Matinee’ with Michelle

Almost two years since I’d last worked with Michelle, so I was rather pleased she’d got in touch.  I’d also gone through a familiar, but frustrating phase of unreliable models-ghosting and cancelations being the key issues. This is something I’m finding increasingly common with aspiring or novice models, and why I tend to be very discerning.  

I am still happy to work with new models and those returning to the industry, but ask searching questions to evaluate the probability of cancellations etc. Sometimes there are genuine reasons and circumstances beyond their control, and I can empathise with these. 

 

Radio silence is not a good sign, but I’ve developed a sixth sense for these things. Professional models seldom cancel, in the same fashion a professional photographer will ensure they’ve brought the right kit along and tested everything beforehand. Michelle comes from a professional glamour-orientated modelling background and is also pursuing an acting career in parallel.  

I’d toyed with various themes, but the wintry weather precluded an outdoor shoot with a horse, or Shetland pony, so I decided we’d go for something boudoir/lifestyle based with a bit of deep monochrome. Hence the emphasis on black lingerie.    

Michelle needs little direction but is equally receptive to this. Professional models are very self-aware and know their bodies very well- poses which flatter, those which don’t and may tactfully refuse an instruction, if the proposal isn’t going to work aesthetically.

 

For example, posing a model with b cup breasts on all fours- say a suggestive lingerie/boudoir shoot might work. Posing a model with A D cup bust this way would look ridiculous, borderline degrading. Similarly, though many may not be qualified makeup artists or hairdressers, they are competent and know how to apply/create complementary colours and styling.   

We chatted about the business and more casual stuff. People will often confide some very deep personal stuff during shoots, and I’m often flattered some feel comfortable enough to do so. However, not something I engage in. We chatted business, equines, osteopaths and our mutual fondness for Ford’s MK1 KA-I'm on my third, hers had a much higher internal specification but we agreed the little cars are very characterful and handle surprisingly well.  

I shot this set using natural light with the similarly faithful Sony A6000 and 6300 bodies sporting Viltrox 23 and 33mm prime (1.4) lenses. I had the urge to bring my recently acquired Fuji XT100 and 35mm1.8 but hadn’t reached the point where the fuji felt like an extension of my right hand. It should be obvious, but never attend a commercial shoot with unfamiliar, let alone untested equipment. Same goes for many other things- motor/cycle racing and other competitive events being cases in point.  

 

Louise

Louise had approached me a few months back, looking to shoot in February. An accountant by profession, she was looking to build the boudoir/lingerie components of her port-folio.  

She is very new to modeling but communicated well, and had a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve from our two hours, which is always helpful. 

Shooting at a model’s home can be the best or worst of scenarios. However, when it comes to boudoir/lingerie (and especially new models) the sense of familiarity means the model is immediately more relaxed.  

Though well-versed in studio environments, I prefer natural light, when it comes to boudoir. Provided windows are sufficiently large, the softer light provides an additional element of intimacy. Talking of which, a respectful distance is equally important, hence these were taken with my favourite 50mm 1.8 and 60mm 2.8 prime lenses. A dual-sided (silver/gold) reflector being my only additional source of lighting.     

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.   

On The Waterfront...With Aurora Ray

 No, not the iconic film with Marlon Brando. I’m referring to an evening quayside shoot with Aurora Ray, in Ipswich. I responded to a casting call and we corresponded for a few weeks.  Ideas, concepts and possible locations floated and pondered.

Ipswich is approximately an hour or so’s drive from me, but a town I hadn’t visited for almost three decades. Even then, I was only familiar with the Portman Road area, home to the football club and infamously, a red-light district.

Thankfully, Aurora had excellent local knowledge, which complemented her creative vision.

Little surprise that I leaped at the suggestion of Graffiti and disused quayside buildings…Sunset this time of year, is around 18.45, so we arranged to meet an hour beforehand.

Having successfully orbited the town centre systems during rush hour, I was relieved to discover a car park within easy reach of the quayside. We’d agreed to meet by the University, opposite. Chances were, we’d be wrapped up within an hour or so. However, I’ve an aversion to fines, so fed the meter a little more.

This early in the academic year, you could feel a real sense of anticipation and a generally positive atmosphere from the halls of residence. One that certainly resonated with me, some 26 years since I arrived in London’s East End, fresh faced and decidedly green.

There’s always one student who stands out. In this instance, one losing command of his trousers, while exiting his car. Shortly afterward, a text arrived-Aurora saying she was a few minutes away. She materialised carrying a cluster of red helium balloons and extruding enthusiasm.

Camera bag, reflector and energy-boosting bananas grasped, I locked the KA and Aurora led me along the waterside, with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. Their neon signage more intense, as the golden hour loomed. Our first location was a long disused and very derelict factory.

Several stories high, ground floor access points had been sealed and the usual warnings emblazomed across the boards.  She switched from her light summer dress and I fired a few tester shots. The alley, though clearly a street drinker’s refuge, was also moderately trafficked and relatively well lit, which was ideal, in every respect.

One man had my senses screaming with alarm. I was concerned he might attempt to snatch one, or both of our bags. Luckily, he quickly lost interest and shuffled through, without further interaction.  

Aurora has a classic model figure and knew her body well, thus created and moved seamlessly between poses, making the very most of available time and light. Checking the area for broken glass and other sharps, she posed on the pallets, which accentuated her poise and willowy figure.

The next street had these corrugated shutters. I was pleasantly surprised by driver cooperation and sensitivity. Many stopping and seemingly alarmed that they’d interrupted us. Not something you’d experience in a major city, or provincial towns for that matter.

A skate park fired our imaginations, but we opted in favour of a towpath, which also had some very striking and genuinely beautifully crafted murals. The sort so revered, they are left unmolested, by taggers and local authority environmental teams alike. 15 minutes later and the golden hour was almost gone but by this point, we had 80 shots. A short but successful evening…