Leaving lockdown

Leaving lockdown

Yesterday, I took the first pictures I’ve done of a model since March. It was an interesting experience, because I was working with a shedload of constraints because of social distancing.

So, for starters, instead of going in through Emi’s front door, I went through the side gate, and settled down outside the double doors of her conservatory. Did I mention it was raining gently? I normally avoid wearing an anorak when my model’s skimpily dressed, but not today (she was indoors most of the time: I remained outside…)



My range of backgrounds was limited to what was in the conservatory, and the extent to which I could blur stuff further back with a wide aperture – I shot one or two nudes with Emi lying on her sofa with her head near the double doors, focussing on her blonde hair – I suspect other photographers visiting her place will be less able to lose the background, with standard zoom lenses…

No cuppa and biscuits, of course – it’s feasible, but really hard work to deal with quickly. A cuppa and biscuits are important to most good work with models, but fortunately Emi and I have worked together a few times, and could get on with pictures without. Come to that, we chatted without the usual social props, about cars, daughters, fountain pens…



We shot a few images out of doors, making use of a swing seat and the brickwork at the side of the house. An 85mm lens, by the way, is a real aid to good social distancing! And rain on bare shoulders looks fantastic!

I only used the one lens throughout: and definitely, I felt the weight of the restrictions. But it worked, and I got some good pictures – and it gives me confidence that outdoor shoots will work, and can comply with the current legal requirements, as well as remaining safe for all parties. (I am utterly unconvinced that the two are always the same - the latter often being more stringent.)

And that I am waterproof.