Michael Stenning comes from a freelance press background. One that demands the ability to take high-quality images. Industrial photography and Indian weddings followed. Social photography led to model portfolio commissions and in turn, portraiture and commercial headshots
Friday, August 29, 2025
Bella Casual Sensuality
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Down By The River With Elle
Elle and I had last shot together
at the close of January, so I was pleased when she suggested a location themed
shoot. The directive was a little loose but a mix of swimwear, lingerie and some
topless. This required a fitting location that was within mutually convenient
travelling distance.
I suggested a couple and both resonated with her. Suitably discreet, where were unlikely to encounter dog walkers and young families. Children and nudity don’t mix, yet not too secluded that either party might feel uncomfortable. The entrance I had chosen wasn’t as picturesque as we’d hoped but sometimes it’s about thinking laterally and making best use of your environment.
I had defaulted to the Sony A6300 and 50mm 1.8 prime. 50mm
primes are often referred to as the “nifty fifty” given their versatility and
they are a great choice for portraits and headshots. Though she wasn’t overly
taken with the immediate surroundings, the use of bokeh ensured she was the
main focal point. Ultimately, we were happy with the images captured during our
two hours.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Vik: Warm Smiles & Slavic Charm
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Carla
Carla is an aspiring model and had clearly gained confidence through a series of earlier shoots. She had also received good mentoring from photographers and a model I’ve had a long-standing professional relationship with. Carla had noted my relatively close regional proximity and got in touch, asking to shoot. Her manner of approach, existing portfolio and location held my attention and we quickly thrashed out some dates and themes.
Being as we’d not worked together, I suggested we do two hours of fashion-based work and she should bring herself i.e., garments she felt comfortable and empowered in; while presenting an opportunity for her to model something she hadn’t been able to. We decided upon a forest/woodland backdrop.
I knew a good public space but one where we weren't likely to be interrupted frequently. She brought along a large bag and three changes, which was perfect. The first a light summery sheer dress and pale denim jacket, a pale blue “Alice in wonderland” style tea dress and a button-down, figure-hugging denim dress.
I began with my traditional ice-breaker headshots and candid portraiture and from there, the shoot flowed very seamlessly. There were lots of sheltered areas making it relatively easy to achieve a uniform, even light and on another practical note, plenty of trees and foliage to change discretely behind. We did have the occasional speeding Spaniel but otherwise passers-by remained at a very respectful distance.
There had also been rain forecast but we had bright sunshine and temperatures in the early 20s. I had brought an umbrella, in case of a heavy shower, which coupled with the 6300 body (which has weather sealing) would’ve made for some dramatic effects. Either way, we accomplished a decent amount in the two hours, Carla was pleased with the results, and we’ve agreed to shoot again in future.
Friday, May 17, 2024
There's Something About Mary...
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Jess in the Studio
What Are You Implying
Implied, as with other genres is open to interpretation and means different things to different people. Glamour is a case in point. The genre in Poland is closest to 1940s film noir and worlds apart from the Page3 it's synonymous with, here in the UK.
Implied is best thought of as the suggestion of nudity but with concealment at key areas-breasts, genitals etc. At the more extreme end, there’s some blurring of the lines between implied and glamour. Another key reason why models and photographers need to have a proper, open discussion-before shooting and not on the day. On the day, it's also best to recap and check both are still comfortable with the detail and themes.
I prefer to let a model lead, setting the pace, especially where these and higher levels are involved. Following this principle, I was delighted to leave Jess to start with her selection of clothing for the first hour and then gradually moving to more revealing themes, first with my corduroy jacket and later, my distressed leather waistcoat. Photographer and model typically warm up. Just like a welder’s first bead of the day isn’t comparable with that 90 minutes into a shift and this was no exception.
Communication, confidence, and rapport are paramount, flanked by trust and professionalism. We chatted about a wealth of things but the theme of some photographers almost viewing shoots as dates held sway for a while.
She wasn’t the first model to say photographers had suggested, during pre-shoot communications that they should go for a meal, then shoot. The last thing I’d want to do is model, or shoot on a full stomach and besides, a shoot is a professional setting- both parties come together to achieve a set, agreed aim.
I can also understand how strong professional bonds can strike but there are some photographers who seem seduced by the slightly outdated concept of a muse and with darker motivations. I must feel comfortable and enjoy the company of someone during a shoot, and hopefully that’s reciprocal but that’s where the line is drawn.
Ultimately, we were happy with the results and will doubtless work together later down the line.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Darcy
Darcy is a plus-size model, returning to the industry after a break. She caught my attention having posted a casting on a networking site. I tend to make my approach and if my style of work appeals, the model and I will discuss themes and date(s) from there. Darcy was keen on some headshots, portraits, and autumnal/winter fashion and the close of October seemed the best fit.
I hadn’t been to Southend on Sea since the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns struck. Changeable weather also requires lots of forward planning and I was a little disheartened to discover the heavens opening along the A127- I'd been scouring the online forecasts and all suggested dry until at least1300hrs and we were shooting outdoors for two hours- from 11 onward.
Despite some initial drizzle, the weather held, and the cloudy skies added further mood to the images. The beach and deserted beach huts were an obvious, though very welcome backdrop, ditto some of the shuttered, seasonal vendors nearby. Darcy was originally spotted at a car show on the South Coast and helped by an interest in classic cars, things developed from there.
She has a degree in Graphic Design and secured work in this field, post-graduation. In common with a lot of models, she’s had a few challenges too, and testament to her character that she’d overcome them and kept a warm, positive outlook. I thoroughly enjoyed our shoot and would happily work with her again. These images were taken using the faithful A6000 and A6300 tag team coupled with 33mm 1.4 and 60mm 2.8 prime lenses.
Bella Casual Sensuality
Bella took a break from modelling during the last trimester of her pregnancy and a year later reached out to me with a desire to return to...
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I discovered Elle while having a wander around the portfolio hosting and networking sites. January, as most of us know can be a long, slow...
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Elle and I had last shot together at the close of January, so I was pleased when she suggested a location themed shoot. The directive was ...