Header photo: Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

JonC is a part-time photographer based in Essex, United Kingdom, with over 13 years of experience.  

After sharing his shoot with the PurplePort community (featuring model Chala Figue), JonC generously gave us his time for a quick interview, where he provided details behind the creation of these images, such as the inspirations for the shoot, how it was planned, the camera gear used, and more.

Plus, check out more fabulous images from the photoshoot below!

Heeeerreeees Chala! by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

SHARE A SHOOT with photographer JonC

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

My inspiration comes from an increasingly large pool – other photographers' work, old master paintings, a particular model's look, a place, a colour palette, sometimes an abstract concept – just about anything, and I am constantly on the lookout for interesting ideas to explore.

I also love working with creative individuals who want to actively collaborate on ideas (whether a paid gig or not) rather than just turn up on the day and do their stuff in front of the camera (although there is a place for that, too!).

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Once I have the basic concept, I increasingly use AI (ChatGPT and Midjourney) to riff on the subject until I have a strong visualisation. 

For this shoot, we had settled on a couple of anchor looks – some painterly fine art portraits with a 16th-century peasant vibe from me and some Western portraits inspired by her recent trip to the US from Chala.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

What did you do to plan the shoot?

Once I have the basic idea in my head, I usually start with one or two reference images. Some (increasingly most) of these I specifically AI-generate for the shoot.

If I have a particular model in mind, I will use reference images of them to 'seed' the AI generation to make the reference images look vaguely like who I am shooting – it helps to communicate the concept to the creative team and provide a reference for the MUA if I have one on board (although not in this case).

From here, I produce detailed moodboards (one per look) with a description of the concept, colour palette, reference images, and notes on props, styling, lighting style, etc.

This particular shoot was a little more casual than some of my more recent shoots, but the moodboard is here.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

I also usually produced a lighting set-up (using Set.a.light 3D software) and a detailed shoot plan, which has basic details such as the address of the shoot, contact details for each member of the creative team, dietary requirements, and an outline timetable.

On set, I am not strict about timings, but I find it helpful to get a rough plan and, when appropriate, get the agreement of the MUA that it is feasible!

From there, it is simply a question of sourcing props and styling (and discussing with the model what they might have that fits the bill). In this case, Chala had a full set of stuff for the western set – including a jacket, hat and boots.

My contribution was dying a 'horse blanket' I had bought off the internet in a bath full of tea to try and age it a little!

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

How did you arrange the shoot?

It had been two years since Chala and I last shot together (a walkabout shoot around the Barbican) with calendars and geography conspiring against us, so in the end, it just came down to us both being available and in roughly the same part of the country – but all booked in on PurplePort.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

What was it like shooting at that location?

Shutterhouse, in High Barnet, has just added another space (now five and counting) to their growing collection of studios in Alston Works, so this was my first opportunity to see it.

I'm a big fan of the studios, as it is quite a short drive from me, and I can bring a car full of my gear (and an unnecessarily large amount of props, background and lights), but each of their studios has its own character, with an industrial vibe. 

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

While I'm not averse to shooting in a white box (with ceiling height and parking being the main criteria), I do shoot a lot of natural light stuff, and having a location with its own interest can add to a shoot if only to add options.
 
I've lost count of the number of times I have shot at Shutterhouse, and while it is not cheap (it is a commercial studio rather than something aimed specifically at hobbyists), I will continue to be a regular for some time to come.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Tell us about the gear you used.

I use a Nikon Z9 as my main camera. Most of the latest tech innovations are more useful for my wildlife and sports photography, but I do find the autofocus a significant improvement over my D850 – even in studio shoots (I am a sucker for very narrow depths of field on portraiture, so focus is critical).

From a gear perspective, lenses are more important to me, and in the studio, I mainly use my 85mm f1.4 and my (very old) 105 f2 (defocus control) most of the time, with a 24-70 zoom when I need something a little wider (or in a small studio/house).

I quite often also use a Black Pro-mist filter to take some of the 'digital sharpness' off when I am shooting portraits or more painterly shots. It is not a soft focus filter per se, but makes highlights' bleed' a little, which is particularly good for indoor ambient light shots to add a more cinematic feel.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

I do have a collection of hand-painted canvas backgrounds, which I use quite a lot in the more painterly portraits or on fashion editorial stuff, together with apple boxes, fabrics, grip kit, etc.

From a lighting perspective, I use Godox AD600Pro, AD400Pro, and AD100 battery-operated studio strobes with a variety of modifiers and softboxes.

I am guilty of taking an unnecessarily large amount of gear on shoots - even to well-equipped studios – even if most of it is not used. A habit I really need to get out of, particularly as I do love a nice simple natural light portrait!

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

What's your favourite image from the shoot?

There was quite a wide variety, as in addition to the two anchor looks, there was quite a bit of going with the flow with some fashion stuff that Chala brought, some natural portraits, and a set with just a bit of fabric, but I think my favourite is the image below from the Western set.

I love the lighting (a mix of ambient light in the studio, supplemented with a couple of strobes). I think the shadows add atmosphere and interest, and Chala's pose and slightly distant expression are perfect.

Image by photographer JonC with model Chala Figue and Photoshop wizard JonC Retoucher

Thank you, JonC, for sharing your creativity, experience and images with us. We loved learning all about your photoshoot with model Chala Figue!

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

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

PurplePort: JonC

Website: www.clempner.com 

Instagram: jonclempner

What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

Join the fastest growing, most feature-rich service of its kind and start making magical photos a reality!

Follow us on social media 

We regularly post beautiful, dynamic and inspiring images from our talented community on social media.

Check out our blog on PurplePort and our social channels below so you can stay inspired anytime:

Join now and start networking

Join the community and start your modelling or photography career now.