I recently modelled my way around the surprisingly sunny Scotland! This was my first "Scottish Tour" (more about the trip can be seen here) and I was very excited to start the week up in Aberdeen working with Howard (PhotoClassic). I had seen (and admired) plenty of Howard's previous work, particularly his workshops and was quite shy about contacting him whilst organising my tour! Thankfully Howard was lovely and not only did we arrange a workshop AND a one-to-one shoot but him, his lovely wife Karen & "the dog" were kind enough to have me stay with them for the first few days of my tour!
Both Howard & Karen made me feel so welcome during my stay with them I really couldn't have asked for better hosts! We even managed a bit of a tour around Aberdeen to see local museums and have possibly the best milkshake I've ever tasted! The dog on the other hand... let's just say the relationship was very one sided and what happens in Aberdeen stays in Aberdeen :| :| :| (haha I loved him really - even though he did backchat me a few times!)
<---- Me & Tsavo having a little cuddle :D
One-to-one shoot
After what seemed to be a train journey from hell, I arrived at Aberdeen station on the Friday evening where both Howard & Tsavo met me at the station. After dropping off bags and whatnot at the house we went out for an evening shoot on the beach!
I can't believe I first got in front of a camera 8 years ago and have never done a proper "beach shoot" until now!! I was super excited to say the least and for once in my life I actually felt quite glamorous! A wonderful, deserted beach at sunset with beautiful clear blue sea I couldn't really think of anything better!
The light was simply stunning and we took a whole host of art nude style shots on the beach with loads of jumping and leaping about! Howard was super easy to communicate with and we had a good laugh throughout! I absolutely love the images i've seen and it really was difficult to narrow down my favourites, but after writing Howard an essay about each one i'll save you the time and just show them instead:
(Click to enlarge)
On such a beautiful evening what could possibly be better than going for a little dip in the sea?
Quite honestly absolutely anything! "It's Just like the Med" he said. I haven't trusted him since ;)
Once I got over the ice cold waters (and maybe wanting to punch him a little bit) I did my best to look slightly more glamorous :P (It was super fun really)!
Up until this point I have only been in a similar situation a couple of times (when I've been so cold I can't feel my limbs anymore) so although I had a towel and jumper at the ready, I must say I wasn't massively more prepared :/ Thankfully Howard is clearly the expert and had thermal jacket, extra towels and even a hot flask of soup at the ready! He was very aware of my safety and I was actually quite taken back by his professionalism. It's really nice to work with people who genuinely care about their models and we headed straight back to the car to warm up again! Karen was also super thoughtful and had even made food when we arrived back at the house!
I've probably already rambled on wayyyyy too much but I had such a fantastic time shooting with Howard I really can't recommend him enough!! Just to top it off, here are a few "Behind The Scenes" shots:
Workshop
On the Sunday, I modelled for Howard's "introduction to Art Nude" workshop at Studio-dee. Howard was a great tutor, very informative but with a relaxed teaching style. It was a unique workshop and I heard great reviews from the attendees! (I've also seen some great shots produced on the day!) To any models, I highly highly recommend working with/for Howard at any opportunity and to photographers - If you can make the journey to attend any of Howard's workshops please do! They really are not to be missed!!
