The first shoot was done under constant light, with a smoke machine, and focussed around us exploring some themes that Jen and I had developed together. The shoot was initially set up as a test shoot for concepts that we were planning to use in a shoot at a later date (and probably still will), and centred on two characters, 'Innocence' and 'Justice':
We'd done a lot of research before the shoot into the kind of looks that we wanted to achieve, and we also spent some considerable time researching the right props to use as well, and how best to handle them. Jen is pretty fearless when it comes to modelling (in fact she's pretty fearless full stop) and so I knew that she would be able to deliver on the concepts, and deliver she did!
We also shots some more conventional portraits in the first shoot as well:
But we also did some 'component shots' for a photoshop idea that I'd had, which resulted in a shot called 'Self Control':
It's my first attempt at a photoshop job on this scale, and although it's not perfect by any standard, I'm pretty pleased with it!
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, the second shoot with Jen was more of an impromptu one, taking advantage of an opportunity. My fellow Phoenix photographer Lauren Freeman had generously lent me her flash heads, and so the evening before Jen jetted off to Zimbabwe to film a documentary we found ourselves with a couple of hours to shoot in. Jen was going to kickboxing that evening, and so a sporting shoot was on the cards!
The full set of photos from the two shoots can be seen on Flickr here: Shoots with Jen
Back at the start of the month I found myself in Manchester on business, and after business was concluded I checked the SatNav to find that I was a mere 0.8 miles away from the airport viewing area. So naturally, with the sun starting to set, I headed over to the Runway Visitors Centre and got my long lens out!
I always find shooting at the airport to be very relaxing, a nice way to unwind and forget the world for a few moments.
The full set from the visit can be seen on Flickr here: Airport at Sunset
As per usual, I've been shooting the Phoenix home games throughout the hockey season so far, and some of the shots I've been able to get have been very pleasing. This is the first season where I've shot with a Nikon D90 in my hands, and the difference in quality is quite marked:
It's still an enjoyable activity, experiencing the highs and lows of supporting my team and watching every game through the lens, and even with the D90 it's still a challenge that I relish!
Thanks for reading!
