References for John McNairn

Roswell Ivory

After a gap of a few years, I had the great privilege of shooting with John again during my recent tour of Scotland. We shot a wide range of images for both his own projects and mine, and I was so, so happy with the images I saw in the camera! He's such a genuinely lovely person- took the time to pick me up and drop me off at the station and made sure I was comfy and well supplied with snacks and drinks for the shoot.

His pre-shoot communication is excellent and during the shoot he's as much of a perfectionist as I am so while it takes a little time to get the lights and position, the results are absolutely spot-on, knock-your-socks-off awesome!

I'd work with him again any time and recommend all other models do too! Thankyou again, John! :)

KatyB (Katex)

i finally got the chance to work with John on my recent Scotlnd tour.

He was extremely helpful with his pre communications and my many questions!

I had only heard of good things about him by my good friend Helen who hes worked with a few times. He has a wicked sense of humour, is so respectful and makes sure youre comfortable and fed.

His work is am amazingv and it was great to see him in action, hes a perfectionist which i got along with very well, being one myself! So we did the same shot over and over until we were both convinced it was perfect.

Hes brilliant with lighting and his ideas of poses he makes clear, which makes my job easier to get the shot he wants.

I wouldnt hesistate in the slightest to recommend him to any model, new or experienced.

Thanks for being a big part of making my Scotland tour enjoyable!

Katy

Keira Lavelle

Who invited this one along!?! :P It’s okay – he brought me AMAZING chilli Rooibos tea so we’re all good!

Putting my utterly immature silliness to one side for just a moment – John is a legend to work with. Whether it’s in the studio down in Fife, out on the beach, or on the PhotoClassic Art Nude In The Landscape workshop (as with the latest time working together). It was very happy news indeed to hear that John was due to attend the most recent Easter event because not only is he a complete gem of a person and great company to be in any day of the week – he’s a flippin’ awesome photographer too and totally bound to make magic in the endless variety of locations that Assynt of the Scottish Highlands had to offer. 

John is the very definition of kind, down-to-earth and professional in a photographer. Anyone just needs to have quick read of his other references from various models to see how highly though-of he is among the model community. He knows exactly what he wants to achieve when he shoots and comes along with fabulous ideas/conjures up super-cool visions as stories as he’s shooting and it was no different when e got our designated shooting time on the event. Something just switches on in his brain when he sees the moment as the models get into their poses – he directs beautifully and has sassier pose demo’s than all of us did put together! :P

Most days, we were up in the early hours… up on a mountain top before the sun had even gotten out of bed! But the laughs were still rife, the banter and the fun vibes just made it all a terrific adventure – John was most certainly a part of that and is such a sport who brightens the mood at any ungodly hour in the morning! We had the usual sit-downs too over dinner and in the workshop reviews where everyone could be social and extend on the banter – just awesome. It was a true blast getting to work with John on the workshop and working together again (in any scenario) is always something I deeply look forward to.  Very much recommended – only because I want to know where he got the tea from! :P But seriously too.

Keira

PhotoClassic

I have met John briefly several times over the years, mostly in passing as we deliver touring models to one another and occasionally during judging or talking visits to camera clubs he is a member of but this is the first time we had actually worked together.

John attended my Art Nude In The Landscape Experience in the far north Highlands, with four top models. It was clear from the start that John was determined to get as much out of the event as possible, which always makes an organiser's job easier. I expected someone of John's experience to bring his own ideas into the mix in the shoots and was not disappointed. Add to that valuable input in discussions and good humour and conversation over dinner and all in all it was great to have John along.

John's attitude towards the safety and comfort of the models and his relaxed but precise direction of the models demonstrated exactly what I hoped less experienced photographers would take away from the experience.

Any models considering working with John should jump at the chance. His experience, skill and attitude to model safety and comfort in all conditions mean you will have a great shoot and produce top notch images.

Highly recommended

Scarlot Rose

I've admired John's work for quite some time now and was thrilled to hear he was joining for the PhotoClassic 'Art Nude in the Landscape' workshop earlier this week in the Scottish Highlands.

John was such a good laugh, easy to get along with, polite and respectful and an amazing photographer!! I saw so many incredible shots on the back of his camera and since he has begun posting some of the most beautiful imagery online!

I was very grateful for the opportunity to work together and would happily recommend him based on our interactions!

Thank you John!

Scarlot :)

Rachelle Summers

I've worked with John numerous times over the years, so was really chuffed when I heard he was going to be one of the participants on the Photoclassic 'Art nude in landscape' workshop this Easter!

He brought so much to the group, and having done these workshops for years now I have never seen a photographer get as creativly involved as he did, it really was a breath of fresh air to the event! Rather than just clicking away and waiting for the models to pose he would come up with a concept and was full of ideas for us, which is always really welcome when 4 models are trying to work out how to pose together! (and he even demonstrate poses - never fails to make me giggle haha)

John is such a lovely guy, really friendly and looks after his models incredibly well :)

It was lovely catching up with him and shooting with him again, hope to see hm on my next venture North!

Highly recommended by me :)

Helen Diaz

Aw I adore John! He is such a talented photographer and a great artist to work with! I always look forward to working together. It had been a while since our last shoot as our timetables didn't match so it was so lovely to catch up! It didn't feel like any time had passed at all and it always feels like I am visiting an old friend.

John is very gifted in photography, gives great direction and produces a beautiful lighting set up. The shoot is very laid back but equally productive. I absolutely loved the lighting set ups together and the wardrobe changes, using some of Johns clothing and props also.

The studio that John uses is also very comfortable and a gorgeous space to use! John is so thoughtful and kind.

The results were stunning and some very quirky, memorable shots that truly stand out and are extra special! I look forward to seeing future uploads!

If you get the opportunity to work with John, definitely take it! Such a kind, funny, endearing man! I adore you Mr McNairn, until the next time!

The highest recommendation to all,

Helen x

Ivory Flame

I've shot with John so many times over the years and every time is such a pleasure. He is a gem. A wonderful, friendly, balmy, creative soul, with a heart of gold.

Whether out in the ocean, in the forest, on the beach, in the studio, on a workshop - it's always fun-filled, wonderfully collaborative and so productive! He is always respectful, considerate and easy going, and the results are fantastic every time.

I can highly recommend you work with him at any opportunity :-D I'm very honoured to know him!

Keira Lavelle

Another superbbbbbbb shoot with John in the bag! Every opportunity I have had to work with this amazing human has been an indescribable blast - the very epitome of how any shoot should be. Literally just repeating myself and reiterating what any other model will confirm - John is such a sweet person as well as a sensational photographer and it is always a good day when I manage to work with him on one of my tours of Scotland. :D

We managed to catch each other in December this time, so another madly innovative seshh in the studio! :P Now John has literally such high notoriety for his sublime artistic work and makes the shots beautiful without even thinking... But he is always stretching across different creative avenues as well and taking on new challenges with ideas, so every occasion working with him is exceptional inspiring because there will be a brief to explore which gets that excitable teamwork flow going/or it can be something which makes you really work/think to achieve it which is all part of the fun of creating too. John always works unquestionably hard as well to perfect the lighting for every pose, he has a natural eye for flawlessness in his work which undoubtedly influences the positively productive vibe on the shoot. Because, no matter how tricky or challenging a particular pose/shot may be - when you see it looking the business in the back of the camera, the thrill could bring down the building!

Now as well as the usual creativity-rammed half day, I also had the pleasure of modelling for John on a portrait workshop the same evening for his Camera Club group. It was a lovely group of photographers that he introduced me to before we got cracking and the pace was still as relaxed and easy going as ever. :D John knows his stuff so it was really nice to work with him in this format and be helpful to other photographers who wanted to learn and go away with extra bits of knowledge. John being the super-social chap that he is means that he really led the evening well and still encouraged the same fun rapport that we've had on all our other shoots, which is great because the attendees saw that portraiture photography with a model can actually be a super cool and enjoyable team process. Even on such a shoot where it is more scheduled for specific things for learning, the time went so quickly and I was still full of energy to the last minute! This is despite us working to 10pm, but working with John just fills you with positive energy! :)

As usual: I received the same kind and generous treatment which really makes you feel appreciated as a model. It's routine now that when we meet at the local train station, the first stop is the shop to pick up munchies/lunch. I had to drag John out of the donut isle mind you, we'd never have got any work done otherwise! Then it's brew time: which is pretty regular throughout the entire duration of the shoot! Being well-looked after goes so far, it's amazing how much you rock the shoot when you are in a good and comfortable working environment from the start. :) Also this time I was also kindly hosted by John and his wife the evening after our shooting had come to a close. This helped me so much because it meant I wasn't worrying about getting to my accommodation late at night and had a short journey with a safe base where I could be picked up by my next photographer the following morning.

There's never any shortage of positive things to say about this wonderful photographer. He really is a star!

Thank you so much John!

Keira

Rachelle Summers

My umpteenth shoot with John having actually lost count of how many times we have shot over the years - and as usual it was super :D

I always look forward to working with John, he is. one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of meeting in this industry. He really cares about the safety and well being of models, will look after you incredibly well and is absolutely hilarious too haha! He always has me laughing on set :)

Not only that but we have created some absolutely incredible images over the years too and this shoot was no different :D

Definitely recommended by me :)

Thanks for another incredible shoot John!

Lilith Etch

Recommended!

I was super happy to work with John!

We created so much awesome stuff at our shoot together, I love how there was space for me to be creative and do my absolute best - and with great laughs and fun during the whole shoot!

During our shoot I also felt very safe and respected.

After the shoot he sent me all of the finished images so I could, if I wanted, use them for my portfolio and marketing - very appreciated.

If you get a chance to work with him - do take it!

Artemis Fauna

Yet another amazing shoot with John- love working with him and over the years we have produced so many super images- each shoot so different.

Love the results and loved the shoot- a nice variety of classic, funky, pretty and fun!

Thank you so much John, love working with you. Until next time... :)

Scarlet Jones said...

Had a great shoot with John and Dioone in the studio ... Johns communication is top class with a shoot arranged in just a few emails . John is a great guy with a good sense of humour but is also a great professional with models safety and comfort in mind . We got through several sets and lighting changes allowing us to have a diverse shoot . I had a lot of fun and John certainly knows his stuff . Ive seen the back of the camera images and it just makes me super excited to see the edits coming through. John is ace and I would 100% recommend him to shoot with . Until next time Jessica x

tigerbelle

Shoot number two for myself and John and this was just as much fun!

We drove to a beach location where there was so much to use which was fantastic (derelict buildings, caves, a waterfall, rocks and a beautiful beach).

John is great at direction when needed and very clued up on shooting on location which really helps.

I think we accomplished a fair amount during the shoot but there was plenty of chatting and laughter too.

Thank-you, John ,for another fantastic shoot.

Definitely recommended! :D

Loreley

I worked with John for the first time on my Scotland tour earlier this week. He was an absolute pleasure to work with: picked me up at the hotel and drove me to the train station after the shoot, offered me plenty of snacks and tea and made sure I had enough breaks. John is 100% respectful, reliable and a gentleman. The only thing I found hard to do was to keep a straight face while he was telling jokes - and clicking the shutter at the same time! ;)

We worked on a number of nude and lingerie sets in his studio. John is a master of lighting and I've learnt some new cool things about the studio lighting from him!

I was very happy when I received a batch of edits super fast, and the images are amazing! I most highly recommend John to any model and would be very happy to work with him again.

Stephanie Dubois

Aaaaah John... what a superstar!

Shooting with John, having a brew with John is ace... John is Just ace!

I cant really say much ore than that really! He goes out of his way to make sure you have a great shoot!

John you're awesome... everybody needs to work with John!

Talli Lyndsey

I had the pleasure of working with John on a recent trip to Dundee at a studio shoot nearby where I was photographed by himself and Dionne. Though the booking and most of the arrangements were made by Dionne, I had occasional contact with John. I was contacted by him the day before the shoot offering to collect myself and partner/assistant Kris and take us to the studio. His communication was clear and polite and he arrived one time the following morning.

During our time on set, John made great effort to ensure I was comfortable, well in good health and hydrated.

More so, I cannot speak highly enough of johns skills of direction... not only does he have a clear vision of an image and understanding or the form, but he will actively display the pose for you ! Despite it often seeming comedic, this was honestly incredibly useful and appreciated.

I would gladly recommend John and greatly enjoyed working with him! Thank you

Mondo (Ray)

Ok so I was the student, not the model, but I see no reason why I shouldn't write a reference for John.

John held an art nude workshop today with the sublime Artemis Fauna as the model.

John's tutoring style was excellent. He was thorough yet relaxed and we got through a decent range of setups but also went to lengths of showing how things shouldn't be done and the reasons why.

I'd be happy to recommend John's workshops to anyone. Give him a shout and I'm sure he'll let you know of future events.

Thanks John.

Artemis Fauna

I got to work with John twice on my recent Scotland tour, yay! After missing out on catching up with him last year it was super nice to see him again and actually have our first ever 1-2-1 shoot!

John took me to an incredible location, OMG, it was awesome and we spent the day on the beach shooting some brilliant images. I loved it and was very inspired! Can't wait to see some of the images go up :D Thank you also for the lunch! A tasty way to end the shoot ;) Hehe.

The next morning I worked with John on one of his art nude workshops near Dundee. Like all the others I have done I was, warm, welcome, comfortable and not worked too hard! We got a lot done in the time and produced some super images (one of which I have just used on here and has gone down very well)

So all in all I thoroughly enjoyed our shoots. We nattered, created awesome and had a great time. I really hope we can do it again next year!

Thank you, John :) :)

Gem

What an absolutely fabulous day this was! John is great company, a great photographer with great ideas... need I say more? He organised the whole day perfectly, and when we shot the images we got were gorgeous. Thanks John, you were a pleasure to work with. Super recommended! Hope to again in 2018 :D