Header photo: This Is A Man's World: Elle 1-1 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

Matt Ealden is a hobbyist photographer with more than 6 years of experience who is based in Wakefield, United Kingdom. 

Following their recent photoshoot at Phoenix Creative FX Studio with model Elle Baldwinson and make-up artist Jacqueline Baldwinson, Matt generously gave their time for a quick interview to share their shoot with us.

Check out the interview below and find out what preparation was needed for the shoot, the camera gear they used and more (and, of course, images from their photoshoot!).

SHARE A SHOOT with PurplePort photographer Matt Ealden

How did you come up with the concept? Did anything inspire you?

I have worked with Elle Baldwinson a number of times before, and we get on really well together, which always helps to pull together a great shoot, so when I pitched to her a project that I have been working on this year called This Is A Man's World (based on the James Brown song, "because it don't mean nothing without a woman or a girl"), she jumped at it. 

My aim was to work with a number of different models throughout the year and get them to all have their own take on the general theme of starting quite masculine but then evolving into a more feminine look to emphasise just how strong, powerful and influential women really can be in today's world.

This Is A Man's World: Elle 1-1 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

What did you do to plan the shoot?

Having already shot a few models in the theme, I had a few ideas of my own and knew what worked, but Elle is such a unique talent that I knew she could also bring some ideas of her own. 

I like to be a little surprised when I come to the actual shoot, but to make sure we didn't stray too far from my original idea, we kept in constant contact in the couple of weeks prior to the shoot, making sure we were both on the same page. 

Of course, PurplePort was our prime means of communication as it just helped us to keep everything in one place.

This Is A Man's World: Elle 2-3 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

How did you arrange the shoot?

Although the main theme was This Is A Man's World, I always try to mix it up with two or three different looks during a shoot. Variety is the spice of life and all that. In the past, I seem to have nearly always shot Elle in gorgeous dresses, so I wanted to mix it up a bit and try something a bit more edgy and urban in style. 

She did not disappoint in bringing a selection of outfits to mix and match, so when Elle arrived, we went through what she had to see what would work best, and I really like what we went for.

The Very Definition Of Cool 1 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

What was it like shooting at that location?

The vast majority of my shoots are at a local studio called Phoenix Creative FX Studio.  It's not the biggest of studios, but it suits me and my style perfectly, and it is incredibly adaptable when it needs to be. 

It is a great atmosphere, and the studio owner is a tremendous help when it comes to making sure I have got the lighting exactly right. I love the Godox lighting as it gives me the perfect look for my images, and to be honest, I am not the greatest of lighting specialists, so sometimes the help is very much appreciated.

Tell us about the gear you used.

I shoot using a Canon 60D and almost always use a Canon 18-135mm lens, as it is perfect for the size of the studio.  Though occasionally, the 50mm lens sometimes makes an appearance.

Tribal Majestic 3 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, make-up artist Jacqueline Baldwinson and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

What's your favourite image from the shoot?

If I had to pick one image that I would say was my favourite from the shoot, I think I would struggle because of the different variety. But I could probably get it down to two.

What I like most about both of these images is that Elle is the sweetest person you could meet, and both of these images seem to fly in the face of that, showing just how talented she really is.

For me, this image mixes the sense of mystery with an element of strength and intensity I was going for.

This Is A Man's World: Elle 1-4 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

This image is all about strength and power. The look in Elle's eyes tells you not to mess with her, and quite frankly, scared me a little!!

Tribal Huntress 3 by photographer Matt Ealden, model Elle Baldwinson, make-up artist Jacqueline Baldwinson and studio Phoenix Creative FX Studio

Thank you for sharing your creativity, experience and images with us, Matt Ealden. We loved learning all about your photoshoot with model Elle Baldwinson and make-up artist Jacqueline Baldwinson at Phoenix Creative FX Studio!

We hope you all loved it too. Don't forget to check out the links below to see more of Matt Ealden's work!

Here's where you can find more of Matt's work

PurplePort: Matt Ealden

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