Apocalyptic Weather, Adaptable Team

Bank holidays are notorious for bandit weather and this Saturday’s second shoot with Silvai was no exception. She wanted to do another location shoot with blossom and other Spring backdrops.  

I had come prepared for this, bringing an umbrella, fleecy towel, and snacks. Conditions turned from hazy sunshine and moderate warmth to torrential rain during my hour-long drive to our destination.  

As before, Silvai was immaculately prepared and determined to make the very best of our time together. Her self-awareness and my relatively fast shooting meant we were able to cheat the weather. Results were mutually pleasing.  

Silvai prefers very subtle editing in terms of colours and contrasts. Given her present hair colour, I fancied something a little bolder, so I gave her what she wanted while taking a more mix n’ match approach for mine.   

These were captured using natural light, my Sony A6000 and A6300, defaulting to the 50mm 1.8, with the occasional switch to 35mm 2.8 lenses and a small, hand-held reflector.   

   

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.