Cheryl is a model with whom I’ve shot a couple of times in the past, and when I had the chance to shoot with her again recently, I jumped at the chance. For this shoot, I would be heading to Cheryl’s place in Angmering, where I’d be able to take advantage of the ‘Hippie Tent’ pitched in her garden for the whole of the summer, as well as the fabulous beaches just minutes walk away from Cheryls place.
I had plans for a 60’s style vibe for the shoot, which was inspired not least by the Hippie Tent, and had no real idea what to do with the beach, to be honest.
A few days ahead of the shoot, Cheryl let me know that Helen, another model, would be visiting her for a few days over the time when I’d be down there, and suggested maybe I’d wish to shoot the two of them? Well, in a situation like that, it’d be rude not to is my rule of thumb, so yes, absolutely, I’d love to collaborate with both Cheryl and Helen.
One thing which is particular to multi-model shoots is that the chances of getting both models with the ‘right’ expression adds another element to the shoot. It can be tough enough working with one model to get the shot with the perfect expression, but when you’re trying to get images where both models have ‘matching’ expressions just adds another element to be taken into account. Still, let’s be honest, I’m not going to complain one bit about having the chance to shoot with two such excellent and respected models, so fine by me… Lighting two models together would also usually be something to be managed, but in this instance, shooting in the Hippie Tent is just like shooting in the worlds biggest soft box, and the natural light, especially on a sunny day like we had, was absolutely perfect. And, with two such great models, you’d be hard pressed to take a duff photo.
We started off down at the beach, before returning to the Hippie Tent, where I shot Helen and Cheryl both together, and individually and, after Helen had left for the day, went back to the beach with Cheryl. The beach proved a bit of challenge, given how windy the day was, and how difficult it was to get any kind of reflector, light, or light stand to stay where it was meant to, but overall, I can’t be unhappy at all about the images I got on the day. The shots of Helen and Cheryl in the tent in particular have a (at least, to me) a dreaminess, a certain languor, that I particularly like, and the beach shots, whilst a little different, are equally rewarding. It’s also worth mentioning the images we got against a plain white wall we found as we headed down to the beach. Not a shoot location we initially had in mind, but the sunshine, the big white softbox of a wall, as well as a bit of artificial light, and a breeze that did some wonderful things with the clothing fabric, all added up to a great combination which I hope I’ve been able to do a little justice to.
All in all, a fantastic day. Always great to have the opportunity to shoot with Cheryl, and equally, every exciting to be introduced to a new model in Helen, with whom I know I’d love to collaborate again.
Jean Anomalie, London Photographer 