London art shoot ~ Three girls through my lens

October 31st, 2010

From left to right Kayt, Matilda and Chloe-Jasmine. The shoot was principally of Kayt who had kindly agreed to 'sit' for me but the other girls wanted a piece of the action too. Here are the pictures..

1. From left to right: Kayt Webster-Brown, Matilda Svensson and Chloe-Jasmine Whichello. The shoot was principally of Kayt and Chloe-Jasmine who had both kindly agreed to 'sit' for me and I invited Matilda to join us. Here is a selection of our pictures.

Not work safe after the jump

2. Kayt by the light of a Lupo 1200 dimmed to minimum power.

Make up for this test session was by Inma Azorin from Bristol. She met my brief exactly and made the girls look fantastic. The Mayfair locations were kindly provided by mr Haddi Levi – Thank you.

3. I used the simplest of lighting from a Lupo fresnel HMI to capture strength, vulnerability and beauty.

4. I shot in monochrome in camera and decided to process in colour.

5. The simplest of settings and one light.

6. Beauty decoded into lines, shapes, and angles.

7. I'm in love with the close up image. The power to isolate, to reveal every nuance of detail.

7. I'm in love with close up images captured on my 100mm lens. The power to isolate, to reveal every nuance of detail. The textures of skin, the softness of vellus hair, even the aroma of skin - well nearly.

9. Window light from a west facing elevation on an overcast day.

10. Calm enigmatic expression. With a view right into Kayt's soul.

10. A calm enigmatic expression. With a view right into Kayt's soul.

Chloe was next. Chloe and I have a chemistry that is hard to describe. It is nearly imposable to remove from the equation so I rely on Chloe's natural ability to act and follow my direction..

11. Chloe was next. Chloe and I have a chemistry that is hard to describe. It is nearly impossible to remove from the equation so I rely on Chloe's natural ability to act and follow my direction.

12. Chloe is stood in a bath for this shot. The walls and light were perfect in the bathroom.

12. Chloe was standing in a bath for these shots. The walls and light were perfect in the bathroom.

13. Retro hair - 1974?

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15. As I shoot Chloe, I explore angles and looks all the time. Every now and then a likeness emerges that stops me in my tracks.

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20. We went to an empty house over the street to capture some natural, and uncomplicated nudes.

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22. I love pictures that have a narrative to decode. This shot could easily be on the cover of a novel. Intriguing.

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37. This is Matilda a Sweedish friend of Chloe's. She has never modelled before but I offered to shoot some frames for her.

37. This is Matilda, a friend of Chloe's from Sweden who was staying at the house we were shooting in. She has never modelled before but I offered to shoot some frames for her.

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I wanted to capture some pictures that show a complex relationship between girls. It was all directed by me. Here are a few of the results.

I wanted to capture some pictures that show a complex relationship between girls. It was all directed by me and any friendships are implied. Here are a few of the results...

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This was such a fun shoot for all of us.

I am expecting a few of these pictures plus a some others not shown here from the same shoot to make up the first part of my second art book. The first art book project, pictures of Chloe – Jasmine is well underway with a book broker having been appointed and the layout almost complete. More news on that project to follow.

Please feel free top comment on these pictures. I know that the girls will appreciate any kind words you may want to share with them. What are your favourite pictures?

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33 Comments Add your own

1. Chloe-Jasmine Whichello | October 31st, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Honoured to have been part of this ; Kayt looks sensational .

You’re most certainly correct “It’s ART darling”

C-J X
2. Lee Holland | October 31st, 2010 at 4:24 pm

Amazing! These images are truly inspirational to a novice like myself and give me goose bumps!

I cannot thank you Damien and Chloe-Jasmine for making my day with you last Friday such a great day in my life.

I am so pleased with my “Tree” shots Chloe i cannot stop looking at them.

Thank you for a great day and see you for “Urban Portraits” soon Damien, you teaching methods were first class.

Lee
3. Lee Tuckett | October 31st, 2010 at 5:09 pm

They look completely effortless & beautiful. The models are stunning which also helps I’m sure. Another inspiring post – thanks
4. Kayt | October 31st, 2010 at 6:15 pm

AMAZING shoot, absolutely loved it- these images look amazing, Damien you are a true professional with a brilliant eye for beauty and natural light x
5. Nick | October 31st, 2010 at 8:51 pm

Great shoot there Damien, now I am really looking forward to giving the Lupo 800 a test!!!

7, 17, 22, 36 and 46 (last image) are my favorites, but then I don’t always pick the best…

Well done to all those involved.

Nick
6. Nick | October 31st, 2010 at 8:53 pm

Just to add to the above comment, the first image rocks!
7. damien | October 31st, 2010 at 10:18 pm

Thanks Nick!
8. damien | October 31st, 2010 at 10:33 pm

Chloe-Jasmine you are my guiding light in this art project and are instrumental in my new found energy and inspiration.

Kayt you are too gorgeous for words. We were a top team on Wednesday and that shoot will never be repeated.

Art is exciting, it is rewarding, but it takes courage and determination to make it happen.

Thanks for everything, Damien.
9. damien | October 31st, 2010 at 10:34 pm

Thanks Lee and Lee
10. Dean O'Brien | October 31st, 2010 at 10:48 pm

All great images but number 32 for me. Amazing
11. damien | October 31st, 2010 at 10:55 pm

Lee Holland,

Chloe loves you and I like you too Thanks for your kind words. I hope to see you soon on an Urban Portraits workshop day. I’ll see if I can persuade Chloe to model for us

Kindest regards, Damien.
12. Chloe-Jasmine Whichello | November 1st, 2010 at 1:55 pm

Yes , Lee ! If I don’t have a smoking buddy I go moderately insane

Damien of course I would x
13. Lee Holland | November 1st, 2010 at 7:18 pm

Thank you!

I look forward to learning from you both again soon,

Wishing you both all the success in the world.

Lee
14. Chloe Jasmine Whichello | November 1st, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Lee if you have any outstanding photos-I would love to see them

chloe.jasmine@live.co.uk xxx
15. Lee Holland | November 1st, 2010 at 10:06 pm

Not sure about outstanding, but i have sent a few favourites.
Any feedback would be great.

Lee
16. Ivan Packer | November 1st, 2010 at 11:34 pm

Simple, but visually stunning. Wonderful images Damien.
17. Vicki Waghorn | November 2nd, 2010 at 10:38 am

Fantastic as usual Damien!
#25 and #32 my favourites

Chloe gorgeous as always! Kayt is super beautiful

Well done guys xx
18. Nikki Baxendale | November 2nd, 2010 at 12:02 pm

Wow these are stunning wish I was there!! One day great work both models and Damien seems you have a great team going
19. Rufat Abas | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:16 am

Gorgeous models and perfect photographs. Hard to express my feelings. Thank you Damien and team!
20. Brian Rolfe | November 3rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm

Gorgeous Damien! I’ve been lucky enough to shoot Kayt a few times over the last 2 years and love the way you’ve captured her so naturally here.

I have to say though it’s just plain greedy… C-J and Kayt on the same day you lucky boy!! Lovely shots all round!

Brian
21. Richie Carter | November 3rd, 2010 at 9:57 pm

Damien -
Very Well Done as Usual!

I have one question:
On photo #7 where you used your 100mm, did you use it in macro mode to get such detail?

Richie
22. Will Pateman Photography | November 4th, 2010 at 3:27 pm

17, 25 and 45..are my faves but as ever you rock..great images
23. Inma Azorin | November 5th, 2010 at 1:25 am

I had so much fun with the girls that day.
Im so happy to see the result of a hard day of work from everyone…Just fantastic!!I love the picts.
24. Peter Lammertzen | November 10th, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Hi! Thanks for all your great images! Just wondering, are all these images shot with your 100L 2.8 IS ??

Thanks for your inspiration!
25. damien | November 14th, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Thanks Dean,

I love 32 too. It took a bit of wiggling to line up the contours just so. Cheers, Damien.
26. damien | November 14th, 2010 at 11:53 pm

Thank you Ivan, Vicky and Nikki. It’s great to have wonderful feedback from people I admire. Damien.
27. damien | November 14th, 2010 at 11:56 pm

Thank you Rufat. I’m on an art journey at the moment and I’m keen to see where it goes. Regards, Damien.
28. damien | November 14th, 2010 at 11:58 pm

Thanks Brian,

You are right. I was just plain greedy but we had a great fun shoot. Thanks again Damien.
29. damien | November 14th, 2010 at 11:59 pm

Hi Richie,

The 100mm focuses right down to 1:1 without any mode switch. I just go on in! Cheers, Damien.
30. damien | November 15th, 2010 at 12:00 am

Ahh thanks Will.

I’m loving this style of shooting at the moment. Cheers, Damien.
31. damien | November 15th, 2010 at 12:01 am

Thank you Inma. It was a full on shoot and you made the girls look great. Thanks again Damien.
32. damien | November 15th, 2010 at 12:07 am

Hi Peter,
Nearly all were taken on my 100mm the rest were shot on my 50mm f/1.2L. Thanks for your kind words, Damien.
33. damien | November 15th, 2010 at 7:41 pm

Defining the Genre

Art nude portraits are often described as ones in which you admire the model not desire the model. I also think that art often has something to say, a message or the power to change a thought pattern.

The genre of Glamour is also difficult to pigeon hole. I have a vision of glamour that utilises heavy make up, high heel shoes, a sexy stance, come and get me looks and sexual overtones. None of this appeals to me whatsoever. I think I’ve successfully avoided to shoot glamour.

I think these images have an element of a genre called ‘Beauty’ but avoid ‘Pin Up’. They cross over with boudoir a bit but without the sexual connotation.

My journey into art portraits is taking me to a new place and I like it. I’m probably going to shoot men next. I work like I’m back at the BBC shooting movies. I enjoy having total control of the scene. I direct each shot, the lighting and the action.

Damien Lovegrove