model | photographer

One of the things about photographing in remote locations is that you often get asked by local photographers "how do I do this ..." "how do I take this sort of photograph" "what sort of equipment ...". One memorable conversation was with one photographer who is trying to set up his own business here and struggling (as any photographer would) to do portrait photos during the evening - without the benefit of a flash. Thinking about it I had the bright idea about doing a workshop to help 1) photographers learn some of the basic techniques for lighting models, 2) to introduce some of the wonderful Saints to modelling and 3) bring both groups together so they could start working as the basis of a new industry on the island. I took this idea to the St Helena Development Agency who talked to the nice people at the Adult & Vocational Education Service. A quick word to the very helpful Nick Thorpe secured the use of the wonderful old Tinker's building with great windows and a bright interior and it was all go. The day was just fantastic - the energy was amazing, there were flashes and reflectors going off everywhere, people climbing through windows and draping themselves on various parts of furniture and lots and lots of laughs. Everyone had a great time, and though it wasn't about the final image (it was about the techniques and working together) some great images were captured. Here's just a selection. remember, apart from some cropping, these are as the image came out of the camera. They put to shame the few photos I managed to squeeze off during the day. A huge thanks from me to SHDA, AVES, Nick Thorpe, Sophie, Chelsea, Sinead, Imogen, Robyn, Ed, Josh and Merrill.

Sinead by Ed

Sinead by Robyn

Chelsea by Robyn

Chelsea and Sophie by Robyn

Sophie by Merrill

Sophie by Merrill

Imogen, Sinead, Sophie by Ed

Chelsea by Ed

Imogen by Josh

Imogen by Ed

Us by Me

And finally, please support your local photographers and models. They've come a long way in a short time and it is not an easy job.

If you want to contact any of the photographers or models email me and I can provide contact details.

And finally finally an unashamed plug for Merrill's website: The Fantom Agency