Following on from a previous post where I talked about a "nice to have" problem on a photoshoot with a model where you come away with so many images you end up rejecting most of the shots for frivolous reasons. This is another set of images shot with Alex where I've wondered what the heck was I thinking rejecting these photographs!
My previous post with the lovely Chayla:
@fastchrisuk/shooting-chayla-in-a-derelict-colliery
These images were taken on a photoshoot at an abandoned factory in Matlock, Derbyshire. I've been to this place many times with models and in the dark to light paint. On my last visit we were tackled by a security guard who came up with all the usual b0ll0cks whom we ignored anyway as we'd finished shooting.
The factory consists of quite a few buildings all over the site and as usual they are covered in graffiti. The main building has an interesting high curved roof and it's quite dusty inside as you may be able to tell from some of the photos below.
The only history I can glean from this place is that it was known as the Permanite Works. Located just outside Matlock, the plant made asphalt flooring blocks which were mainly used to waterproof the floors of new buildings.
In order to create the blocks, the factory took powdered limestone from local quarries and mixed it with hot bitumen emulsion which was a by product from the oil refineries of Ellesmere Port. The mixed tar and limestone solution was poured into metal moulds on the floor of the main building and allowed to solidify, then separated and stacked so the cooling process could begin.
That's enough of the history, on to the model! Alex was one of two models we shot on this day. As with most models, she turned up late and didn't smile very much. I came away from the shoot on the day thinking she must be a miserable beggar but that might just be her normal "resting bitch face"
Smoulder
Stood in front of the tar loading bay (at that's what I think it was), Alex posed and smouldered for the camera, much like the hot tar that once poured behind her!
Pouring
Where Alex was stood here was once a pouring funnel (I'll come up with a better description later!) The tar must have poured down a spout.
For this shot, I set up a strobe behind Alex to create some seperation from the background. Lighting it from the front wouldn't have worked because it was quite dark under here.
Alex gets a dusty bum
On the stairs, everything was covered in a sandy dust. After Alex stood up, I'm pretty sure there would have been plenty of volunteers to get rid of the dust....
Curves
This was a shoot where I was using a wide aperture 85mm lens and I was obsessed with throwing backgrounds out of focus everywhere.
Dusty bum, again...
I have no words for this shot. Maybe comment below with what your first thought would be for this shot?
Alex and the Unfortunately Positioned Belt
They say every day is a school day and I learnt on this shot to watch out for extraneous objects which look very much like something else. Once you've seen it, you can't unsee it!
Alex in a Cage
Well the shoot came to an end and we put Alex back in her cage. Apparently the keeper visits once a day to feed and water her....
About me:
I usually specialise in shooting lightpainting images but occasionally dabble in urbex and artistic model photography. I'm always on the lookout for someone to collaborate with; please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to create art.
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