So let's rewind a little for some background....my lovely and gorgeous friend Jess from work asked me if I would be interested in going with her for a photoshoot that she had a special offer for, my immediate thought was 'hmm a chance to have a look around and ask some questions' so yes why not ! Any opportunity I can get to learn something is always valuable for me as working full time, any courses and training really isn't easy unless they are at weekends.
We met at Waterloo Station at 11am and started to make our way to Studio 52. Our appointment wasn't until 1.15 but we wanted to drop our bags off and then make the most of being in London and go for lunch (yes ladies that lunch ...quite like saying that !!). So with bags dropped off we needed a drink (non alcoholic...far to early ..) and some food, Luckily Jess knew of a great place just round the corner from the studio called The Townhouse ..lovely place and definitely one for 'celebrity spotting' ..sitting outside and who walks past ...none other than Ralph Feinnes ...and yes he was rather easy on the eye ...well we can look can't we ?
Lunch out of the way and time to head back to the studio...and feeling a little anxious ...really don't like being on the other side of the camera ...definitely out of my comfort zone. Anyway, it was really nothing to worry about as the folks at that the studio were great ..someone to meet and greet you and explain what will happen and then into hair and make-up. They did ask prior to this what look we wanted and we both said 'glamarous' ..let the transformation begin ...I have to admit this bit for me was great, feeling pampered and the MUA's were all brilliant. All had worked on various things from music videos with the Black Eyes Peas to Bollywood Movies to name just a few.
So all 'glamed up' and time to meet our photographer ...in walks Abby with a huge smile on his face which immediately put us both at ease. The 'sets' they use (there were about 6) were on the floor below and Abby kindly carried our bags containing various outfit changes. After looking at what we bought it was time to change and get started. He took some pictures of us together first and then individually. I know Jess won't mind me posting this one with her in as she looks totally gorgeous .. and yes I was wearing clothes ,,, a strapless dress before you ask !!
Love that black wallpaper too !!
I know I can speak for Jess here as well that we both felt completely and totally at ease with Abby, he gave great direction throughout the shoot and only when I started asking questions about 'what aperture are you shooting at' 'what ISO are you on' did he get an inkling of my interest but I have to say he was brilliant and answered all my questions !!
We both had four outfit changes and various sets were used. I have to say that I really enjoyed myself, much more that I thought I would. Like many people I have never really liked having my picture taken, but on seeing the results, I was amazed and kept thinking 'is that really me' ?? I won't bore you all with too many pictures as some are already on my Facebook timeline, suffice to say this will probably be the first and last time for me to be on the other side of the camera !
We both left the studio many many hours later with lighter purses (it's not cheap) but what an experience ...something that I may not ever do again but hey...I felt GOOD ....and what a confidence boost which we all need from time to time.
I will finish by saying if you get the opportunity, and I know some cool photographers (see my links page oh and not forgetting me!) have a photo session ......something you can look back on for years to come and say 'yes that was me !!'
