Busiest weekend

Before the day began.

I started planning this shoot at the beginning of the year. The plan had been for two models in two different areas of London, but close to the Thames. Somehow it became three models, with an hour between each. 

I wanted to see how hard I could push myself. Effectively three clients in one day. Was I up to it? 

The Sunday started at 10 am, finishing at 6 pm. My intention was three different looks. The first was a long dress with plenty of movement in it. The second more urban.

And then the last one was more a fashion shoot. With the light summer look of a fashion magazine.

I met Chiara at Blackfriars station. I have worked with her before. So I knew she would be well prepared. And we quickly discussed where to start. This part of the Thames has a beach when the tide goes out. I said I wanted to shoot there and the millennium bridge. "Better shoot on the beach first then. Looks like the tide is coming in, and it moves fast." said Chiara. I was glad I heeded her advice. Being in the shade of the path above us meant no harsh light from a clear blue sky. The way the sun reflected off the sand and river, gave us undeliverable soft light. I could have stayed there the whole time.

This shot looks like it was lit by two lights. It wasn't. The sun gave the stronger shadow, but reflected light gave the second shadow behind Chiara. 

Moving around the beach changed the strength and quality of the light.

But the rising water and other possibilities meant we moved on.

The bridge was busy now so picking our moment was difficult. And no soft reflected light.

Then on to a jetty.

It's was funny, when we walked onto the structure there was just one person on it. They quickly moved off. Then three families came along. Luckily they didn't stay long, I think it was our business like manor and big camera that may have intimidated them. We were happy to work around them. They had just as much right to be there as us. But once the jetty was ours, things really flowed. And before I knew it my time was up.

Once I had said good bye it was a short walk to London Bridge. For the next shoot. I had some lunch and a wander around to see what was available as I had done at Blackfriars. 

Jodie arrived. I had worked with her twice before. Each time the initial plan had changed due to changes outside of our control. I asked Jodie if it was me or was this normal. She said it must be me. That's what I like about Jodie. She gives it to you straight.

I thought I would try some black and white.

There followed two hours of chat, picture taking and quick changes. And getting moved on by a security guard. It seems tourists with camera phones can take all the pictures they want. But no photo shoots. It didn't stop the flow, we just strolled on taking more great pictures.

Then it was time for the last shoot of the day with Marilyn.

Marilyn doing what she does best, improvising 

London Bridge was the venue again so I knew where we needed to go. But this time there were more outfit changes. Marilyn was so matter of fact about it all. She needed to change, find a corner away from the crowds, and CCTV. Done in no time. I made a suggestion for a pose, can you stand or sit on that? Of course came the reply. How about I climb on that? It will be great. And it was.

Marilyn doing her thing again

Working with experienced, professional models like the three today is worth the cost. They know what looks good, can interpret my ideas and have pretty much done it all. 

As I got home I remembered the fitness app on my phone. It records steps taken, distance covered and stairs climbed. Over 26,000 steps, 8.6 miles walked and curiously 23 flights of stairs. I slept well that night. 

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Sporty fashion

This was my third shoot for Caroline to produce pictures for her website. This time there was s sporty style to the clothing. A local park has a tennis court. It would be ideal for all the pictures I needed.

I meet Janayah and we talked through the clothing list and suggestions Caroline supplied.

The weather was great, unless you have to shoot in the strong early afternoon sunshine with little shade.

So I decided to make that a part of the style. Don't fight it, work with it.

The trees gave some shade but also added a green tint to the shots. A preset run on the pictures as a last processing step cured that.

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It's nearly that time again

Just back from my morning ride. As I left the house I thought about putting on my shorts. I'm glad I didn't. It's just a little too cold. Hats off to anyone who cycles all year round in shorts. Maybe another week of long trousers, then hopefully it's t-shirts and shorts. For a few months.

I can start planning longer rides. Ones that include a pub stop. And time to chill out and relax. I know it sounds strange that exerting yourself can be relaxing, but it can. I can forget that to-do list. All I need to think about is the next hill to climb or slope to roll down. And then a beer and something to eat, sat in a garden outside a pub. happy days.

The start of the year was chilly but not too cold.

Misty mornings.

Then snow at the end of January.

February was still chilly and misty

But at last spring had arrived in March

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Fashion shoot two.

Shooting for Caroline's website, this time along the Thames. With Melina. The plan was to meet at Charing Cross and use a couple of green spaces and the Thames embankment. Caroline wasn't with us, so it was down to me to ensure we produced the pictures Caroline needed. We started in Victoria Embankment Gardens. Before the Embankment was built we would have been standing in the river. In fact in the park is one of the original gates that would have lead on to the river from street level. A good background for our first shots.

The park had a lot of flowers in bloom so it was a colourful display, but didn't distract from the dress as they were some distance between the flower beds and Melina. We changed locations for different outfits to match the blooms. The full, high sun was a problem though. I had to balance the exposure to show the outfits at their best. Or look for shade or dappled areas of light. Not easy in this part of London.

Melina said she hadn't modelled before. But she was so relaxed, with a great natural smile that never diminished. She could have been an experienced model. It was also very busy, and that didn't faze her either. The other visitors to London would pause if I was mid shot. And then walk on when I was done.

We had a number of outfits to shoot so finding places for Melina's quick change was a bit of a challenge. But it didn't interrupt the flow. I was glad I had thought to bring some clips.  The shorts and yellow blouse were a little on the generous side. But once clipped in at the back, the fit was perfect.

It could not have gone better. By the end Melina was talking about ideas for another shoot. The docklands at night. I hope we can organise it.

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Location scouting

Two residents of the farm

I have had one shoot for the online fashion retailer and I have started to discuss other locations for more shoots.
Click here for the post.

There are two types of shot we need. Number one is to show the clothes at their best, with and without a model. We'll need a plain area, white background, and slightly higher ceilings. It doesn't always have to be studio. I doubt it will be convenient for me be involved every time a new picture is needed. I'll talk to them about how they could improve the day to day pictures they use.

The second is more location based like the one a couple of weeks back. They are the type I like to most. With spring on the way I'll be looking for a park with early flowers blooming.

A friend of mine has moved to a farm. Although the only animals are horses. I thought it would be a great place to base a photoshoot. There is one planned at the end of the month. The mixture of open pasture, trees and shrubs and the stable block will give plenty of scope.

I took some pictures while I was there. David is very comfortable in front of the camera, so I included him in the shoot.

And the horses.

It wasn't just stables though. An old freight container had to be investigated.

I have used a park with gym machines and a tennis court. This will be a great place for sports clothing.

I have a shoot in London along the Thames tomorrow. I know the area quite well and street view comes in very handy for planning where we need to go.

Check back to see and read how that goes.

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