Brutalism

Shooting update

My nominal shoot budget was blown a few months ago, as we enter the second part of the year, a more considered approach to shooting must come into force. If I'm to avoid bankruptcy!

So it's a handful of shoots at best. But all carefully selected now. The second half of the year will see fewer shoots still, but more full-day adventures. And these will be with people I have or will have worked with before the full-day shoot happens. With this approach, I hope to delve deeper into the connection part of image making, seeking out something otherly and different from just pretty pictures.

I'm also forcing myself to experiment more in this back half of the year, as I seek to push myself beyond my current comfort and experience levels. Where else will the progression come from?

With that all said, I'm still nipping over to Liverpool tomorrow to spend the day with a couple of models, as Utah-resident Illyria Wulf bailed on me at the last moment!

Today's content

Anyway, to today's post. It's quite apt really for the sentiment above. Nia and I have been in conversation for just over a year.

She would apply to every casting I posted, regardless of where in the country. With her being based in London, the travel would always kill any chance of making it financially feasible.

So when I was due to be in London as part of my first trip of the year, the time had come to finally shoot together.

As the shoot drew nearer, I did have the first signs of trepidation. Nia is unlike any other model I've shot before. First, there's her striking look and physique. Second, anyone who has seen her work will know she's not the most conventional of posers.

Add in the unknown of the space, Belt Craft in London, and I'll be honest, I was a little fearful that I couldn't do her justice.

As her shoot was at the end of the trip, the small crumb of comfort was I had shot there for two full days earlier in the trip, so felt I would have a good handle on lighting requirements by the time I was back in London.

In the end I needn't have worried, Nia did her thing, and I ran around like a loon trying to capture her as best I could and keep up!

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