Back to the Boatyard. Work, Rest & Play with Krystal J

 I received a “Coming out to play” invite from Krystal. She hadn’t a location in mind, so I suggested the Pin Mill Boat Graveyard. She was very excited by the slightly eerie vibe. We share a mutual fascination for derelict and abandoned places and this wavelength certainly helps cement the creative harmony. Krystal is an experienced model. She started with bridal and transitioned toward the “alternative” genre via custom motorcycle publications, including Back Street Heroes.  

I’d prepared for most eventualities- towels, bucket, solvent cleaner, snacks, change of clothes, waterproof hiking boots and first aid kit. However, we were able to shoot uninterrupted, save for the odd friendly greeting from dog walkers negotiating the wooded trail above. An elderly couple were also capturing the wrecks with their SLRs, so we kept a respectful distance.  

 

I was earlier than originally planned and traffic was light, so the tide was also in our favour. The final set was taken as the tide was racing in, but we had a good 90 minutes prior to that. All were shot using my Sony A6000 and A6300 bodies with Viltrox 23mm 1.4 and Viltrox 33mm 1.4 prime lenses.   

Ship To Shore...

 A combination of Christmas and Covid surges meant shooting models and indeed, people generally were off the table. Determined to get creative behind the lens. Poor weather and low light were similar things to negotiate, and I didn’t fancy a mission, distance-wise. 

Then came a tip-off about a boat graveyard, around 35-40minutes from me. Cursory checks of tide times, parking, and general conditions deemed it viable, so I set off at 730am the next morning. Easily accessed, the site is decidedly eerie, was a palpable sense of being watched. Nonetheless, I was undisturbed for 45 minutes, whereupon I felt it best to discretely plod on home...  

A Laid Back Shoot with Lynn

 Lynn approached me in the context of a fetish-themed shoot. I fancied something a little different, so after some back n’ forth regarding ideas, styles and ultimately, dates, we shot in natural light, from her remote home. As with many models, returning to the profession, she had some astonishing, sometimes hilarious and occasionally terrifying stories.  

Ayla

 

I’d been wanting to work with Ayla for some time but opportunity, not to mention the pandemic had frustrated this.  A chance conversation in October led to us working through a shoot plan, and ultimately shooting at her home.  

Good pre-shoot communications are paramount, but rapport and trust between photographer and model usually take time to develop. For this reason and regardless of experience, I prefer models to set the pace. 

We warmed up with some flirty fashion, slowly progressing through lingerie, boudoir and art nude. I also brought some props and Ayla unleashed her creativity. Conversation flowed naturally and the two hours proved incredibly productive.  

Most of this set was taken using natural light, Viltrox 23mm 1.4 prime lens and Sony A6000 body, although I used a 50mm 1.8 counterpart and Sony A7.   

* All images copyright Stenning photographic *

Emma

 Traditionally, female editorial/fashion models should be 5’9 to 6ft tall, with a 33-inch bust 23-inch waist, and 33-inch hips. This is not the only criterion; agencies tend to recruit on a more rounded basis and the modeling industry has much broader horizons. 

I am genuinely curious when photographing people, eager to explore their ideas, lives, experiences, and backstories. Every person is unique not only in their thoughts and beliefs but in the way they move.  

Professional/established models aside, I tend to spend a good deal of the shoot just talking with the model, capturing them naturally and unaware. My shoot with Emma is a prime example of this.  

She and I discussed a two-hour boudoir/lingerie theme. I was keen to use natural light for a soft, reflective effect. Thankfully there was an abundance on the day and the majority of these were taken with my Sony A6000 and 35mm f1.4 prime. Posing the model according to their shape and size is paramount. The difference between boudoir and a straight lingerie shoot is, in my view the focus. It's more about mood and the sensual effect, rather than objectifying the model, which glamour does.  

Emma has a G cup bust, so I opted to have her sitting upright kneeling, or laying at an angle to flatter her curves. Poses that would flatter someone with an A, or B cup would be deeply unflattering, possibly demeaning to someone with a bigger bust  

Continuing the soft, reflective narrative, I encouraged her to look toward the light, slightly away from the lens. The smiles you see were not coaxed, rather spontaneous, as rapport and conversation flowed.  

Catching up With Krystal: Boho Dresses & Borrowed Bicycles

 It had been a good while since Krystal, and I worked together. She had retired from modeling, wanting to concentrate on mentoring new models and the fashion/clothing side of the business.   

Out of the blue she emailed, saying she wanted to shoot with some dresses and a traditional “roadster” bicycle complete with panniers, dynamo and basket.  Given COVID is still very prevalent, I am being very careful about who and where I will work. Presently, studios are off but I’m agreeable to open, sparsely populated locations, theme allowing. 

We met at the location and enjoyed a very relaxed shoot, much of our conversation revolving around the business, and comparing notes regarding new models we had worked with. The good, the bad, and the downright bizarre. One common narrative was their desire (and expectation) for instant recognition.  

Some aspiring models have expected to be snapped up and agency represented within a week. Constructive tempering of expectations is met with defensive disgust and quite often, tirades on social media. However, we also discussed some very good debutants who were personable, willing to learn and looking toward building a solid career. I was also touched to learn she recommends me to new models she feels show promise.   

Long story short, it was lovely to work and catch up with Krystal again and I'm pleased she was happy with the results.  

Body Art : Amy &MuA

 

I’d been approached by a makeup artist/body painter, via a portfolio hosting/networking site. His standard of work is very high, and I was flattered to learn he’d been keen to work with me for a while. Networking sites are a useful means of connecting with models, photographers and related professionals. Referencing and other important records are there, making shoots much smoother and safer.    

With this in mind, I gently swerved recommending specific models, since the very nature of bodypainting/makeup is a very intimate process. Any recipient needs to be completely comfortable with the artist, beforehand.  

As luck would have it, he had been talking with Amy Jade, prior to lockdown, so with restrictions being progressively relaxed, they mutually agreed to Thursday evening. This suited me, since extended hours of daylight were conducive to location shooting-public decency permitting.  

Some last-minute correspondence confirmed this was a comfortable proposition for all parties. The shoot itself was relatively short, about an hour, which was also the artist’s timescale for undertaking the design. Amy has tattoos, although these aren’t extensive, which also shortens preparation time, since additional coverage isn’t required.  

Ultimately model and MUA are happy with my work, and I enjoyed the experience.