A couple of weekends ago I took part in my first ever model shoot, at Lillesden School for Girls, where for the first time in my UrbEx history we had permission to be. Joanne Wood originally contacted Mark after seeing his website, to ask if he would be interested in shooting some models wearing the beautiful flower creations of Harriet Parry, at an abandoned girls' school. Naturally he said yes, and I was also invited along as a second shooter. It turned out to be quite a long, cold but very interesting day. Mark took his lights and flashes on stands so he had quite a sophisticated lighting setup, whereas I was just using an on camera flash muted with a small soft box. We had two models, Emma and Clara, and Jo had also arranged for them and Jodie the make up artist to be based at the local pub, so at least they have somewhere warm to get prepared. However once they came to the school it was quite a different story, as it was an extremely cold day and the models were wearing what can only be described as scanty dresses, so we had to take a few photos and then let them put on coats to warm up briefly, before taking coats off for more photographs, and this was how we got through the day.
The theme was to be based on a short story from 1899 by author Charlotte Perkins Gilman, named 'The Yellow Wallpaper', describing one woman's descent into madness.
All the photographs here were shot on an iPhone 4s, using Hipstamatic/Adler 9009/C-Type Plate.
The original text of 'The Yellow Wallpaper'
http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/history/lavender/wallpaper.html
Mark Blundell Photography
Harriet Parry Flowers
Mark and Jo waiting to be let in
Nick the caretaker opening up
Self-portrait in the last remaining mirror
All that remains of the beautiful mirror on the half landing
Another selfie
Mark
Roof slates left outside by thieves
Harriet, Jo, model Emma and Rose
Mark's photos were going straight to his iPad -
very impressive!
Emma wearing Harriet's flower collar
Jodie touches up Clara's make-up
Mark, Clara and Jo discuss the next shot
Lovely Caspar in the Eight Bells pub
Rose and Harriet
Caspar begging Clara for some food
Harriet
"Gizza chip, go on, please!!"
Rose shows Clara her phone photos
Emma thawing out by the radiator
Harriet and Jo
Harriet and Rose
Jodie creating Clara's next look
Yet another self-portrait
Where the mirror once was
Mark!
Clara in the back of Harriet's car - the shoot is finished!
cool
ReplyDeleteA wonderful article Viveca, the photography is spot on as you not only show Harriets work but everything that goes on that day. What did you feel when the school was opened up to you? Did you want to be on your own and shoot a million pieces? Seventh Heaven!
ReplyDeleteP.s. Did Casper or Clara get a chip?!
;) x
Thanks Linda,I enjoyed taking the iPhone snaps in addition to the 'official' model photos, it's always good to capture a bit more of the day. I didn't mind not being alone there, as I've visited several times before and really shot all that I wanted to, plus it's in such a state now sadly.
ReplyDeleteCaspar did get a chip (one, with his owner's permission) but that was it!