Winter Modelling

photos by Gary McLaughlin | Leica M9 + Leica Summarit 50mm f2.5

For a variety of reasons, I do not work with professional models. All the people who model for me are from our immediate rural community. If I notice that someone has The Look suitable for my photos, I approach them and ask whether they are interested in modelling some knitwear - explaining my process and showing examples of my photos. If they agree, we try a test session, after which I usually know straight away whether things will work out. We then decide on a rate and set up a schedule. I publish new designs fairly frequently, and ideally need someone to model for me at least once a week. Between the weather and people’s busy lives, it’s a struggle to maintain that frequency. So on occasion I also model for myself - usually to experiment with scenes and poses, so that by the time the ‘real’ model arrives I will already know exactly where and how to take the photos.

Last week Gary helped me with some of these experimental photos. And it was absolutely brutal. We are properly into winter now, and I had not realised how much more difficult it is to endure the weather in front of the camera than behind it. I suppose as the photographer, having something to concentrate on and equipment to fiddle with, makes the low temperatures and the wind chill more tolerable. But as the model, having to stand or sit still, holding the same pose while the photographer gets the settings and focus just right? Very difficult to take!

I now have even more appreciation for the hardiness and endurance of those who model for me, and will be {even} more mindful of things like making sure they have a coat to throw on in between shots. Perhaps I also need to invest in a thermos! And whiskey…