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.
