Header photo: Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Adrian Stanwell is a part-time photographer based in Surrey, United Kingdom, with more than 16 years of experience. 

Following their recent photoshoot (see more here) with model Rahat at CFC STUDIO, Adrian Stanwell generously gave their time for a quick interview to share their shoot with us.

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

SHARE A SHOOT with PurplePort photographer Adrian Stanwell

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

I met with my friend Chris (CFC STUDIO) at his studio to catch up with him after not seeing him for a long time.

We decided to shoot, and Chris arranged three models for us on a test basis – I didn't know who was going to turn up or what to expect, so I had to think on my feet. I love that. Kit in my hand and no brief gives lots of creative freedom.

Plenty of photographers have inspired me, too many to list here, but I do love powerful monochrome portraits, and I love the work of Arnold Newman and Yousuf Karsh.

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

What did you do to plan the shoot?

The models turned up one by one, and then we had to work out what they wanted and what we could achieve. Chris has a really well-kitted-out studio with a black room, white corner, industrial space and nooks and crannies.

He told me we had a "fitness model" coming, and to be honest, I was a bit disappointed at first – until that is Rahat arrived, and it was immediately obvious we could get some powerful portraits. I had images in my head of someone on a running machine, and instead, we got a winner from a body-building contest.  

Rahat Colour by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Rahat Colour by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Using a whiteboard, we discussed what Rahat wanted, and this was mainly images for his social media after winning his contest. I wanted a powerful portrait of him in the black room, so we agreed on a shot list and got to work.

One of the other models, Gwendoline Grenu, arrived while we were shooting, so we decided to use her too and shot the images of Rahat holding her in his arms. She was a good sport in joining in with something she hadn't expected.

Obviously, since this wasn't in the pre-shoot discussion with her and she hadn't met Rahat before, we had to make sure she was happy to be touched during the shoot and that she felt safe being held above the floor.

Rahat and Gwen by photographer Adrian Stanwell, models Rahat (not on PurplePort) and Gwendoline Grenu, and studio CFC STUDIO

How did you arrange the shoot?

It was arranged through Chris at Chris Francis Creative Studio (CFC STUDIO) in Birmingham.

What was it like shooting at that location?

It's a great setup, and Chris is really helpful. The studio is in the North of Birmingham with easy parking and is a great space to shoot.

I'd recommend it. There is lots of flexibility and lighting to use.

Tell us about the gear you used.

For the black room, we used continuous lights, and for the white background shots, we used studio strobes. I'm happy with both, but the continuous lights in the black room really helped frame the lighting. We had two gridded boxes, one on either side and slightly in front of Rahat.  

For the white shots, I used a strobe on a stand above and to the left of the image – for this one, I didn't light the background as it creates a natural gradient across the image to give some depth.

These were digital shots on a Canon 5D Mk IV, with a Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art and a Canon 24-105 F4 L series lens. I also shot with a Hasselblad 500C/M and Carl Zeiss 500mm F2.8 lens, with Kodak Tri-X 400 and Ilford Delta 3200 film. My Instax camera was with me, too, but it didn't make it out of the bag.

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

What's your favourite image from the shoot?

It's the powerful monochrome portrait I wanted (see image below) – I saw it in my mind as soon as Rahat walked in.  

Rahat by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Rahat (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

While we were planning that, two photographers whom Chris shoots with popped in to drop off some images from a recent assignment. I couldn't resist asking to shoot one of them - Claude (see image below) – he's just such a cool-looking guy, and so we used a similar lighting setup with him.

Three models became four, and we got some images I am really proud of. Those two images are my favourites from the day.

Image by photographer Adrian Stanwell, model Claude (not on PurplePort) and studio CFC STUDIO

Thank you for sharing your creativity, experience and images with us, Adrian Stanwell. We loved learning all about your photoshoot with model Rahat at CFC STUDIO!

We hope you all loved it, too. Don't forget to check the links below to see more of Adrian Stanwell's work!

Here's where you can find more of Adrian Stanwell's work

PurplePort: Adrian Stanwell

Website: www.adrianandersonphotography.com 

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