References for GaryMac Photography

Jayne Horror

Another fab shoot!

Shooting something alittle different but super fun! Always enjoy my shoots with Gary! :)

Highly highly recommended to any model!

Looking forward to the next couple we have booked!

Thanks again :)

Jayne Horror

Lost count of how many shoots we’re on, but another great session, more rope work doing different ties and set ups! Always a fun time, highly recommended to other models! Thanks again! :)

Teigan

I recently shot with Gary at his studio in Manchester with my sister Rose.

Firstly I want to start by saying Gary is super lovley and very welcoming. He was a fantastic host at his studio and ensured we were comfortable throughout.

We had the most relaxed, fun yet efficient shoot and from what I have seen so far, we got some incredible shots!

Gary is extremely creative and has many cool ideas that were so fun to take part in.

I can't wait to see more images and will hopefully get the opportunity to work with Gary again in the future.

Thanks again, Ember ☺️Xx

Jayne Horror

Another fantastic shibari shoot with Gary!

Another suspension done and feeling more confident!

Always enjoy our shoot’s together & always excited for the next, highly recommended to all models!

Thanks again :)

Forest Pixie.

Incredible first shoot with Gary at my friends studio in Wrexham brilliant communication pre during and after the shoot we did a variety of sets in the four hours and achieved some spectacular images he is a joy to work with and I cannot wait for the next shoot.

Liv Wild

Gary Gary!!! First time I've worked with him as a beginner model and.... What an incredible person! Fantastic relationship with this true gent. We created some wonderful shots with the help and direction from him! Thankyou for giving me such a confidence boost to the beginning of my career 🖤

Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location

Gary came to Basford Hurst Cottage to shoot with Artemis Fauna as part of her studio day.

Gary is warm, friendly and very knowledgeable about photography. He captured many beautiful images of Artemis (seen here on his profile) and was great fun to be around.

Gary was respectful of our location, making sure everything was kept tidy and looked after.

I would have no hesitation reccomending Gary and I hope to meet him again soon!!

MR. NPR

Morning All,

Leaving my First Reference For GaryMac.

I had the opportunity to work with Gary Yesterday on a 6 hour studio booking at Rainbow Studio's. Gary was welcoming and extremely helpful with carrying our bags up to the studio as well as being kind enough to ply us with as much tea and coffee as one would like.

On to his work and style of working i found it to be a very relaxed working environment as he lay out his guidelines and levels he maintains on a shoot which was very pleasing as it showed just how professional he is and how serious he takes his work. Has an array of lighting equipment and camera's he is very knowledgeable when it comes to set ups and positioning of prop use and lighting use.

I had a excellent time and i highly recommended GaryMac if you have the time and chance to be booked by him.

Till the next one.

Have a blessed time.

Kind regards

Mr Npr

Elodie Rose

I shot with Gary for the first time yesterday at his studio (Rainbow Studio). And what a pleasure it was.

The theme was sexy boudoir working closely with the awesome Mr NPR. Gary had taken the time to really think about our shoot and how it would progress from start to finish, really telling a story. We were greeted with a fantastic moodboard and pre-coms were great.

Gary is a very warm and welcoming host/photographer making sure Mr NPR and I were happy and comfortable throughout. He plied us with plenty of tea and coffee and the banter was hilarious between the three of us.

6 hours flew by and we have created some stunning imagery. I can’t wait to show the pictures to the world.

Thank you so much for an amazing shooting I had a blast.

It goes without saying 100% recommended.

Jayne Horror

Our second shoot together!

Always enjoy our shoots, and would highly recommend to any model.

Worked on some great Shibari concepts that I think we’ve nailed!

Looking forward to the next, thanks again :)

Jayne Horror

Responded to a casting of Gary’s and we went from there!

Pre shoot communication was fantastic, had a clear idea of what we were doing, and through it again on the day.

Felt relaxed and comfortable throughout, full of chat and lots of coffee, which is always a bonus!

Would highly recommend to any model, thanks again and look forward to the next one! :)

Blackswann_Modelportfolio

And finally I met Garry again for home shoot. It has been too long since I last met him. It was my pleasure to host the shoot at home studio.

One thing that stands out - Garry comes always prepared, prior giving ideas, which always makes my job easier for preparing.

In 6 hrs we really managed the record amount of sets - and somehow everything worked.

Also want to point out Garrys' patience and actual skill to capture you as you move.

I was looking at my own posing sequence - and I realised I was posing way too fast - but that never was an issue to Garry - all the best shots we wanted to achieve - were achieved.

We squeezed the most out of 6 hrs and I am utterly proud of the work gained and feeling very inspired for the next shoot.

Photographer is respectful with you at all times, all images showed and without hesitation deleted if shot has been a miss. One of the most delightful collegue in the business - respectful, down to earth, eager to experiment, creative ideas - perfect combination - therefor highly recommended for new models and also experienced models as well.

5 ***** 🌟 - thank you very much indeed- and see you very soon.

Cariad Celis

I had the most awesome experience shooting with Gary recently on a Tank Space day, I felt so lucky to have been invited along after another model couldn't make it. I had never done underwater modelling before, so I knew it was a risk for Gary and the other photographers but I hope it paid off for them :) After a few attempts I got into the flow and with working with such a great team and wonderful people with patience, it was one of the best experiences I have had as a model!

Thank you so much Gary! It was great to work with you and I really hope we will work together again soon, either underwater or on land!

Highly recommended!

Keira Lavelle

Beginning of the year (an atrociously late ref, but everyone else is getting one so Gary is getting spammed too! 😅) We shot at TankSpace!!!!!!

It all happened so quick; I was actually a stand-in model for the event which was setup as a small group of photographers who knew each other/worked it between them. I have to say I think this worked incredibly well because it is a venue that everyone yearns to shoot at, but because of the niche facilities and extreme physical demand of the work it is somewhere that is normally accessed as part of a big group or event that the venue set up themselves. On this occasion it was a great atmosphere and workflow because of the familiarity everyone had.🥰 Best way to do it if you can... And I mean if Mr. McIver is going, need I say more? 🤣

A lively day; photographers, models, venue hosts constantly moving around. Not as much time to grab extended conversation as you might do on a normal one-to-one *vanilla* shoot... But you just knew Gary had arrived went the hilarious banter started occurring from the models that knew him. He's a great character, and a brilliantly fun candidate to have on a day like this. 😊 It was nice that everyone knew who each other was (even if not in-person then through virtual means) as this created a good group rapport from the start. But throw in a McIver to not stop talking at any point as long as the camera isn't to his face then you're going to have a good atmosphere!

The day was creative beyond words... I was in awe at my fellow models all going into the water with completely different looks and ideas! The photographers getting a whole range of different shot opportunities. At one point I started faffing with a little ornament prop to try to be clever with bubbles. It's hard to see when you are in the dip if it worked or not (or just looked a bit odd) but hurraaahhhh! Gary got a killer of a shot of this Keira randomness 😍 among several other really beautiful shots doing artsy things in the water and living that best mermaid life. Another fabulous setting to have shot with Gary in - TankSpace is in the bag!

I owe him a lot more spammage for shoots since this so I'll just wrap up by saying he's a bit of a legend and made marvellous work of a few models-turned fish! 😜

He's a good un! So glad you came along for the day Gary! A superb and very well organised sesh with great peeps. What can I say!

Another "in group format" recommendation from me. 🙂

Scarlot Rose

I never know whether I should look forward to or dread a shoot with Gary, he's one of the few people out there in the photography world to match my levels of crazy and he certainly keeps me on my toes (or rolling on the floor in laughter is maybe more accurate).

Gary was due to join myself and Edson Caballero on our partner acrobatics / acroyoga workshop yesterday at AURA. Unfortunately days before the event Gary fell ill with COVID and thought he'd have to miss the whole thing. A bit of juggling and creative workarounds later and he was able to virtually join the event remotely.

That is commitment if I ever did see it! While I was stressed out to the max ahead of the event trying to make everything work, Gary was so chill and laid back and reassuring throughout!

On the day, he was able to still have his input and get some insane shots while also bringing his sassy attitude from the safety of his home!

I can't thank him enough for his patience and the joy he brought to the day, despite being incredibly ill.

Sending all my best wishes for a speedy recovery and a huge THANK YOU for everything you brought to make the day an absolute blast!

Highly recommended, and I always love to shoot with Gary (but don't tell him I said that!) ;)

Keira Lavelle

Gary came to Norway!!!!! Imma say that again - GARY CAME TO NORWAY!!!!!! 😄🥳🏔

We are literally talking 3 days of road tripping, mountainous fjord landscapes, Northerners-style chin-wagging, nomming on tummy-filling grub (local cuisine plus Yorkshire chef style!), spectacular waterfall torrents to take ones breath away, hiking squidgy moist terrain (those calf muscles still hate us!), accommodation for perfect viewing of neighbouring 3000 foot rocks getting snow-capped, sideways rain (only one day mind you!☂), historical site monuments, more judgemental sheep than the North of England and Wales put together and the odd moose!? 🤷‍♀️

It's always better though when you can execute all the above craziness with such splendid enthused photographer company - and probably a candidate who has the right level of craziness himself to think: "hell yeah, that sounds like a great idea!" No Gary's were harmed in the making of this trip - but I have no comments for the possibility that we may/may not have egged each others insanity levels further on a (positive) downhill spiral to seize some of the UTTERLY SPECTACULAR pictures and memories that were made on this memorable slot for the Arts Voyage exclusive one-to-one photographic holiday in Norway. So Gary, before your feedback is immersed in a sea of rambling about our adventures - thank you SOOO VERY MUCH for joining me on this trip! It was beyond all possible alternative OTT descriptions for *BLOODY BRILIANT* having you on board, Yorkshire Oath!🌟

How it started...

🙂 Gary and I briefly chat when event first set up, uncertainties at this stage but lovely feedback/comms from Gary nonetheless.

😬 CRAZY year follows, pandemic running rife... Trips cancelled left-right-centre.

😮 Summer passes, actual optimism for my self-hosted Arts Voyage trip to Norway happening safely?

😃 Gary and I chat again/catch up - circumstances meaning Gary able to join for Norway?! Overjoyed Keira!!!

🤯 Anxiously waiting for official *green lights* etc. to confirm we can actually go legally/safely.

😍 THE TRIPS HAPPENING!!!! GET YO' CAMERA AND FAVOURITE FLUFFY SOCKS GARY!

🏃‍♀️ Keira hosts two other one-to-one photographer slots before the Gary dude! Gary's communication utterly pristine - no stone unturned.

✈ Gary arrives in sub-tropical Northern NORWAY! Keeping Keira in the loop every step of the way until meet up point.

📅 Day one of the adventure - the Norway weather gods seek to put Gary's endurance to the test. The day we decide to hike 14km - the gods so kindly bash us with wind/rain. Gary still smiling the whole way as we seek that little bridge for WONDROUS windswept imagery, and trek on a giant bouncy castle covered with soggy foliage. THE GANGSTER WAY!

🕯 Complete day 1 shenanigans with serene and peaceful themed candlelit ambience within a spa image set back at the ranch - total creative contrast! The Northerners passed the test (with the best of mutual experience living around Yorkshire/Lancashire where it chucks it down all the time and blows a hoolie on a regular basis!) The land and weather miraculously settles.

🌞 Day 2 - very thoughtful of the sun to make an appearance! When we're not hiking a stretch too! Alas welcomed with open arms for a dramatic Viking queen theme, followed by a marathon of panoramic mountain ranges reflected in watery mirrors, urbex "Hotel California" vibes and sunset ballgown elegance... We were ON IT! The momentum was in the best zone and Gary snatched it all from the individual artistic moment to full story-boards throughout a set of images.

🏞 Day 3 - enter gigantic waterfalls (and also mummy waterfall - as named by Gary who confirmed it really wasn't a baby waterfall!) Here we smash some of the most iconic forces of nature that one thinks about when they think of such a beautiful place as Northern Norway! Gary didn't even need a guided tour of the locations, he was already in full adventure mode by this point exploring the best places to position himself and nail the most dramatic of composition possibilities.

🌳 We wrapped it up with cute pictures amid the woods and rock frames, miscellaneous stops before calling it a splendid finale' on a genuinely awe-inspiring time away in one of the most beautiful places on this earth that I have seen. GaryMac Photography will go down in history!

So that's basically our latest shoot together. 😀 It's a little more extravagant than the average tale to tell/reference to give for a shoot - but seriously... Every word deserved!🌟 Gary is not only a finely exceptional photographer who is a clear pro at adapting to his surroundings and making the conditions work to give him beautiful art, he's a bloomin' sound guy too! Professional to the core, as respectful as they come. And not forgetting: a bloody good laugh! 😂

I thank you again Gary - this 3 days was something else! So glad to have had you in Norway with Arts Voyage!📷

Highly recommend this photographer - but I think y'all guessed that! 😛

Keira

Rachelle Summers

Well myself and Gary (accompanied by his photography wife Dave haha) have had some rather interesting adventures in to the Welsh countryside in the past, but yesterday definitely blew all of those out the water.

That of course being the perfect phrase because we definitely weren't short on water hahaha!! We went from rain, to heavy rain, to torrential rain! But we battled through and despite sporting the drowned rat look it was absolutely fabulous to catch up with him in person, and the rain definitely didn't get in the way of us having a lovely day out catching up AND it didn't stop us getting some images haha! So I'll take that as a win considering how bad the weather was haha!

Seriously though Gary is such a kind soul, a true gentleman and one of my favourite people in the industry. I always look forward to working with him and hope it's not too much longer until our next adventure!

Highly, highly recommended!

Rachelle Summers

Another amazzzzing remote shoot with the lovely Gary!

I didn't think we could top of last one to be honest, but boy did we manage! This last shoot was Helmut Newton inspired and from the off set me and Gary were doing our usual of getting wayyyyy too excited and sending each other a tonne of images haha! The shoot itself from start to finish just had such a creative buzz that it felt like I blinked and the time was up!

I am over the moon with the images from the shoot, just goes to show that remote shoots can be just as creative and produce epic results :D

I can't wait to work with Gary in person again, but have to thank him for two wonderful remote shoots to keep the creativity flowing whilst we've been locked down! Highly, highly recommended by me!

Rachelle Summers

I've worked with Gary sooooo many times over the years, but this most recent shoot was a little bit different! Due to the current circumstances we had our first remote shoot together!

We were working from a premium location I had hired for the tour, and had use of some incredible classic cars too! Gary sent me his ideas ahead of time and I was SO excited for the entire month leading up to it - time wasn't going quick enough haha!

Armed with my husband as assistant, and a vintage wardrobe I bought especially for our shoot to suit the styling we were going for, our shoot was a great success! Our remote shoot was just as creative and collaborative as any of our in person shoots and we had a good old laugh and catch up in the meantime.

It was so lovely for Gary to be a part of the start of my remote journey after knowing each so long, and I can't wait for our next shoot together be it remotely or in person again :D

Highly recommended!

Keira Lavelle

Meeeeeeep!!! I was honestly too buzzing for words that Gary was up for setting up a remote shoot when I’d finally given myself a suitable kick-up-the-backside and got my system in working place! Gosh if I’d have know about all the stupendous images that would come from our shoot alone then I’d have done it waaayyyy sooner just for this one individual shoot! :D

Gary is always a star to work with. It’s written in stone, and basically common knowledge across the model community (check his other references!) But to shoot with Gary in a brand new location we hadn’t shot yet (my home) and with the vivid inspiration backing us, which I think is a definite by-product of remote shooting where you do just seem to go for it as a team to make the ‘virtual‘ magic work - well t’was destined to be next-level wasn’t it really. :P This man is a brilliant photographer, and ideas machine, and techy-star... Is input just added so much “POW” to our shoot - literally, how did I not think to climb inside my wardrobe full of clothes (and cats at some points) until Gary suggested it? Pure mega-mind awesomeness that. :D As was the 60’s Pinup vibe in the kitchen, the atmospheric boudoir (and duo with the tiger) set, the window light strap-tastic lingerie set, the “harassing my staircase set. Yes, one wonders very much how we fit it all in - but when you’re working with top notch people (ahem; Gary McIver) then it all becomes possible. Magic antidote stuff that. :)

So I hope I’ve made it very clear that this gentleman is BIG on teamwork, and values what every model can bring - but knowing, at the same time, where he needs to be going in his photography to get those killer shots. :) I do need to emphasis more how Gary is extremely savvy behind the camera tho - even when the shoot is remotely set up and he’s not physically in the room. He just knows light and how it behaves - taking every reflective surface into account in a milli-second of a thought and smashing the settings as per the scene. It’s the one remote shoot I’ve done which actually felt more like a “real/in-person” shoot that any other... Purely because Gary was straight on-it with all the technicalities, so I just did my thing and Gary shot away! It was really nice actually being able to do my faster-pace repertoire with all the energy that usually bursts out of working this way. :D But that said: Gary is very adaptable and able to work to the preferred pace of everyone he may shoot with.

Entirely good-hearted, pre-shoot comms on-pointe, the biggest laugh ever (and the coolest photographer you could think to hang out with on a Friday afternoon! 🤷‍♀️) And very importantly: he is decent through-and-through and completely professional/safe. This will have been said time and time again by many models - just check for yourselves! :)

Thank you so much Gary! What a shoot - no words!

Keira