Stretham Old Engine - Portraits

Stretham Old Engine is the last complete survivor of more than a hundred similar engines that once worked the drainage network all over Cambridgeshire. It was used to pump water from flood-affected areas of The Fens back into the River Great Ouse.  I visited there 2 weeks ago, with other CCC members.  The intention was to use the pumping station as a backdrop for some portraits.  David and Francoise kindly volunteered as models and brought some amazing Steam Punk and 1930s-style costumes.

Portrait Workshop

I recently took part in a one day portrait workshop organised by Clive and Trevor.  With the help of an excellent model named Bernadette, we spent the day going through a number of basic lighting set-ups.

We started with the simplest set-up.  No studio lighting, just the light from a window and and a reflector.

Next, we changed to a low-key lighting set-up.  First only using one studio light, then adding two more.

 From low-key, we changed to high-key, and experimented with coloured gels on the back lighting.

 Finally, as Bernadette is also a ballet dancer, we tried some dance images.

Something Different

Studio portrait work is something I have done rarely.  However, I recently got the chance whilst visiting my friend Vic.  Vic is a member of Preston Photographic Club.  A mate from the club, Bernie, was able to book a studio for a couple of hours on a dull Saturday afternoon.  So, the 3 of us spent a couple of hours doing a fashion shoot with an excellent model, named Leigh. We tried out a two basic lighting set ups, doing our best to vary the limited setting with a couple of outfit changes for Leigh and some simple props.

Location Model Shoot

Photographically speaking, I am always up for a new challenge.  So, when my friend Vic suggested we arrange an on-location shoot with a model, for the day before we travelled north for week's landscaping a in Skye, I jumped at the chance.  Tony, one of Vic's friends from the Preston Photographic Society, arranged the model, as well as supplying his portable light and expert tutelage.  The location chosen was White Coppice, just outside Preston; and the model, Jasmine, proved to be a good sport.  I had never done this kind of shoot before, so I expected a steep learning curve, and that is what I got.  There was a lot to remember regarding position of the light, the sun, checking the background and interacting with Jasmine. I can't say that I am that happy with the final images, but I enjoyed the process and will happily give it another go sometime.