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.     

Suzie Marie

Suzie approached me in the context of a port-folio refresher session. She had modeled when she was much younger but children and other responsibilities meant it took a back seat. She was also wanting to regain her confidence.  

A hairdresser by trade, I wasn’t surprised to find her presentation and preparation bang on. There are definitely parallels between social photography and hairdressing. Both are very personal services requiring empathy and rapid rapport.  

Despite a bitterly cold wind, we managed to achieve some very pleasing results. Regular breaks to warm up and review progress also encouraged wardrobe changes.  It was quickly apparent she had modeled before and was very self-aware, which meant she posed very naturally and took direction equally well.   Key reasons why I enjoy working with those returning to the profession.  

  

  

Winter Fashion in The Woods with Emma

Emma reached out to me in the context of a winter fashion shoot. She had plenty of ideas and having thrashed out the finer details, I knew just the location. This was mutually convenient, and according to forecasts, conditions were favourable. Cloudy and 11 degrees. In practice, it was decidedly overcast and felt closer to 7/8 degrees, when windchill was factored into the equation.  

This meant we reviewed our work, from the relative comfort of my car and in between clothing changes. I went for 50mm 1.8 and 60mm 2.8 lenses, Sony A65 and A7 bodies respectively. I also packed my hand-held “Light sabre” LED light, in case we needed a tune able light source, to compliment the reflector.

  

However, a few test shots confirmed this would be unnecessary. Umbrellas were also packed, just in case the weather turned. They’d also double as useful props.  

Standing 5’9 Emma’s height and build favours editorial and fashion commissions. She can also apply makeup to a flattering standard and is very self-ware. The latter helps in the context of posing, although, like all good models, she readily accepts direction.  

Relative seclusion meant we could work, and she could change, without interruption, or unwelcome introspection. Two and a half hours later, pleased with the in camera results, we concluded our shoot and I went home to post-process.   

Venise

Venise is an experienced, versatile model. Our virtual paths crossed when she was looking to shoot, and I was seeking mixed race/olive skinned models.  

I do a fair few fine art (nude) commissions and am flattered models feel particularly comfortable with me, in said contexts. However, while specialisms are good, typecasting is undesirable.  

For our first shoot, we decided upon a Boudoir and lingerie theme, shot using natural light, at her home. Rapport blossomed quickly and within an hour, we talked in terms of future shoots. This led to a subsequent, two hour nude/implied theme, the following week.  

The model's home can be ideal for these styles. They are in a familiar, comfortable environment, and theoretically, most relaxed. 

However, this isn't always so. Therefore, I explore the following, during formative, pre-shoot dialogue.

Technical

In technical terms, I like to establish room sizes/floor space and the amount of natural light available. This will dictate what lenses, reflectors and portable lighting I bring along.  

Logistical

House/flat shares of a platonic nature are also very common, especially in big cities. 

Not necessarily a deal-breaker, so long as you can work undisturbed. Four housemates all begging to use the toilet, while you're doing a shower, or milk bath shoot, is at best, inconvenient.

 Dynamics

Then there's personal circumstances/household dynamic. I'm perfectly happy with a non invasive, third party/chaperone. Jealous/controlling, or indeed coercive partners, are non-starters. 

These were all moot points here, and with other models I have undertaken similar commissions with. Nonetheless, thorough preparation is key. 

  

William

William is an aspiring model, who wanted some help with his portfolio. Standing 6ft tall and weighing 11stone, he has promise for commercial, editorial and fashion work.

He had a very clear idea of his objectives, and what would flatter him. Given December has been decidedly wet, a studio setting might’ve been a more obvious choice. However, the weather forecast was favourable, and William had some specific backdrops in mind.

We shot for two hours and I was impressed with his quiet determination, willingness to learn, and receive constructive criticism. He was due to meet with some  agencies this week, and I’m hoping he got signed.

Daisy: Anonymous Nude

Out of the blue, I had an email from Daisy, a catwalk and commercial model, with nine years’ experience. Apparently, she loved my work and specifically, art nudes. Given her status and high-profile client base, more traditional nudes were a non-starter. Career suicide, in fact.

For a wealth of reasons, I am very particular about who I will undertake nude commissions with. Though there is a huge difference between erotica and pornography, gratuitous nudity, or tabloid “Glamour” work has no draw for me.  

Standing 5’11 tall and weighing 9.5 stone, her lithe, yet extremely feminine figure were perfect for creating intriguing shapes and close-up body-scapes. Given anonymity was the overriding theme, I discussed a slightly surreal element. One that Daisy seemed amused by. Bottom line (and this goes for any trade/profession) never ask someone to do something they do not feel confident, or comfortable with.

Though fluidity does strike during shoots, they must always remain within the boundaries agreed. I’ve had models book me for lingerie/boudoir themes, then feel midway, they’d like to try topless/implied. I gently decline. People often do things in the heat of the moment, without considering the longer-term consequences. I may consider this level, as a separate booking, a few weeks later. Once I am confident they have thought it through.   

Having established terms of reference, perimeters and levels, I loaded up my KA with Sony Alpha and A7 bodies, 50 and 30mm lenses. Portable lighting and reflectors, spare batteries and a full tank of fuel.

Thankfully we were shooting on a bright day and the building had a good supply of natural light. Never underestimate the importance of ambient temperature, when undertaking nude, boudoir or similar genres, either.

The anonymous aspect means covering the face, either with hair, masks, or similar props. This can leave the model feeling acutely vulnerable. Especially, if they are unfamiliar with the photographer/assistant. Therefore, I maintain a running dialogue, saying where I am, and what to expect next. I also break regularly, so both parties can review the work.

This reveals what we’ve achieved, where to go next, what worked and sometimes, what didn’t. We noted a couple of shots, which were more explicit than either had intended, so these were deleted. Solid rapport lead to the shoot overrunning slightly, but time is another boundary that must never be overstepped.  

An extremely rewarding shoot with a delightful woman and a consummately professional model.