THE CLOTHING STORE
8th July 2023A Colourful Day at The Clothing Store: A Photographer's Perspective
The Clothing Store, a treasure trove of second-hand clothing for people of all genders, sizes, and heights. This unique store is continuously expanding its collection, ensuring there's something special for everyone. I will be sharing my interesting experience as a photographer during a vibrant fashion shoot for this business at the harbour in Bristol.
The Clothing Store, a treasure trove of second-hand clothing for people of all genders, sizes, and heights. This unique store is continuously expanding its collection, ensuring there's something special for everyone. I will be sharing my interesting experience as a photographer during a vibrant fashion shoot for this business at the harbour in Bristol.
The photoshoot wasn't perfectly planned. I wasn't sure what would happen on the day or what to expect. Nicole Medin was supposed to model for a business using the outfits they planned to wear which was provided by the business and another photographer was going to take the photos. They had a deal where the photographer could use the photos for his portfolio. However, the photographer had to cancel due to a family emergency.
Fortunately, Nicole knew me and trusted me, especially after all the events and photoshoots I’ve done with her. She called me at the last minute and asked me to take the photos instead. I agreed, but since I didn't know the whole plan, I knew I would have to improvise a lot.
Nicole gave me the contact number of the business owner, and he provided most of the information I needed. I made a similar deal as the other photographer - I would build my portfolio and get credit for my images on their website. We planned the when and where, and the dates were set.
In this photoshoot, I used a Nikon D7100 camera with an 18-105mm lens because my usual cameras, like the Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm lens, were not available. The D7100 is my personal camera, but it has some problems like hot pixels showing up in longer exposures. Luckily, since I'm shooting in daylight and using faster shutter speeds, the camera worked perfectly fine for this shoot.
Fortunately, Nicole knew me and trusted me, especially after all the events and photoshoots I’ve done with her. She called me at the last minute and asked me to take the photos instead. I agreed, but since I didn't know the whole plan, I knew I would have to improvise a lot.
Nicole gave me the contact number of the business owner, and he provided most of the information I needed. I made a similar deal as the other photographer - I would build my portfolio and get credit for my images on their website. We planned the when and where, and the dates were set.
In this photoshoot, I used a Nikon D7100 camera with an 18-105mm lens because my usual cameras, like the Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm lens, were not available. The D7100 is my personal camera, but it has some problems like hot pixels showing up in longer exposures. Luckily, since I'm shooting in daylight and using faster shutter speeds, the camera worked perfectly fine for this shoot.
I went to the location to meet everyone, but they were scattered due to traffic and nearby events. I called them, and a business owner picked me up with the male model in their boat, taking us to another part of the harbour for the first photoshoot. Nicole and another business owner joined us, and we started photographing the first outfits.
There were 11 outfits for the male model and 11 for Nicole. It seemed like it would be quick, but I needed to capture photos of each outfit in different areas and angles for both models. Then, I planned to combine them in one image before they changed into their second outfit.
The first photos were taken at Temple Meads. The male model wore sporty clothes, and Nicole had a fashionable look with jeans, a jeans jacket, a Nike bag, and a Nike hat. I considered the colours of the surroundings and the models, looking for suitable photo spots. I also paid attention to lighting, shadows, and anything that could distract from the main subject.
There were 11 outfits for the male model and 11 for Nicole. It seemed like it would be quick, but I needed to capture photos of each outfit in different areas and angles for both models. Then, I planned to combine them in one image before they changed into their second outfit.
The first photos were taken at Temple Meads. The male model wore sporty clothes, and Nicole had a fashionable look with jeans, a jeans jacket, a Nike bag, and a Nike hat. I considered the colours of the surroundings and the models, looking for suitable photo spots. I also paid attention to lighting, shadows, and anything that could distract from the main subject.
I started by photographing Nicole sitting on a wall. I took close-up portrait shots, full-body shots, and wider shots to capture the surroundings. I tried different angles, including flipping the camera to landscape mode. The purple wall worked well with her outfit, so I took multiple photos of her in various sitting positions.
After completing that part of the shoot, I noticed a nice opportunity under a bridge near the wall. I took a low shot of Nicole with the curved bridge above her head. Once I had enough photos of her, I moved on to photographing the male model, using a similar approach as I did with Nicole.
When he was done, I brought back Nicole, and I took some photos of them together in their outfits. Once we finished with those outfits, we moved on to the next set of clothes. The models changed their outfits, and while waiting for Nicole, I took the opportunity to take some photos of the male model on the steps and on the bridge with his new outfit.
After completing that part of the shoot, I noticed a nice opportunity under a bridge near the wall. I took a low shot of Nicole with the curved bridge above her head. Once I had enough photos of her, I moved on to photographing the male model, using a similar approach as I did with Nicole.
When he was done, I brought back Nicole, and I took some photos of them together in their outfits. Once we finished with those outfits, we moved on to the next set of clothes. The models changed their outfits, and while waiting for Nicole, I took the opportunity to take some photos of the male model on the steps and on the bridge with his new outfit.
They wanted me to create images that not only showcased the city but also featured their clothing line. I loved the idea of blending fashion with the stunning cityscape.
I was struck by the sight of numerous buildings painted in captivating shades of grey and blue. The surroundings were filled with interesting structures and picturesque bridges, providing the perfect backdrop for our photo shoot.
Once the model put on the coat, I knew it was the right choice. The vibrant red colour made him stand out amidst the city's urban landscape, turning him into the main subject of the photographs. I made sure to capture the outfit by framing the whole set against the beautiful scene behind him. Additionally, I took some close-up shots to highlight the details of both the coat and trousers, as they were both part of the Marlboro line and had to be showcased together.
After obtaining the shots we needed for that particular outfit, the model switched to a more football-inspired style. Nicole, also wore a sporty look. The next plan for them was to take some photos on the other side of the river. The difference was they were on land and I was standing on the moving boat.
I was struck by the sight of numerous buildings painted in captivating shades of grey and blue. The surroundings were filled with interesting structures and picturesque bridges, providing the perfect backdrop for our photo shoot.
Once the model put on the coat, I knew it was the right choice. The vibrant red colour made him stand out amidst the city's urban landscape, turning him into the main subject of the photographs. I made sure to capture the outfit by framing the whole set against the beautiful scene behind him. Additionally, I took some close-up shots to highlight the details of both the coat and trousers, as they were both part of the Marlboro line and had to be showcased together.
After obtaining the shots we needed for that particular outfit, the model switched to a more football-inspired style. Nicole, also wore a sporty look. The next plan for them was to take some photos on the other side of the river. The difference was they were on land and I was standing on the moving boat.
In this part of the photoshoot, we went to the other side of the river where there were two pillars. We thought it would be a great idea to take some photos there. It was challenging because we were on a boat, and it kept moving, making it hard to keep the camera steady and get sharp photos. The first photos were of the models leaning over the barriers, then sitting on the floor. For the last photos, I had the idea to position Nicole on the right pillar and the male model on the left, and take the photos through the gap in the barriers. Although the photos turned out a bit slanted, they weren't too bad, and we liked them. Unfortunately, that was the only image of them with the pillars which came out sharp and clear, while the others were a bit out of focus.
After the photo shoot, both models went to change into different outfits. However, it started to rain, so we had to find shelter under a nearby bridge. While waiting, I took some photos on the boat with the graffiti in the background. Some turned out okay, but not exactly as I had planned. Taking photos on the boat was challenging because the light was coming from both sides of the bridge, making it difficult to get sharp pictures with enough light on the models.
To improve the lighting and balance the shadows on their faces and clothing, I decided to take photos of them on the pavement, facing the boat. This way, I could achieve a nice even distribution of light and shadow. Among the photos, the one that came out best was of the male model wearing an orange Nike t-shirt. The vibrant orange colour of his shirt worked wonderfully with the background of the grey bridge and orange wall.
To improve the lighting and balance the shadows on their faces and clothing, I decided to take photos of them on the pavement, facing the boat. This way, I could achieve a nice even distribution of light and shadow. Among the photos, the one that came out best was of the male model wearing an orange Nike t-shirt. The vibrant orange colour of his shirt worked wonderfully with the background of the grey bridge and orange wall.
When the rain finally stopped, I discovered a perfect spot near a bridge where the wall's colour matched the models' clothing. I had an idea to capture their photos separately and then combine them later. I started with Nicole, taking some shots on the darker side first and then experimenting with the other side to create a cool colour effect. I took both up-close shots and full-body shots, and I also turned the camera sideways to capture the same shots with more of the surroundings.
Next, I did the same process with the male model and eventually had them both together in a frame. The male model stood on the left side of the wall, while Nicole posed on the right. I asked them to switch places and tried various wide and close-up shots to capture more details. I also played around with different angles and had them look in different directions. In one photo, they looked at the camera, in another, they gazed outward, and in yet another, they looked more introspective.
This part of the photoshoot turned out to be one of the best shots, and I really loved how the pictures came out. It was exciting to experiment and see the different results we could achieve by playing with angles, colours, and poses.
Next, I did the same process with the male model and eventually had them both together in a frame. The male model stood on the left side of the wall, while Nicole posed on the right. I asked them to switch places and tried various wide and close-up shots to capture more details. I also played around with different angles and had them look in different directions. In one photo, they looked at the camera, in another, they gazed outward, and in yet another, they looked more introspective.
This part of the photoshoot turned out to be one of the best shots, and I really loved how the pictures came out. It was exciting to experiment and see the different results we could achieve by playing with angles, colours, and poses.
Moving on from the previous photos of our subjects at the wall, they decided to change into different outfits. As they changed, we moved to the other side of the bridge and came across a beautiful white wall that perfectly complemented their clothes, especially Nicole's black and white outfit.
First, I captured some pictures of them standing against the flat side of the wall. But then I had an idea and asked them to lean against the corner, which created a nice vignetted shadow gradually fading from their heads to their legs. It added a unique touch to the photos.
I tried taking a shot with both of them in the frame, but the wall wasn't large enough to fit them both comfortably. So, I focused on individual shots to highlight their clothing and the setting.
Overall, it was a fun and creative part of the photoshoot, and I'm delighted with the results. The white wall provided an excellent backdrop, and the shadows added an artistic touch to the pictures.
First, I captured some pictures of them standing against the flat side of the wall. But then I had an idea and asked them to lean against the corner, which created a nice vignetted shadow gradually fading from their heads to their legs. It added a unique touch to the photos.
I tried taking a shot with both of them in the frame, but the wall wasn't large enough to fit them both comfortably. So, I focused on individual shots to highlight their clothing and the setting.
Overall, it was a fun and creative part of the photoshoot, and I'm delighted with the results. The white wall provided an excellent backdrop, and the shadows added an artistic touch to the pictures.
As we wrapped up the shoot for the day, I couldn't help but feel a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. We had managed to capture five stunning outfits for Nicole and six striking outfits for the male model. However, as we moved to different locations, the weather took a turn for the worse, and it became clear that continuing the shoot would not be feasible.
We hurried back to the original meeting spot at the harbour, hoping to salvage the session, but the weather had other plans. The wind intensified, and the rain started pouring down. Despite our efforts, the photos at Queens Square didn't turn out as we had hoped.
Regrettably, I had to make the tough decision to end the shoot prematurely for the safety of both models and the delicate clothing they were wearing, which were intended for sale. We had to reschedule the remaining photos for a more favourable day.
On the bright side, I'm genuinely pleased with most of the images we managed to capture earlier in the day. Nicole and the male model were both fantastic to work with, and the business owners were incredibly supportive throughout the process.
Looking forward, I'm optimistic that the rescheduled shoot will go even better, and we'll be able to complete it this time. Fingers crossed for better weather on our next attempt!
We hurried back to the original meeting spot at the harbour, hoping to salvage the session, but the weather had other plans. The wind intensified, and the rain started pouring down. Despite our efforts, the photos at Queens Square didn't turn out as we had hoped.
Regrettably, I had to make the tough decision to end the shoot prematurely for the safety of both models and the delicate clothing they were wearing, which were intended for sale. We had to reschedule the remaining photos for a more favourable day.
On the bright side, I'm genuinely pleased with most of the images we managed to capture earlier in the day. Nicole and the male model were both fantastic to work with, and the business owners were incredibly supportive throughout the process.
Looking forward, I'm optimistic that the rescheduled shoot will go even better, and we'll be able to complete it this time. Fingers crossed for better weather on our next attempt!
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