Rob MacKillop
Edinburgh Correspondent
No pics. Just text, I'm afraid.
One of my old friends (who shall remain nameless) was for a few short years a fashion model. I haven't seen her in 25 years. I have just asked her advice about engaging a model for arty shots - in other words, no money! No glamour, no fashion, no nudity. No age limit. To my surprise - because she gave up modelling 20 years ago - she said she would do it for a coffee
And it would be a great opportunity to catch up on the last 25 years.
I'm delighted - there are only so many shots you can take of your wife and daughter before it starts to be a strain. This model knows what's what, and might also have some advice.
OK. But what next?
It seems to me there are two paths for the taking:
1) Use the model in a concept, much like Pete did with Ina in his recent series. OK. But what's the concept? What do I want to say? Suddenly being faced with the possibility of a shooting session, it's difficult to come up with a clear idea, a framework. Much thought will be needed before hand. Obviously I have ideas - but pulling it all together into a cohesive plan is not so easy. I'm not saying that every detail has to be worked out in advance, but the situation needs to be thought over. Following that, a venue, and other details.
2) Shoot the person. Who is she? What has she been up to? What are her dreams, concerns, etc, etc. What does she mean to me? To those around her? Well, this person has made it public that she has had a rough time in recent years, due to an abusive spouse. Now divorced, she has a new partner. Seems very happy, but carries some real heavy baggage, and is actively involved in campaigns against domestic abuse. Her story is real, and touches me - reminds me of my own parents. So, there are emotional issues for both of us. That could make for a productive situation. On the other hand, I am totally inexperienced and out of my depth to even approach trying to capture some of that. But I would one day wish to be so in control of the creative and technical aspects of photography, that I could feel some confidence in taking on such a project. I'm just not there yet.
A third path would be to just go for a coffee and chat. See what happens. On reflection, that might be the best option!
If anything comes of it, I'll keep you posted.
One of my old friends (who shall remain nameless) was for a few short years a fashion model. I haven't seen her in 25 years. I have just asked her advice about engaging a model for arty shots - in other words, no money! No glamour, no fashion, no nudity. No age limit. To my surprise - because she gave up modelling 20 years ago - she said she would do it for a coffee
I'm delighted - there are only so many shots you can take of your wife and daughter before it starts to be a strain. This model knows what's what, and might also have some advice.
OK. But what next?
It seems to me there are two paths for the taking:
1) Use the model in a concept, much like Pete did with Ina in his recent series. OK. But what's the concept? What do I want to say? Suddenly being faced with the possibility of a shooting session, it's difficult to come up with a clear idea, a framework. Much thought will be needed before hand. Obviously I have ideas - but pulling it all together into a cohesive plan is not so easy. I'm not saying that every detail has to be worked out in advance, but the situation needs to be thought over. Following that, a venue, and other details.
2) Shoot the person. Who is she? What has she been up to? What are her dreams, concerns, etc, etc. What does she mean to me? To those around her? Well, this person has made it public that she has had a rough time in recent years, due to an abusive spouse. Now divorced, she has a new partner. Seems very happy, but carries some real heavy baggage, and is actively involved in campaigns against domestic abuse. Her story is real, and touches me - reminds me of my own parents. So, there are emotional issues for both of us. That could make for a productive situation. On the other hand, I am totally inexperienced and out of my depth to even approach trying to capture some of that. But I would one day wish to be so in control of the creative and technical aspects of photography, that I could feel some confidence in taking on such a project. I'm just not there yet.
A third path would be to just go for a coffee and chat. See what happens. On reflection, that might be the best option!
If anything comes of it, I'll keep you posted.