References for MAB Photography Pembrokeshire

Olivia75

Had a wonderful shoot with Mike last Thursday. He is very friendly and caring gentleman as well as the best organised photographer I`ve ever met( he even when through my references and noticed that I like chocolate!). When I arrived, he had a folder ready with his ideas Although we couldn`t recreate all of them due to time shortage, we still had a great time and hope we will have a chance to shoot again. Highly recommend to all models.

Ashleigh Taylor

Had my second shoot with Mike and it was a rather experimental one!

Again with a shoot plan and structure of how the day was going to be planned out, we covered almost everything what we planned!

Mike's very creative and will go the extra mile on capturing the image he had in mind. We explored with the projected - which unfortunately didn't go to plan, but covered basic lingerie/ boudior and explored with fabrics!

Again, a lovely relaxed shoot with Mike as standard and I'm certainly impressed with the outcome of the images! I would happily continue working with Mike. Highly recommended, especially for new starters as a shoot day with Mike is super rewarding

Model_saffron.evans (LadyXplain)

I had the pleasure of working with Mike for the second time recently and where do I begin.

His pre communications are always so in depth that is really allows you to have a very precise vision for how things will turn out on the day.

Our initial ideas were for some boho hippy festival fashion type sets.

He is so wonderfully creative and also allows you to have your own creative freedom witch is always a bonus.

We also did some experimental stuff with fabrics and projector patterns that worked beautifully.

Shoot 3 already in discussion.

I can't reccommend Mike enough he's a true gentleman worn such a passion for how work.

A true joy to work with.

Should you have the opportunity to work with Mike I'd grab onto it.

You won't be disappointed.

Thanks again for a wonderful second shoot Mike.

Leaf

Fifth shoot with Mr MAB! :) This time, at Studio MAB!

I was absolutely buzzing after this shoot. A whirlwind of ideas from start to finish. Once again, we ended up with more ideas and not enough time. But that's always the sign of a good shoot...

I had clear instructions on how to get to Mike's house, and of what to expect. We had already discussed plans and our ideas... Mike's organisational skills are top notch! Upon arrival, I was made to feel most welcome. His home is warm, comfortable, and well set out with a mini home studio and all the comforts and amenities that a model could want or need. I was fed and watered most adequately - Mike has a great taste in teas which I was impressed with! I felt most at home there. He's a wonderful host.

It's just so fun to work with someone so eager to try out everything. Working with Mike is like a breath of fresh air, it really is. We worked with clay - something I have been wanting to do again for ages, as I know how fun that is - and also shadow work, using his projector. That is something I'd not done before - so I was chuffed to bits there. I always learn something from experimental shoots like this. As a model, it's nice to take away ideas and feel like I've learnt something from a shoot.

We also did various other scenarios which mostly all stem from Mike's humour and play on words, which is right up my street. I really enjoyed every second. I'm not really a 'studio model' - however, working with Mike, it's very different - not like any other studio shoot I've done - and I cannot wait for the next one!

As stated in my other four references, Mike is a real gentleman, and I can wholeheartedly recommend him to any model. Roll on shoot number six! :)

Many thanks Mike!

Ashleigh Taylor

I had the pleasure of working Mike yesterday and he has honestly been a delight throughout!

After responding to my casting call, me and Mike had arranged a 3 hour shoot at his studio in his home. Mike and sent me a full plan of the shoot, images he was after, ideas, basis he would like to cover and I amazed with how well structured the day was planned ready - honestly so refreshing.

I had a warm welcome upon arrival, we went over the planned day with printed copies of desired images and some of my portfolio work of what he would like to capture.

Mike is a credit to photographers, he made sure at all times that the photos had come out perfectly to his eye, making sure the lighting was correct eg. In every photo.

He is an absolute gentlemen, Mike made me aware that he kept his distance in regards to the 'no touching models' policy, making sure people were aware of where I am, safety etc. Mike took time and dedication with the set, lighting and images, making sure he captured what he wanted.

I absolutely enjoyed working with Mike, his creative side came out and were were in our elements! We created images which Mike had experimented and I just loved the whole concept. All in all, the images came out superbly!

After time went by we were aware that time just flew way to quick and we hadn't even covered most of what we wanted to do. So we have planned to shoot again with combining our creative sides!

Mike is a gentleman at heart and a very professional photographer, I would highly recommend shooting with Mike and I'm really looking forward to our next shoot!

Model_saffron.evans (LadyXplain)

Had a wonderful shoot with Mike yesterday after he applied for one of my castings. He welcomed me into his home and made me feel very at ease. He was happy to go with a few of my random ideas that came to mind when he showed me some beautiful fabrics he had it really created something beautiful on the shoot. Ha has a great set up with multiple props to use if needed. He was very polite and was very enthusiastic in his work and showed me how the shore were looking at the back of the camera throughout the shoot. Ideas flowed easily between us and he had some wonderful creative ideas of his own. Already planning our next shoot. Highly recommend working with Mike, a true professional I look forward to working with him again.

Leaf

My fourth shoot with Mike - and possibly our most creative so far - it totally ticked all the boxes for me!

Once again, Mike had clear ideas of what he wanted to do, and we discussed these beforehand through emails and phone calls, and then also on the day before we started too. The level of detail was fantastic - I understood what he wanted to achieve - all I had to do was to come up with suitable locations that were right for the task in hand.

Shoots with Mike are unique and totally different to any other shoots that I've done over the past three and a half years. There are not many photographers who have such creative concepts, and embrace such strange and crazy ideas - and there are no other photographers who bring more props than me to a shoot either - but Mike wins hands down where props are concerned, and that is saying something!! (I'm famous for random props - but I think Mike should get the top prize for this!).

So anyway, laden with a car full of random props, we headed off down some back roads to "just round the next corner" where there was a lovely grubby and rotten derelict cottage. However, after a short while we had to hot-foot it out of there due to the presence of a farmer. Fortunately, I knew of another location we could use, so we onwards we went. It was getting on in the day by this point, and Mike was a little concerned, having invested so much time, money, passion and mental energy into this shoot, with specific ideas. By the time we got to the next place, we didn't have a huge amount of good light left - it being rather overcast to say the least. However, my grotty-walled derelict location saved the day - as soon as we began shooting there, magic just happened. We both got really excited over the images we produced there! We worked through as many of the ideas as we could, working collaboratively together - and everything just seemed to flow! Having worked together three times before, I think we were at the point where we understand each other a lot more now, and it certainly makes for a more successful shoot! Mike was able to give good clear direction when needed, and we were able to make the most of the time we had. It was an extremely productive few hours!

It was really refreshing to make such creative imagery, rich with deep symbolism. It means a lot to me to create work like that, and also that Mike trusted me to help him bring his ideas to fruition. I also very much appreciate Mike investing in me to do this. Not only that, but it was an extremely enjoyable experience too! Totally right up my street! :) I would stick my neck out and go as far as to say the images we created are our best work so far....? They are certainly the most rewarding to me, on a personal level.

Mike is totally respectful at all times - the absolute gentleman. He's 100% trustworthy and treats models in exactly the way that they should be. The safety of the model is always his concern, as well as the well-being and comfort. At no point did I have any concerns with Mike, and I urge all models to contact me if they have any doubts before committing to a shoot with Mike.

Many thanks! :)

Charliee.

I shot with Mike on my Swansea tour, he was very friendly and easy to work with, we did lots of different sets and I’ve seen some of the results on his profile. I’d definitely work with him again if I’m in the area again, so I recommend him to all the creatives out there, thanks Mike :)

Leaf

My third shoot with Mike! :) Once again, he had specific ideas, which we discussed beforehand... So many creative and crazy ideas - it is just so refreshing to work with someone who is a little bonkers-mad and totally on the same wavelength as me for once! :)

So, with a car full of props such as an iron and ironing board, pan pipes, flute, parasols, and a mermaids tail to name but a few (!!), we drove down some long back roads to a secret waterfall location I had discovered a couple of days before....

Shooting with Mike is a wonderful experience - it's just so different to any other shoots - and the surrealness of some of the things we did just make me smile when I think back on them! Our 'extreme ironing' image had its technical difficulties, and I think we can expand on the idea in future, but I'm so proud of it too - no-one else has made an image like that - it is just so unique and off the wall!... Mike really does have some excellent ideas and he very much deserves credit for this! :)

I'm impressed with Mike's level of organisation - he brings a folder to each shoot, with lists, itinerary, images of ideas and locations printed out... the level of detail is exceptional... It's good to have such a plan for a shoot - whilst remaining flexible too - which Mike does! Working through the list also helps us to keep focus, and it's a wonderful challenge to bring each idea to life - even if things don't always go as we expect or hope - I feel that we learn from them. It's a good way of working! It's also rewarding to see the ideas through, from initial concept, to the finished image.

Once again I will re-iterate what I said in my previous references too - Mike is 100% recommended by me and is an absolute gentleman - treating models with total respect and dignity, allowing for privacy, respecting personal space and boundaries, and listening to the model and ensuring she is comfortable and safe at all times. Anyone who wants to ask me anything about my experiences with Mike is welcome to contact me personally and I can reassure anyone that what I write here is true.

Many thanks, Mike, for a wonderful and enjoyable day out!

Retro Rob

I had the pleasure of working with Mike at Open Space Studios on another stage of the Retro Rob and Melany tour .

Mike was a powerhouse of brilliant ideas adding detail and life to the images that I absolutely loved .

From what I could see from the back of the camera made me feel very proud of what had achieved I would definitely shoot with Mike again and hope to book something again real soon thank you so much .

Rob

M e l a n y

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mike on two consecutive days, firstly at a tango duo group shoot with Retro Rob at Open Space and then the following day at a Film Noir Workshop also modelling along side Rob.

Mike was so lovely to work with, full of fantastic ideas and lots of enthusiasm for both shoots. He brought along superb props which he willingly shared with the other photographers. He was great at communicating what he wanted from a shot and captured some stunning images.

I hope to get the opportunity to working with Mike again - maybe next time out on location! Thank you Mike for two excellent shoots, highly recommended :)

OpenSpace

We, again, had the pleasure of working with Mike when he attended both our Tango Bar duo shoot and Film Noir Workshop recently and, once again, what a pleasure it was to have Mike with us as his enthusiasm and creativity is boundless and his ability to absorb all the ideas presented and then, effortlessly, make them his own is awe-inspiring!

Mike is a wonderful person, as well as an amazing photographer, who brought along his own cool props which he, very generously, shared with the other participants together with a lot of his own ideas which was really appreciated by them and definitely contributed to making the two days' such a success and we can't thank you enough, Mike!

Thank you, Mike.

Emma_Willis

Had an awesome shoot with mike a while back! We went out to a local park and shot by a canal and a castle and then went back to mine for some lingerie and nude shots.

He’s a lovely photographer! Chatty, made me feel comfortable at all times and I love the photos from the shoot. He kindly let me use some for my social media and unsurprisingly they were a huge hit.

I really hope to work with him again in the future (even though I’m totally crap at leaving references 😆)

Leaf

My second shoot with Mike.... And just as wonderful as the first one! Everything I wrote in my first reference still stands (do take a look) - this kind and sweet gentleman is a real pleasure to work with and just one of the nicest people around! Even if I was to never model again, I would hope we still remain in touch, always!

Mike is open minded and very creative - working with someone who embraces narrative styles and the use of props is like a breath of fresh air to me! I love this playful style of photography! ☺

He's totally on my wavelength. I'm not sure if that means he's bonkers mad or not... Perhaps so - but ah what a wonderful madness we both have, should that be the case!

Mike really pushes himself to do this - both physically and mentally. I know how important this is to him, and just how much he puts in to his shoots - all the preparation etc..... It makes me endeavour to do my best for him, in return.

A superb collaborative and creative shoot - great fun - a perfect day - many thanks, Mike!

Wholeheartedly recommended to all models!

Jezebelle

Mike booked me at my very first and last studio day at OpenSpace, he is such a lovely fellow, who comes with all of the best ideas, the loveliest props and is a good natured whirlwind of a gent, who is ever so easy to get on with!

And the images look AMAZING :)

I'm so honoured to have worked with you sir, thank you for all the memories, the wonderful shoots and for being you!

OpenSpace

We had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mike for the first at OpenSpace studio recently and what a pleasure it was, too!

Mike is such a lovely person courteous, so appreciative and a perfect gentleman who just sparkles with massive creativity energy!

Mike is a very fine photographer whose shoot planning and pre-coms are superb plus his communication of his, very imaginative, ideas is sensitive and collaborative, at the same time, really upbeat and fun so keeping the interest going all the time.

We wouldn't hesitate to recommend him 100% and would gladly have him back at the studio anytime, hopefully soon. Thank you, Mike!

Leaf

Mike contacted me out of the blue, to enquire about a full day's shooting with me, focusing on nude in the landscape and also nude in derelict locations - two genres which I specialise in and am very passionate about. :) I am so very glad that he made contact!

I knew immediately from the first message that this was going to be a great shoot! Mike's communication is perfect - everything is well discussed beforehand. He had specific ideas and he conveyed well what he had in mind - including Pinterest links - and all the plans were clear and well thought out. Together we developed the ideas and discussed suitable locations. Mike appeared very intelligent, polite, courteous and respectful, and although he offered the option for me to bring a chaperone with me (it was kind to offer this!), it was not needed - I said in my initial communications with Mike that I felt totally safe with him.

Well my gut feeling was correct - of course, upon meeting Mike, I felt totally at ease. He was a real gentleman, treating me with absolute dignity and respect at all times. He looked after me very well indeed. I was happy in his company - he's interesting to talk to, and I felt that we got on very well!

This was Mike's first proper shoot with a nude model, and his first shoot on location - and also his first derelict property visit too... A lot to take in, on one day! ... I have to say, the quality of the images, right from the start, was astounding! Considering how difficult and challenging a dark derelict cottage is, with it's fluctuating light levels...!

We worked through the ideas that Mike had, and they mostly worked very well indeed! It's not so easy to get through a list, like you can in a studio, but we were able to make most of them work, although the time flew by so I think we had to miss a few ideas out. It was a refreshing change to have specific ideas and scenes to act out, and I found it to be very enjoyable - especially as Mike was so clear in his directions, that it made each set very easy to do. It's a great way to work!

My shoot with Mike was a wonderful day out for me, and just the sort of shoot that I love - leaving me feeling happy and fulfilled. This is a kind, sweet mannered and gentle person, who I can thoroughly recommend to shoot with!

We have already booked a second shoot - in a few weeks' time...

Many thanks, Mike!

Helen Diaz

I worked with Mike again, at the fantastic Pozers studio on a Pin up and Burlesque workshop weekend and had an absolutely lovely day!!

We had such a lovely group and were well and truly spoilt with a beautiful lunch courtesy of Alley at Pozers studio and many wardrobe changes over the course of the day.

Mike is so professional and respectful to work with and fantastic company. He also gives great direction. The day flew by in the blink of an eye, like a pin up dream! I am really looking forward to the resulting images and hope we get to work together again soon! Highly recommended to all, Helen x

Elle J

This was my second time working with Mike and I am so pleased he booked on the workshop at PoZers Studio. It was really lovely to see him again!

During the shoot Mike and I got on really well. We worked through different lighting set ups that Alley the studio owner created and you could see that Mike really enjoyed the different styles. I was so pleased he brought his hat collection with him again, I love that he has so many to choose from! I adore working with hats so it’s fantastic he brings those with him.

Throughout the shoot he was a gentleman, polite, chatty and just a joy to work with. The pictures he created worked really well. I would highly recommend working with him and I hope I get the chance to work with him again and his amazing hats! Thanks Mike!

PoZersPhotography

I am a bit of a naughty girl, and I owe Mike several references now, but they are all going to sound the same, because my experiences with Mike, at PoZer's studio is always a really positive one, time after time, Mike is such a delight to be around. Most recently Mike has worked with the beautiful Lauren Joy, attending our studio lighting workshop, and as Mike is such a regular at PoZer's, he took the lead during the event, and as always, he was the perfect gentleman, he built up an amazing rapport with Lauren, ensuring that each and every image, he made a connection with her, which reflected in all his back of camera images.

Mike is always so kind, such a gentleman, so much fun to be around. He always come's to the studio, full of ideas, brings some beautiful hat's, items of clothing, quirky props and a collection of images that have inspired him, with the lighting, posing or styling, it's always a huge positive to be so organised, guaranteeing you gain as much as possible from your time at the studio.

I really can't recommend Mike enough, to any studio, any model, any group, as he is always a delight to be around, I am always so pleased to spend time with him, because it's always such a wonderful and positive experience, he really is a total gem, so please don't hesitate to work with this wonderful man, and I am totally spoilt this week, working with him twice in 7 days. Thank you so much Mike, always a pleasure to have you at PoZer's, so looking forward to our next day together this week. :):):):):)