Not too long ago I wrote a blog for one the deviantArt groups of which I am moderator. It was about the nude in the landscape and in it I traced the history of the genre and gathered thumbnails of photographs that best exemplified it.
Location work is part and parcel of what an art nude model does. Models and photographers are often busy researching nature spots for a shoot. Some feel that once they discover a place they should keep it rather hushed up. Indeed in one of my earlier posts I remarked on how irritating it can be for a photographer to see a picture of a model they have worked with taken at the location they knew about by another photographer. Or is it?
Locations, unless privately owned, are open to everyone and everyone has a different style of photography. Season, day and time also contribute to make a shoot uniquely different. On monday I went for an early shoot to Richmond Park with photographer Mark Cadogan. I had not met him before but happened to reply to his last minute casting call on 24th night about a very early morning shoot at Isabella plantation, Richmond. It is right in the midst of a known Royal Park, famous for its wildlife, one of 'green lungs' of London, with specially bred parakeets and deers. On the way there we had an interesting conversation about the location. Mark was very laid back and insisted he would not be worried at all if other photographers went to the plantation to shoot. 'It is one of those places where you truly find so much, it is unlikely people will come away with the same result. I am confident in the way I take photos, and I know that my photos are distinctly mine'. How refreshing, I thought.
So we got there and were able to shoot undisturbed for a good couple of hours. It was muddy and I got quite filthy, wet and managed to get a few scratches but the flowers were in full bloom and the light was fantastic.
We took some good pictures, could have done more but come nine am everyone was flooding in and it was getting a little difficult to continue with nude photography. Bank Holiday Monday and a wonderful weather meant that people were keen to get out of their homes and go for a picnic. And why not?
The experience made me reflect further on the 'location' concept. I used to believe that you had to go to some fantastic, exotic and highly secluded place to get good shots. That's not at all the case. You simply need good light, a great deal of imagination, a good photographic technique and a model who does not mind getting her feet dirty at the very least. Often your very own back garden will do. Or a public park. Or the city where you live in the very early hours of the morning. Photography is really about the moment and being in the moment, whenever and wherever you are.
(All photos modelled by Alex B and taken by Mark Cadogan. You can see the entire set on Tumblr)
Oh, you are so right, Alex! Some of the greatest photographers--Sally Mann is a fine example--went no farther than their own home for pictorial material.
ReplyDeleteAnd these are just lovely! Love the pink flowers; they seem to give the pics a Faery quality, with you being the Fae.
I used to live very close to Isabella Plantation - a small area but full of possibilities. Probably the opposite end of the spectrum from the back garden but that's not the point you are making! I always thought it might be too busy for nudes & used locations within half a mile in the park itself instead.
ReplyDeleteLooking back, doing self portraits in Richmond Park was a bit risky but working with a model would be a different kettle of fish. I'm actually more familiar with Hampstead Heath which is smaller and busier but I know is a location where you will find the occasional nude sunbather.