Harsh light and defiance

Our last shoot was way back in December, but it took no time to settle into our routine. Saskia's mum, Janice, quickly put the finishing touches to makeup and outfit and we got started.

The theme had been discussed; dark and moody. The day was bright harsh sunlight though.

I got to the area a bit early and scouted around. Holborn viaduct has staircases down to Farringdon Street and they looked ideal. The white tiled walled would bounce light into the shaded areas. I could expose for the outside and have soft light inside. it didn't work out that way so Janice became the light stand holding the flash to add a little extra light.

As is always the case, it takes time at the beginning of a shoot to settle into it; even when we have worked together many times.

The location may not work out as expected or needs a bit of a rethink. The staircase was a case in point. The background was a distraction and Saskia had the same idea as I did; move a little. That's when you know the shoot is going well, everyone syncs.

I wasn't sure at first about the hair and shadow across the face, but I think it works.

She also took on the theme, moody and defiant.

A short walk away was a small lane, it again suited the theme.

Janice as always checking the details

Then finally a shaded garden gave the opportunity for an outfit change, and a softer theme.

Saskia easily changed her look to be much more relaxed. 

Another productive shoot in the bag.

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Published

Magazine published photoshoot.

Back in March I organised a studio session; intending to learn about and get experience of a more pressured photoshoot. The background is in this blog post.

There wasn't a big team, just three; Marylin, Jen the MUA and me. As you will have read in my precious post Marilyn did much more than model. I am very grateful to her for working so hard. But it didn't stop at the end of the shoot. She helped me choosing and processing the pictures. She planned to contact magazines, both printed and online, about publishing the set. It really pushed me to learn more about editing.
 
I could see the set improve as I added or took away pictures and how small edits changed pictures in big ways.

I had to consider the designer, and the MUA. They both needed shots they could use.

Orange dress, orange background; not easy to light. And then to ensure Marilyn's skin was lit correctly. It is one of my favourite shots though.

I wanted to provide a different look, one they hadn't had before.

And show off Marilyn's personality.

There were shadows cast by the multiple lights that I didn't want to remove completely. I tried to leave enough so that it had the appearance of only one defused light. Avoiding the floating in space look.

Here is a link to the published article.

This project was a challenge, which had me stressed. I was anxious about how the pictures might be received. But it was worth it.

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So much noise

Watching or listening to the news is hard work. Everyone has an opinion to defend. If others don't share that view, name calling and shouting ensues. It's much easier to label a person than it is to listen to them. The more extreme a label the better.

Social or should that be anti-social media is the same. Most contributors being polorised and closed minded.

On the street, there are selfish, inconsiderate people living without a thought for others. They drive too fast, cycle on the pavement, etc. Always defending what they do, whilst criticising others.

I cycle to unwind, but lately it hasn't worked. Too often other road users spoil it. Just a small pause to allow them to pass me safely is all that's needed. Today on a narrow lane two cars stopped at a passing point to allow Matt and myself to pass. It was so easy for them to do, I waved a thank you. Then a few yards further a Range Rover turned on to the lane. He could have stopped where the road was wide, but he didn't; instead he accelerated towards me.

What's the solution?

I don't know; Matt and I often talk about how angry everyone is. But I think it's more than that. It seems acceptable now to be closed minded, and to believe your's is the only opinion. Our society is more accepting of everyone, which is good, but somehow we have gone too far. Everyone is right, everyone must come first.

There has to be compromise. Few can take criticism or being questioned. This just leads to a less fair and just place to live.

I try not to get angry; it's too exhausting. And mostly pointless.

Words said in anger are often regretted.

I guess I'll put on headphones and listen to music this afternoon. It's one way to drown out the noise.

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Waller Pain year two

It was that time again. The Waller Lane hill climb organised by the Caterham Roundtable. Last year I did it in 2:59. I wanted to beat that time.

I went out yesterday, just a short ride to the bus stop with Matt. It was raining as I left the house, but stopped quickly. I really needed to get out, and I'm glad the showers didn't persuade me not to.

Last year I was pushing harder on the hills during rides leading up to the climb. This year I have ridden more miles than normal. And acquired a new to me bike. Lighter and a better fit. Last night watching the Giro d'Italia for inspiration. The last week is all about hills, so it was good motivation.

Road cycling is the only sport I watch, I think because I could almost see myself doing it. Not racing maybe but cycling all day with nothing else to think about it. In 2011 two friends and myself cycled to Paris; a brilliant four days. The next year it was the same group and two days for the South Downs Way.

I cycle every weekend for twenty to thirty miles and I wouldn't miss it. Chatting during our tea stop is equally relaxing. But it's only for an hour or so, and then back to real life.

I'll try to do a few all day rides this year, via a pub for lunch.

There were less people lined up so my turn came round quickly. An interesting bike was a very old tandem.

They had a couple of test starts, the weight and gearing meant a run up and pushers were needed. They started after me so I don't know if they made it to the top. It looked like it would have been tough.

The starter announced my name and the age group I was in; 40 plus. He did say I looked just old enough. Which was nice.

I started off faster then last year, which may have been a mistake, about half way up I began to wilt. But I got a second wind and as the last third flattened off a bit I managed to change up gear and accelerate. And my time; 2:49. So I was a little quicker than last year, but not as fast as I had hoped.

I remembered to press the record button before the start this time.

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The Clocktower

This was my first photoshoot since I did three in March.

I arranged it with Ria after our last shoot. The weather had been terrible for much of the time. While sheltering from the rain we had talked about the opening of a new studio.

The Clock Tower studio is a gothic style English bell tower, constructed as part of a church in 1861. It was converted into a domestic property in the 1990s following an arson attack.

There was a spiral staircase, a grand piano and many windows and alcove areas that kept it interesting. To be honest it was a little too much, we ran out of time before we used everything available.

The start was in a black bedroom, as we sat and talked about it one of the three cats came in a made himself at home. They had scattered when we were shown in by the studio owners. I guess this one quickly accepts new people or perhaps we had found his favourite spot.

He was included, he made a good prop I think.

I processed the majority from this area as black and white, it seemed to fit the mood.

There were five floors including a basement and roof. We started on the first floor, after the bedroom it was into the bathroom. Too small to fit lights in and with no power for the flash, I increased the ISO and brought in a reflector.

Both black and white and colour suited this location.

















Time for a wardrobe change and a move to the roof. Unfortunately the sun came out from behind clouds producing harsh light. We did our best but it just wasn't working.

Being one of the highest spots in London, you can see the cityscape in the background.

Moving to have Ria with her back to the sun was an attempt to make the best of the environment. With other areas to use, it was time to move on.













The bell tower was accessed by a narrow spiral staircase from the third floor. It had a combination of soft and hard light depending where we stood.

The soft light area was first. The windowsill was four feet off the floor. Between the two of us Ria got comfy. It was so much better to not be battling the sun.

A ladder bolted to the wall hinted at the original use for this room.

Ria's suggestion for me to lay on the floor and shoot up was another reason to work with experienced people. I wouldn't have thought of it, and kicked myself for not doing so.

The grand piano was in a small raised area, difficult to light and shoot in. Another visit will be needed to allow more time to work on it.

And the cats; we didn't see one of them and the third only put fleeting appearances in.

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