Christmas already?

The second day of the portrait course was a long and full day – we barely paused for a breath and were in the studio all day until after 5pm. We started off this morning by doing a high key shoot of our model, firstly in casual clothes in various positions with different props (relaxing on a bean bag, hanging on a chiffon swing) and then she changed into a glamorous outfit and we did another shoot in all sorts of positions. This photo is one I liked where she was twirling in her pretty dress and we were capturing the twirl as she spun around to face the front again.

Then a (gorgeous) male model arrived and we did a couple shoot, both high key and low key shots. It was quite easy working with professional models as they barely need direction and know the poses to go into. I can see the need for shots like this for professional reasons but I also like the more relaxed and candid shots which we did not do. Did I mention that he was very handsome, with the squarest jawline I have ever seen, although was he was rather challenging to photograph as he was tall and we had to make sure we got enough dead space above his head without including the area above the backdrop. We did lovely high key shots in various poses and then did some low key head and shoulder shots with dramatic lighting, reminiscent of those photos of war time lovers.

The day ended with a session with little Lily, dressed in her fairy outfit who jumped around for us on a small trampoline and we took fun action shots of her in the air. Tomorrow we are compiling a 9 image montage of these bouncing shots which should look great. We will also be shooting some babies, children, and a mum and toddler – another busy day.

When I got back to the hotel and went in to supper I thought I was in a kind of time warp as there seemed to be even more Christmas decorations up, the tables all had Christmas crackers and wrapped gifts and that annoying Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was playing on the music system – yes it was Christmas Day supper! The staff were all dressed up with reindeer antler hats on their heads and there was a Santa walking amongst the tables kissing all the women happy Christmas. I wanted to run back to my room in horror but I actually found myself sitting down and eating turkey, stuffing and Christmas dinner. And if I hear another Christmas carol I might just scream.