That extra mile

It’s not so much how far, but how easily and expensive it is to get there. Plus things like parking.

It’s cheaper and quicker for me to get to some parts of Spain than it would be to get to Devon

I have just been on a shoot today, 100 miles each way, but it took three and a half hours to get there and two and a half hours back.

Last year I drove to the South of France for a shoot. Well worth it.

The hardest was to drive to Aberystwyth to shoot with Leaf who hauled me up mountains, down streams and over boulders.

Then drove home again.

Left home at 4.00.am and got home at 11.00.pm.

I was pretty knackered.

I have only done 2 shoots where I have had to travel. 3 if you count the shooting holiday in Cornwall which I hosted. That isn't to say that I won't. However, I am concerned by the uncontrlable variables such as weather. What if I drive all the way to Wales to do a location shoot and it rains constantly? No indoor space to shoot in = stuffed :(

LifeModel said

Recently did a trip from Bedfordshire to work with Rob Segate in Swansea, via Monmouth to collect Skycladpixie, and then on to OOAK/ Lanes Photography an hour or two north of there, then back all home all in two days. TFP - worth it to work with great people like these.

LifeModel - many thanks!! :) ♥ I can't tell you how much I appreciate the long journey and the time and fuel that you and Sal put into doing this.... for the second time, too! 

I'll be in touch later - I've just got back from some time away - sorry for being a bit quiet....

I'd happy drive over to shoot with you both - Monmouth or even Bedfordshire. When like-minded people connect, it's worth the journey, regardless of distance. It is only spare time that holds us back.

Donald Sutherland said

Aberdeenshire isn't exactly the end of the world and it's no different driving up here, or over on the Isles, as in Wales, Ireland or England, for that matter anywhere in Europe. Artemis Fauna was 9 hours / 521 miles each way, Leaf was 13 hours / 550 miles each way, 320 miles with Keira Lavelle if the model's worth it why not?

 Donald Sutherland - Many thanks my friend! I was truly honoured by the fact that you did that journey - all that way - just to shoot with me.

Whenever I feel low or lacking in confidence (which is most of the time, tbf), if I remember that you did this, I do feel my spirits uplift. I can't thank you enough for two awesome days of crazy adventures and shooting. For me, they are memories to cherish forever. I hope to see you again at some point when I make my way to Scotland next. :)

JPea said

I have just been on a shoot today, 100 miles each way, but it took three and a half hours to get there and two and a half hours back.

Last year I drove to the South of France for a shoot. Well worth it.

The hardest was to drive to Aberystwyth to shoot with Leaf who hauled me up mountains, down streams and over boulders.

Then drove home again.

Left home at 4.00.am and got home at 11.00.pm.

I was pretty knackered.

JPea - Ahhhh you loved it really - no pain, no gain, as they say! :) It was a real pleasure to shoot with you - every shoot immensely enjoyable - and I do hope it was worth all that trauma! :) (It's a hard life you have!!). Anyway I hope you are well my friend - I hope to see you again soon - many thanks for the mention! :)

Leaf said

LifeModel said

Recently did a trip from Bedfordshire to work with Rob Segate in Swansea, via Monmouth to collect Skycladpixie, and then on to OOAK/ Lanes Photography an hour or two north of there, then back all home all in two days. TFP - worth it to work with great people like these.

LifeModel - many thanks!! :) ♥ I can't tell you how much I appreciate the long journey and the time and fuel that you and Sal put into doing this.... for the second time, too! 

I'll be in touch later - I've just got back from some time away - sorry for being a bit quiet....

I'd happy drive over to shoot with you both - Monmouth or even Bedfordshire. When like-minded people connect, it's worth the journey, regardless of distance. It is only spare time that holds us back.

Donald Sutherland said

Aberdeenshire isn't exactly the end of the world and it's no different driving up here, or over on the Isles, as in Wales, Ireland or England, for that matter anywhere in Europe. Artemis Fauna was 9 hours / 521 miles each way, Leaf was 13 hours / 550 miles each way, 320 miles with Keira Lavelle if the model's worth it why not?

 Donald Sutherland - Many thanks my friend! I was truly honoured by the fact that you did that journey - all that way - just to shoot with me.

Whenever I feel low or lacking in confidence (which is most of the time, tbf), if I remember that you did this, I do feel my spirits uplift. I can't thank you enough for two awesome days of crazy adventures and shooting. For me, they are memories to cherish forever. I hope to see you again at some point when I make my way to Scotland next. :)

JPea said

I have just been on a shoot today, 100 miles each way, but it took three and a half hours to get there and two and a half hours back.

Last year I drove to the South of France for a shoot. Well worth it.

The hardest was to drive to Aberystwyth to shoot with Leaf who hauled me up mountains, down streams and over boulders.

Then drove home again.

Left home at 4.00.am and got home at 11.00.pm.

I was pretty knackered.

JPea - Ahhhh you loved it really - no pain, no gain, as they say! :) It was a real pleasure to shoot with you - every shoot immensely enjoyable - and I do hope it was worth all that trauma! :) (It's a hard life you have!!). Anyway I hope you are well my friend - I hope to see you again soon - many thanks for the mention! :)

These models keep telling me I enjoy the agonies and traumas that they subject me to. And even say what a hard life I have.

For some reason I am not going to stop!!!!!!!!!!

Walter said

So yesterdayI posted up a little chat and some replies mentioned my isolated geographic location being a possible issue.

So I was wondering just how far would you as a model or a photographer be willing to travel to get the right shot or model to work with ?

Walter

As a model, I'd happily travel anywhere for a shoot - I'd just need my travel expenses covered. I love to see different places and shooting gets me out and about to places that I may not otherwise see. 

As a photographer (OOAK ) I would also travel anywhere to get the right shot or model to work with. The only thing that holds me back is available spare time, and money for fuel (and confidence too I guess).

I live in a fairly isolated location - West Wales is not easy to get to. It's 2 hours to drive to North Wales, or the English border, or to South Wales. That's part of the beauty and appeal too though. It's very secluded, quiet, under developed... But shhh don't tell everyone - I'd like to keep the riff-raff out.... Most photographers I work with usually come to me, and will have travelled 2 hours at the very least. I'm booked because of my isolated geographic location. They come because of my knowledge of the locations in my area and my ability to work and interact in these different locations.

art65 said

I have only done 2 shoots where I have had to travel. 3 if you count the shooting holiday in Cornwall which I hosted. That isn't to say that I won't. However, I am concerned by the uncontrlable variables such as weather. What if I drive all the way to Wales to do a location shoot and it rains constantly? No indoor space to shoot in = stuffed :(

 art65 Yes the weather is uncontrollable and a major factor in putting people off from travelling a long way to do a location shoot. For me, I am relaxed about cancelling or rearranging shoots, because of this. Not every model is so accommodating, but those who understand this should be. For a location shoot, the weather can really make or break it. For people who travel a long way and have to book somewhere to stay, it's much more of an issue. I do have back up options, such as a few derelict buildings - but this is not always appropriate or of interest to some. Forestry provides some shelter. There are not many studios in this area either, so choice is limited. However, in the near future, I hope to be able to provide accommodation and a studio space for any photographers visiting me, which will make it less of a risk for those who are travelling a long way and weather dependent. For models who are able to shoot from home, a change of plan from a location shoot to a boudoir shoot, and you've not wasted your time or money.

I'd also like to mention that sometimes what some may think as adverse weather can actually be wonderful to shoot in - if you are open minded and creative enough! I've modelled in the pouring rain - also photographed other models in heavy rain too on other separate occasions. Dull days provide an even flat light and beautiful softness. Bright harsh sunshine gives a wonderful play of light and shadow through windows in derelict buildings... throw some dust, and let it catch the light... High winds and rain - get up onto a hillside or on the beach with long lengths of silk or chiffon. Windswept and wet hair plastered on the face. Approaching storms give you a dramatic sky. So what if it rains hard a few minutes later - just make sure you're shooting somewhere where you can shelter. Landscapes with a foreboding sky are very beautiful! I love the inky steely blue! :) You just need to be flexible and go with the flow, and what's happening in that moment... For location work, with specific ideas that would only work with certain variables, then yes without any flexibility, you risk disappointment, it is true, sadly. 

Edited by Leaf

Edited by Leaf

Edited by Leaf

Weymouth. From Sheffield, for an 8 hour shoot. It was worth it, in every way. My motto is 'Whatever is required for the next shoot, wherever'...

Leaf it was a blast from start to finish, you took me to some amazing locations and the final set in the farm house will live me me forever - thank you.

art65 the beauty of shooting in the landscape is the ever changing weather, the seasons, the light, embrace it, work with it don't fight it.

 Provided travel and accommodation paid anywhere

Leaf  and Donald Sutherland Sutherland. Yes over the summer I learned to deal with harsh light and now I am also becoming more competent shooting in low light. I have had to be in my last 3 shoots if as I did want to shoot in natural light. :)

Edited by art65

I live in West London and have travelled up to the Peak District for a shoot 3 times. One of my favourite destinations now.