Pin Up! Vintage Fun With Patricia

Patricia approached me, in the context of a 1940s/50’s pin up theme. Knowing how methodical and hardworking she is, I wasn’t fazed by the relatively short notice.

True to form, she was punctual and meticulous. Hair, makeup and dress were flawless. However, for absolute authenticity, she’d sought the services of a professional stylist.

Saturday 26th October marked the start, of a much-hyped cold snap. Though the air temperature wasn’t wildly unseasonal, wind chill was cutting. We started our shoot in a relatively secluded, private car park. Patricia came prepared with a hoodie and quilted jacket, to retain warmth between shooting.

Though it is widely accepted, that model and photographer need to arrive, equipped for changing conditions, I am very conscious of model comfort.

Therefore, fast shooting and more frequent breaks were imperative. Despite the bracing wind, Patricia posed seamlessly and remained stoical throughout. After 45 minutes, or so, we sook shelter (not to mention heating) in my mighty MK1 KA.

As we thawed out, reviewed the images and chatted about modelling/related matters, a flash of inspiration struck. We decided to ask Yaxley hair and beauty, if they would mind us shooting the final frames, in their salon. http://www.yaxleyhairandbeauty.com/

We were taking a gamble, given it was a Saturday morning. However, Phillipa, http://www.yaxleyhairandbeauty.com/the-team graciously agreed. In common with Paul at Revved Up https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2018/10/all-revved-up.html   , she was also incredibly accommodating, clearing space/equipment-without request, or prompting.

Fifteen minutes later, we were finished. Patricia had another shoot, and admin demanded my attention.

Sincerest thanks go to all the team, at Yaxley Hair & Beauty, for accommodating us at such a busy period, and on spec.

    

All Revved Up

Krystal fancied doing something different and I suggested shooting at Revved Up. A biker’s café’/Tea bar spotted on a recent, weekend outing to Walton on the Naze.

This was one of our “on-spec” missions, which usually turn out favourably. I parked nearby, fed the meter and gathered our respective kit. Two minutes later, we were at Revved up’s counter and ordering some warm beverages. I wasted no time introducing ourselves, and explaining we’d like to use the café,’ as our centrepiece for a biker themed shoot.

Paul, the proprietor, paused for a moment, then graciously invited us to shoot wherever we liked. Within a few moments, the air thronged with the familiar rumble of V twin engines.

Krystal was invited to change in their back room, while I checked lenses and camera settings. In keeping with similar businesses, retail is a significant, second tier for Paul. Aside from a motorcycle frame and other biker iconography, there are rails of leathers, lids, boots, T shirts and other, reasonably priced motorcycle related apparel. I wasted no time thumbing through Paul's range of waistcoats.   

Biker’s haunts are traditionally very chatty, welcoming and informal. Word rapidly spread of our presence, prompting riders to approach us. Knowing the economic and sentimental value their machines hold, Krystal initially posed, tentatively against them. However, she was beckoned, positively urged aboard.

Frankly, I was deeply touched by how accommodating everyone was. Owners and customers were incredibly forthcoming- literally couldn’t do enough to assist.  After two hours of shooting, good humoured rapport and beverage slurping, we bid everyone a fond farewell.  ‘Till the next time. 

A selection of shots, printed on high quality canvases are available to purchase on my store:  https://michael-stenning.format.com/all-revved-up

Sincerest thanks go to Paul, and his customers at Revved up 133 High St, Walton on the Naze CO14 8AT

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.

East…to Efi

My love of London’s East End has gone the way of its disused warehouses, derelict factories and other abandoned buildings. Like a jaded old flame, all that remains is a history. Widespread redevelopment and gentrification have also transformed its social geography.

Efi, a model originally from Greece was my only business here. She wanted to do an autumn themed fashion/lifestyle shoot. One that aligned with my desire, to make the very best use of October’s rich colours, and receding daylight.

Having established the specifics, through a series of succinct but well-crafted emails, I packed cameras, spare batteries and reflectors. Despite many years riding and driving through the capital, I didn’t want the hassle. So, train to Stratford and underground to E11.

Despite the world’s fullest bladder and other, network related delays I was “fashionably” (read “characteristically” early. Some emailing, texting and people watching, filled the slack twenty minutes. Not a pearly king, or queen in sight…

Heavily inebriated street drinkers congregated around benches, reflecting on the days’ profits and losses, supping super strength lagers.

A heady cocktail of soiled clothing, stale urine and simmering rage permeated the air.  Local traders busied themselves, affluent couples and office workers passed by, quaffing flat whites. I pondered my good fortune, and the dubious delights of root canal surgery.

I sent her a text advising I’d arrived and where to find me lingering. Thankfully, I didn’t attract any unwelcome attention. Keeping my distance, avoiding eye contact and candid street photography, undoubtedly helped.     

Efi arrived promptly and after a brief introduction, we headed to our first location. I fired a few test shots, gauging settings, while breaking the ice with some headshots. 

Warm, witty and articulate, she has a playful persona and a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve. Various locations and several outfit changes later, the three hours were up. Even her long-haired feline wanted in on the action.

Efi has expressed a desire to hire me for a fitness themed shoot. One I had no hesitation in agreeing to, given the easy rapport, and mutual creative alignment.   

Morning Worship Amongst Falling Leaves

I specialise in working with newcomers and models returning to the profession. I have no upper age limit, but am reticent to work with anyone, younger than 21.

The reasons are varied both legal, moral and personal. I shoot a variety of styles, from fashion, portraiture and wedding to what’s termed implied and classic/art nude. Valid ID and record keeping are not the issue here.

Rather, I am aware of incidences, where 18-year old models have participated in a nude, or topless shoot without fully realising the implications. One was trying to reclaim and ultimately regain control of these intimate images.

Whether she had been unduly influenced, by a photographer, or had done so of her own volition was unclear. Unfortunately, she had signed a model release form, permitting the photographer to use such images, for his own and broader, commercial purposes.

I have also been approached by parents, managing their teenage daughter’s modelling schedules, wanting me to work with them. I always decline, since their communications suggest my personal and professional boundaries are likely to be pushed, or disrespected. My son is almost 16. Would I want him modelling at this age? No.   

That said; my emphasis upon thorough pre-shoot screening and communication means sometimes, I will “Take a view”. Some people in their late teens show better judgement and maturity than adults in their 30s. Nonetheless, clothed fashion, portraiture, or lifestyle are my limits.  

Paige MJ is a case in point. Aged 18, she had only been modelling for a matter of weeks and wanted me to shoot her, on location at Flitch Way in Braintree. She was seeking to create something edgy, with a punk flavour. Several messages were exchanged, specification agreed, and rapport established. We arranged to shoot 24 hours later.

Flitch Way is 15 miles of disused railway running from Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford. Flat and well surfaced, the shared access path is popular with cyclists, horse riders and walkers. Its also blessed with a wealth of interesting backdrops, including artist grade graffiti.

Page had already experienced “Level pushing” from one “Photographer” offering way above the odds, for a topless shoot. This didn’t interest her and perturbed by his behaviour, she declined to work with him. Two hours later, we were pleased with the results. I would happily work with her in future.

Krystal also wanted to collaborate with me this week. She’d bought a new gothic black dress and some lingerie. We knew a suitably secluded location, thus unlikely to draw unwanted attention. Comfortable for her and conducive to seamless creativity.

That said; there is a creeping and very tangible sensation of being watched. Both of us have experienced this very acutely. We work fast and have an easy rapport, thus work very quickly together. Sure enough, after twenty minutes, a couple arrived in a car and sat, observing us. 

No approach was made, but we opted for a wardrobe change and an alternative location. While the colours are so vibrant, natural light and climate, kind, I wish to make best use of them.

On The Waterfront...With Aurora Ray

 No, not the iconic film with Marlon Brando. I’m referring to an evening quayside shoot with Aurora Ray, in Ipswich. I responded to a casting call and we corresponded for a few weeks.  Ideas, concepts and possible locations floated and pondered.

Ipswich is approximately an hour or so’s drive from me, but a town I hadn’t visited for almost three decades. Even then, I was only familiar with the Portman Road area, home to the football club and infamously, a red-light district.

Thankfully, Aurora had excellent local knowledge, which complemented her creative vision.

Little surprise that I leaped at the suggestion of Graffiti and disused quayside buildings…Sunset this time of year, is around 18.45, so we arranged to meet an hour beforehand.

Having successfully orbited the town centre systems during rush hour, I was relieved to discover a car park within easy reach of the quayside. We’d agreed to meet by the University, opposite. Chances were, we’d be wrapped up within an hour or so. However, I’ve an aversion to fines, so fed the meter a little more.

This early in the academic year, you could feel a real sense of anticipation and a generally positive atmosphere from the halls of residence. One that certainly resonated with me, some 26 years since I arrived in London’s East End, fresh faced and decidedly green.

There’s always one student who stands out. In this instance, one losing command of his trousers, while exiting his car. Shortly afterward, a text arrived-Aurora saying she was a few minutes away. She materialised carrying a cluster of red helium balloons and extruding enthusiasm.

Camera bag, reflector and energy-boosting bananas grasped, I locked the KA and Aurora led me along the waterside, with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. Their neon signage more intense, as the golden hour loomed. Our first location was a long disused and very derelict factory.

Several stories high, ground floor access points had been sealed and the usual warnings emblazomed across the boards.  She switched from her light summer dress and I fired a few tester shots. The alley, though clearly a street drinker’s refuge, was also moderately trafficked and relatively well lit, which was ideal, in every respect.

One man had my senses screaming with alarm. I was concerned he might attempt to snatch one, or both of our bags. Luckily, he quickly lost interest and shuffled through, without further interaction.  

Aurora has a classic model figure and knew her body well, thus created and moved seamlessly between poses, making the very most of available time and light. Checking the area for broken glass and other sharps, she posed on the pallets, which accentuated her poise and willowy figure.

The next street had these corrugated shutters. I was pleasantly surprised by driver cooperation and sensitivity. Many stopping and seemingly alarmed that they’d interrupted us. Not something you’d experience in a major city, or provincial towns for that matter.

A skate park fired our imaginations, but we opted in favour of a towpath, which also had some very striking and genuinely beautifully crafted murals. The sort so revered, they are left unmolested, by taggers and local authority environmental teams alike. 15 minutes later and the golden hour was almost gone but by this point, we had 80 shots. A short but successful evening…

Gena Rose & Graffiti

Gena approached me via a purpleport www.purpleport.com and expressed an interest in organising a shoot. Pre-shoot communications were excellent, and quickly established direction(s) she was looking to take her modelling.

She’d seen some recent shoots with Krystal and wanted to create something along similar lines. She had some locations in mind, including an abandoned police station. Despite genuine potential, further research and closer scrutiny demanded a rethink.

We eventually settled on Southend on Sea and combining beach, with more urban/alternative themes. Time, location and structure agreed, my second-shooter (Spare camera body for location work) decided to expire, without any warning. This was while doing some fetish themed work.

An expensive weekend, given my car had succumbed to a grumbling CV joint. One which had also formed a seemingly permanent union with the driveshaft. Meanting that too, needed replacing.

On Sunday, I switched to my CSC and 30mm prime lens. Great for street photography but not my first choice for photoshoots. Though attitudes are changing, models tend to be sceptical and perceive them as inferior to SLRs. Models, regardless of experience need to feel confident in a photographer’s abilities.

I was familiar with the area and had taken a drive down during the August bank holiday. Primarily to do some street photography, with a quick bit of location scouting for good measure.

Having met up, we weaved through the side streets, where it was theoretically quieter and warmed up with some headshots/portraits. In common with many town centres, street homelessness is widespread and very apparent.

Affording people dignity and respect goes a long way to averting potentially awkward/dangerous situations. However, hunger, substance misuse and poor mental health can prove a volatile mix.  

We attracted the attentions of passers-by but most people were extremely considerate. Nonetheless, although all publicity is good…We didn’t want an audience and after twenty minutes, headed to the beach.

With the tide long gone and unlikely to return for seven hours, we were forced to abandon our concept of her emerging from the water. Holiday season done, we made good use of an essentially empty beach. Gena stands 5’2 and I often shoot shorter models, while lying down, which suggests they are much taller.   

Ninety minutes in, reserves were flagging, which is not great for creativity. So, we found a suitably clean café’. Conversation flowed easily as we refuelled, relaxed and reviewed the .

Bill settled, we headed out to Westcliff-roughly a mile away, stopping at various points to shoot. This beautifully restored VW fired our imaginations, particularly Gena’s (She’d studied car mechanics).

Wanting to avoid introspection and potential confrontation, we sauntered along the side streets and to some distressed warehouse doors. The dilapidated remains of a car dealership were our last backdrop of the day but won’t be our last collaboration...