risk assessment. Despite the heightened sense of alert, we
progressed, uninterrupted and at a calm, purposeful pace for fifteen minutes.
Next destination was a coin
operated (and seemingly) self-service, Launderette.
Aside from two women (who
later revealed they were hoping Sam was going to re-enact the iconic 1985
Levi’s 501 commercial) we were left in peace, to tweak settings, retouch hair,
and thaw out a little.
Our audience was gracious but
neither of us fancied a long, potentially difficult explanation, with an
attendant, or owner. So, we smiled, nodded and moved to more salubrious,
residential side streets. I’d parked along one, and clocked some garage doors,
with peeling paint. Perfect.
Being private property, I knocked
at the house. No-one was home, or at least, willing to engage. Therefore, being
in full view of passers-by I directed Sam for several frames, and a total of
ten minutes. By this point, (a good 90 minutes in) I decided we’d earned lunch,
and a break.
Re-fuelled, we headed to the
Kursaal, and to our final set, since more wintry weather and low cloud were beginning
to encroach. The old Grosvenor rock factory, and shuttered arcades proved
perfect backdrops.
Heading back towards the station,
we were approached by a young man, begging for money. I will buy food/coffee/similar
but don’t give cash, since it is often used to fuel an addiction.
Something that became very
apparent, when the man’s trouser leg lifted, revealing a badly ulcerated calf
and foot, complete with track marks…All too prevalent in the once proud, and
bustling seaside towns.
