Toyah!

Due to a series of extremely unreliable/unprofessional “models”; and the lost revenue, I have virtually stopped working with novices, or indeed, anyone who cannot be referenced. It’s a two-way street. There are equally unreliable/unprofessional, and indeed, predatory photographers.

Toyah liked some of my images and subsequently, expressed an interest in working with me. Maybe I’ve watched “Blow Up” one time too many, but we decided upon a 60’s theme. One characterised by bold colours and prints.

She also had ready access to vintage clothing, which was another definite plus. Referencing aside, her communication was bang on, and she even confirmed all was good (without prompting) the night before.  We went for three changes and used a combination of residential and commercial backdrops.

Unusually, I decided to bring my Alpha 6000 and 60mm f2.8 prime along, with A58 and 50mm 1.8 prime, in reserve. The 6000 is my “studio” camera. Primarily, because I know it’s compatible with most remote triggers.

The older “Minolta” mount A series, less so.  Two hours and three outfit changes later, we were happy with our combined efforts, discussed turnaround times and went our separate ways. Nonetheless, I suspect we will work together again, before too much longer.

Don’t Take Our Decay Away

There’s a lot to say for studio shooting, when the mercury slides into single figures. However, Krystal and I weren’t deterred by November’s chill, so went in search of something quite dramatic.

Beacon Hill Fort has been a fort since Tudor times. It was subsequently upgraded to meet the needs of both World Wars. The fort was finally decommissioned I 1956, and had been steadily reclaimed by Mother Nature, Graffiti artists and transient visitors, in the decades since.

It has been purchased by Barry Sharp and Paul Valentine. Not for redevelopment, but rather restoration. The roads, buildings and structures are being cleared of 20^th/21^st century rubbish. Anything that remained at decommission, will be retained. Trees, ivy and other foliage damaging the structures, is being removed and any unsafe areas fenced off.

The vision is to reconnect services, electricity and telephones to appropriate buildings, restoring them to their decommissioned state. Their intention is that Beacon hill will be re-opened and managed, for the benefit of the local community.

Serendipity is a recurrent theme of my location shoots…Having found the site, we began shooting at outbuildings and sea defences, accessible from the roadside. 90 minutes later, we were feeling the cold. Back to the relative comfort of my MK1 KA’s heater and some refreshment.  

Ten minutes hence, curiosity got the better of us. So, we walked to the main gate and I contacted Barry Sharp, on the off-chance we might be permitted access. In principle, he had no problems with my request. He graciously invited us to speak with Paul, who was already on site. 

Within a few minutes. Paul arrived at the gates and graciously invited us inside. We were given a map detailing access points and agreed to the “Own risk” proviso.  My experience in industrial contexts and indeed, previous professions means I risk assess very carefully, and understand the potential dangers presented. Although Krystal was rather perturbed at finding herself stood in a pentagon, while posing in the observation tower’s upper floor!  

By 2.45, light was at a premium. However, we worked quickly and achieved the desired results.

A big "thank you" to Barry and Paul, for being such generous and accommodating hosts.

https://www.beaconhillfort.org.uk/

Patricia

Patricia found me via mad cow models www.madcowmodels.co.uk .Impressed by my fashion port-folio, she asked if I would help build hers. After a few exchanges, clarifying dates, times and specifications, we met on a slightly drizzly, unprepossessing October morning.

Originally from Poland, she classed herself as a novice model. However, her poise, pace and almost seamless posing quickly suggested she had modelled before. Terms such as novice and at the other extreme, published or “experienced” are often subjective.

However, Patricia’s tireless enthusiasm and work ethic ensured she was a pleasure. My introductory sessions are two hours long. Enough for us to explore a variety of styles, facilitate costume changes and a short comfort break, or two.

Though it’s true that competent photographers achieve good images from the first few frames, both parties warm up. Those taken an hour or so hence, are usually considerably better.   

In short, we were pleased with the balance and autumnal themes.

Being a location shoot, there were the usual challenges, although most people kept a subtle distance, or were genuinely helpful. The driver of this snack van kindly tolerated a few frames, and customers courteously warned us, when it was about to pull away.

Quarries & Cranes-the Perils and Pleasures of Location Shooting

Location shoots generally speaking; require forward planning, especially since there’s much greater potential for things to go wrong. Krystal and I had been planning a pier-side carousel theme. However, we are still seeking written permission from some local venues.

From the traders’ perspective, the last thing they want is a model and photographer leaping aboard their rides. Unannounced, and putting a dent in their day’s trading. No more than we’d appreciate being photo-bombed by a mob of bored teenagers.

So, having pressed the lateral thought button, I researched derelict sites within 5 miles of Clacton on Sea. Within 20 minutes, I'd honed-in on an old quarry, disused since 1997.

Access appeared easy and, save for those teens, chances are we would be left to our own devices.

However, quarries and other industrial sites are potentially lethal potentially lethal. Risk assessments and a highly attune hazard perception are crucial. We weren’t going to be climbing any structures, nor shooting in water. 

Nonetheless, signage warning of quick sand, hazardous chemicals and equipment need respecting. 

Upon our arrival, it was full of construction traffic…

Yep, redevelopment was well underway and therefore, access an absolute non-starter.  No matter how good a case I could present, I had no legitimate business here and no site foreman, in their right mind would grant us access/turn a blind eye. 

Model and photographer safety as I’ve said elsewhere, is paramount.  blatant trespass is asking for trouble.

Slightly dejected, we wandered through the nature reserve, back to my car. I had jotted down a few other, potential backdrops. The second was also being renovated-another none starter.

Ever wondered how something pops up, when you’re not actively pursuing it? Well, we happened upon a boat yard and a very helpful man, who said we could shoot wherever we liked, provided we respected others privacy. 

Not difficult frankly, at least for those, with a modicum of emotional intelligence. So, a few boating wrecks later and we settled on this long disused crane as a centre-piece. Lovers of peely paint porn, rejoice.