The completion of the calendar project (which is at the printer, seeing as you’ve asked) by Sian, Spike and myself was the culmination of our programme of events dreamed up during the summer. As we’ve established quite a rapport as a team, we decided that we’d like to carry on working together for a bit longer. Although we are all totally different people, it is interesting how we meld together as a creative team and come up with new ideas – or a new twist on tried and tested ideas.
Sian’s modelling career has leapt forwards recently since she became agency represented by Candyland PR, rewarding her hard work at promoting herself for quite some time now. Modelling is hugely competitive and it’s a very hard field to work in accordingly. Being agency represented means increased work with better photographers and more interesting assignments – not to mention not having to work with photographers who think it’s a good idea to undertake a two-day lingerie shoot outdoors in October!
Your author hard at work (by Spike Nepenthe)
All of our big set piece photoshoots have now been done, and one of the things I need to tackle as a photographer is working with new models in order to widen my portfolio. As an amateur with basic skill levels, finding models that actually want to work with me is a challenge in itself. I got remarkably lucky with Sian when I met her back in July by accident; not all models are quite so accommodating. I mentioned issue this a while ago, and Sian immediately came up with a remarkably bright idea. By using Spike’s studio above the recording studio in Kings Cliffe, we could bring models down for a shoot. Sian would do hair and make-up, sit in on the shoot and offer advice about posing techniques to new and aspiring models.
Amateur models are being approached all the time by disreputable and undesirable photographers (or men claiming to be photographers). Sian and some models I’ve met since have experienced this unpleasant situation, and as most models are young girls, they are extremely vulnerable to pressure being brought to bear on them. We are different. Our aim is to reassure the girls that they are safe, comfortable and enjoy a shoot on their terms. Wear what you want, be who you are and enjoy the experience – and hopefully take home a good set of pictures for your portfolio. We let them bring a chaperone along to put them at ease, and if they’re under 18 then we won’t consider shooting them without one. With Sian making the introductions, new models feel much less intimidated than being approached by a photographer with no track record – thus increasing their feelings of personal safety.
It was an excellent idea, and we got down to work. Sian sent out invitations to a variety of models of differing styles and personalities, whilst Spike undertook a full refurbishment of the photo studio. I drank lots of coffee. As the weeks passed I undertook more studio shoots with Sian in order to learn about lighting conditions and techniques, and generally aimed to improve my performance. As my portfolio grew so did confidence, and I was able to add three new models to our winter roster by offering them our great package. I was really pleased to get three acceptances as I felt that I was finally contributing something to the scheme in a more positive manner. Although I did enjoy the coffee.
Am I coming or going?
Spike unveiled the new look studio on Sunday, and what a transformation! There are three backdrops and two floor coverings along with a rack of props, private changing area with make-up table, a flexible lighting rig set for various styles and even background music! Downstairs boasts a refreshment area and facilities to make the studio more welcoming. Even chaperones that attend with models haven’t been ignored, and have the use of a laptop to keep them occupied during a long shoot. It’s a superb achievement, and Spike has done the project proud with a great deal of hard work and enthusiasm.
With the studio complete, all we needed was – wait for it – a shoot! On Monday we welcomed our first model that would try out the whole set up and give us all a chance to try out our new surroundings. Megan is Sian’s younger sister and although she has no real interest in modelling herself had actually just taken part in an exotic shoot the previous day as part of a Sexy Clown Promo Shoot at the appropriately named Voodoo Lounge in Stamford, as part of a Candyland project created by Lucy Slessor. The photos are amazing, and no one would think that this was Megan’s first ever go at modelling.
We scheduled a couple of hours for the shoot, and kicked off with some ‘Sister Shizz’ featuring Sian and Megan together in a fun set of posing and spontaneity.
Megan followed this on her own creating a set of headshots, and here her natural poise and style came through in a very relaxed and informal session. She has lovely coppery coloured hair that looked great under our lighting, and has a nice range of facial expressions to suit different moods.
Dramatic portraits were next up, with a black backdrop and subdued lighting adding intensity to the scenes. As well as portraits we added in some props to liven things up a bit, with Megan cheerfully accepting everything that was thrown her way. This session ended with Spike experimenting using a flashgun on the floor, and these were by far the most dramatic pictures of the evening.
Following a break and change of outfits, Megan posed demurely in an elegant black dress. Megan doesn’t do elegance or dresses by nature, and was pretty much trussed up in it by Sian. Nevertheless, she took to it rather well, especially once the black cape was added.
As a reward for her patience Megan chose to wear a more down to earth hoodie fashioned outfit for the final scenes, and back in her natural element her personality really came out in a playful set with make-up and a guitar. I think this ties in with her heroes, 30 Seconds To Mars. Now, being of certain age, I assumed that this was a film. Apparently it’s a band, and did I get some stick from Sian and Megan about my ignorance. Oh well. They’ve never heard of Rene and Renato, so I guess that makes us even.
Overall the shoot seemed to go pretty well. I got some good photos that both Megan and I are pleased with, so I’m happy about that. There were some techniques that need addressing before the next shoot, but overall the studio worked well, Megan was amazing and I really feel that we are potentially offering a great package to our new models in the future.
Models: Megan and Sian
Hair & Make Up: Sian
Filmed at Nepenthe Studios
Photography Martin Vos
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