2025: A look back: October
The finale of my year in shoot images
So, here we are. New Year's Eve and the final part of my review of the year. This part only covers October. This is largely because we have been away for much of November, and we had more work going on at the house in December, so nothing was practically feasible.
It has made for a good time to produce more posts for the site, as well as lay down some proper plans for shooting in 2026. More on that in the coming weeks! So with an apéritif, or brew and a canapé or biccy in hand, get ready because this is the biggest post of the week! Shall we do this?
October
October saw us asked to go back to the South of France to see one of our favourite pet setting subjects (Pebble) and her chicken siblings about an hour away from Toulouse in the South of France.
With that in the offing, a chance came about to work with Romanian attitude queen, Arrina Roawr, but on the day before we flew. This meant timings wise, we only had 2 hours to create. I think we bloody nailed it: another of the year's top 5 shoots, this one.
And so to France. Cat was busy in the early stages of writing her sixth book, so I arranged shoots, so she had peace and quiet to create. What I hadn't bargained on was Catalina from my previous trip going out of her way to help. She introduced me to another three models, and generally was a huge support in spreading the word that I was looking for collaborations.
With that and a bit of hunting on Kavyar I ended up doing 9 shoots across 6 days in Toulouse and Montpellier. This meant over 1,000 km of driving during the trip. Probably too much for a week away, but was fun, nevertheless.
The day after arrival, it was back to Studio Le Carré and Etienne's hospitality. First up were photographer Claire and new model Victoria (one of Catalina's introductions).
After a weekend of exploring with Cat, it was back to Toulouse for a couple of photo walks. First up was Asuki (another Catalina introduction).
And in the afternoon, a returning model following mum duties, Marie Rouzeau.
Tuesday saw a change of destination and a 2+ hour drive south-east to Montpellier. I had wanted to work with Anaïs for many years, but shortly after COVID-19, she left the UK and headed home to Montpellier. As I was in the vague region, it seemed daft not to try to make a shoot happen. Thankfully, she agreed. We started with some studio shots.
Anaïs is transitioning away from modelling (there's not much of a freelance modelling scene in Montpellier, apparently) and training to become a yoga instructor. So, I was happy to help with some images to help with this. We headed out to a couple of locations nearby.
Wednesday was back to the welcoming arms of Studio Le Carré and another of this year's top 5 shoots. Another Catalina introduction, I was wowed by Colombian model, Kelvin. Such a natural, full of presence and, wow, that killer smile and joie de vivre!
And then after that, another model who is also second careering, Emilie. I got some fashion images and provided Emilie with some images for her sports coaching business in return.
Thursday saw a return to Montpellier and a session with actor Mélanie Martinez. The final creative look was provided by a local makeup artist, Elodie.
And to round the week out, a final Catalina introduction, Philine. We'd brought the shoot forward a little, with a vague 2-hour window being possible. Little did I realise she was working that morning, and we shot nearly 500 images in just under an hour: creating several looks in and around a metro station. Philine's 10+ years of modelling experience writ large.
And that was the year almost done. One final shoot and a second meet up with Marie and her fabulously versatile kitchen awaited.
So there you have it: my 2025 in many, many pictures. If you've enjoyed the content and aren't yet a member, please do consider signing up. I post extended image sets from the various looks of the shoots I undertake, weekly. Membership is free, and you get access to everything I’ve posted, as well as background info on the set-ups and technical details of shoots.
So, New Year's resolution, have more of my art in your life. See you next year, not long now!
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