References for Team Black

5pence

I recently attended the Fashion & Beauty Workshop (my first one) with Team Black and had an incredible experience. The model, Roberta, was outstanding — professional, poised, and effortless to work with. She brought a level of expertise that made every shot a joy to capture.

John and Angel Black were amazing hosts, Angel creating a welcoming environment and helping introduce photographers to one another and John setting up the studio and checking captures ensuring everyone walked away with the results they were after. Their guidance and attention to detail were second to none.

The studio Sowton Studio, run by Mr. Dave, was top-notch. Located in Sowton near Exeter, it had everything needed for a productive session, and Dave himself was always around to lend a hand when needed.

It was also good to meet other photographers, share ideas, and see the variety of styles and gear in action.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore high-end fashion and beauty photography while working with a clearly talented team and model. I hope to repeat the experience in the future.

One Bright Spark

I had my first Team Black experience at a Fashion & Beauty workshop at Sowton Studios in Exeter.

I can highly recommend Team Black - John, an experienced talented photographer/videographer/educator and Angel, a well known, fantastic and friendly model. Between them they know the industry very well so are able to offer their experience, advice and guidance backed up by real-world expertise.

Mr Dave's Sowton Studio in Exeter held the event with John educating and Angel ensuring everything ran smoothly and all were perfect host. They were very welcoming, friendly and provided a great learning workshop where I could try different approaches and ask questions etc whilst picking up some new skills and also connecting with fellow togs.

This particular event focussed on lighting set ups for fashion & beauty with a range of sets/styles working with the stunning Italian model Roberto. Roberto was beautiful and absolutely brilliant to shoot with, nothing being too much trouble for her, and she had a wealth of Italian energy and passion which shone through in her posing and styling. Antonia was also on hand to help with translation and this worked well.

As a natural light shooter, predominantly, this allowed me to step out of my comfort zoned and try something different which is always a good thing to do and will always provide learning. I learnt a great deal whilst also managing to get some beautiful shots to add to my portfolio and different to my usual style. I can't wait to edit the images and share soon.

Thanks again John, Angel, Antonia, Roberta and Mr Dave for a fantastic five hours and great experience. See you again soon.

Sowtonstudio

Team Black organised their first High end Beauty and Lighting workshop at Sowton studio recently. Angel was on hand to introduce the photographers and provide the wonderful buffet whilst John was setting up the lighting to meet his high standards. The stunning Italian model was Roberto and because she speaks very little English local model Antonia Jay was the interpreter for the day.

Everyone got on well and many new introductions took place. There were a number of costume changes as well as backdrop and lighting rearrangements, which enabled all of the photographers to get some great and varied images. It was a lovely atmosphere with the photographers chatting and exchanging ideas and tips.

As this first event was so successful it is likely that similar events using Italian models (only in the UK for short periods) will be held here in the new year.

Kevin-Fillary Photography

My second tuition with team black at sowton studios in Exeter. The tuition was on high fashion and the model was a stunning Italian model who was very professional. We achieved some incredible shots between the five photographers. John worked hard with all the set ups of each set and I believe didn't even stop for a break. Although I class myself as being a Professional photographer I still like to attend the tuition training as we all think we know everything but we all pick up little tricks and tips from each other and I did learn a few things from the day.

Angel was there entertaining us and making sure we had plenty to eat and drink and making the day run smoothly.. Antonia was there as translator for the model to make sure we all got out of the shoot what we wanted and helped me out with BTS footage. Would definitely recommend anyone going on a tuition course with team black wether you're a novice or professional.

Roberta R

Team Black hosted a tuition shoot with me at Sowton Studio in Exeter.

John and Angel were on hand throughout the 4 hour tuition shoot.

It was focused on beauty and high fashion, it went smoothly and everyone seemed very happy.

Thank you so much

DaveRundlephotography

I have had the privilege of working with Angel on numerous occasions, but this was my first workshop with her and John. And it came as no surprise to me that the workshop was not only well organised, but fun, informative and good value for money.

They had arranged for us to work a very, very good Italian model called Roberta who was the perfect model for a beauty workshop / shoot. As I have always regarded John as a very accomplished photographer it was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about this aspect of lighting and see how he manages his work flow / shoots.

All in all this workshop exceeded my expectations, not only because it was a great learning experience, but because it was nice to be able to interact with other creatives, discuss ideas and pick each others brains.

If you are considering doing a Team Black workshop my advice is don't hesitate! It doesn't matter what your level of experience it will be more than worthwhile. I would certainly consider attending another!

Thanks for a great afternoon guys and I hope to see you again soon! 😊

Antonia Jay

Angel facilitated 6 hours of remote shooting from my home, fully equipped with different lenses and lights to accommodate all photographers.

The day went well we had no problems and the photos looked great.

I have done a number of remote shoots with team black and every time it’s been fantastic, they are some if not one of the best in the game.

Always a pleasure. Always recommended xx

Caledonian

Recently undertook a remote with Antonia Jay assisted by Angel.

The technology on the shoot worked well (Camera, software are all easy to work with) nd with Angel's assistance helping adjust for my mis-clicks went without a flaw.

Many thanks for your help making the shoot happen.

jmfriedman

I had a remote shoot with Alice Fox assisted greatly by Team Black (Angel this time.) I shot with TB many times and now that we know each other it does go seamlessly. Angel is great with the model, this time Alice Fox, and she directed her to just what I wanted and could see what I was trying to do and I was so happy with the results. Not only that, but I received the images very quickly and that's always a relief. I will be shooting with them again and certainly look forward to it. If you have a chance to work with them, either in person or remotely, don't pass it up. They are friendly and certainly knowledgeable and it will be a pleasure. thank you again.

Alice Fox.

I had the pleasure of working with the black team for the second time.

I recommend them? Absolutely yes!

We made two remote and they were super professional: they took care of every detail, the camera arrangement, the lights.

Besides being a perfect team are two wonderful people with whom it is very nice to work, talk and together we also have lots of laughs. They took care of me, were very kind to have me hosted in their house and give me many tips.

They are two very loving people and the time spent with them is only quality time.

See you in January, thanks again

Alice Xxxx

Iris Rosa

I had a great expirence with Team Black when they organised and hosted 2 remote shoot days with me.

Everything was perfect from pre comms to shooting they took care of everything with professionalism and knowledge.

I had s great time working with them an look forward to future events.

highly recommend

Iris

Tmul

Angel hosted a remote shoot with 2 models, covering the many tasks a remote shoot requires - camera moves, lighting, laptop connectivity, plus also directing and ensuring the models were positioned properly within the composition.

As a model herself, Angel is fabulous at suggesting angles, locations and setups, and this was particularly helpful as one of the 2 models was very new to remote shooting.

It’s always a pleasure to work with Team Black and this was another shoot where their experience and skills shone through.

Thanks Team Black, Angel and especially for jumping in for a few shots.

Mk1Photography

What can I say that hasn't already been said about the awesome Team Black? ...

This time I was working with them on a model shoot hosted by them and AntoniaJ in Dorset, I travelled around 3hrs to reach them for the day's shoot if that doesn't say it all I don't know what will.

Organised, Check

Great Comms, Check

Friendly Team, Check ... It's a full house! :)

No hesitation recommending Team black or any event they organise, you can't go wrong with either tuition or one of their hosted events or studio days.

Thanks again team! :)

Mr Y

Another wonderful shoot facilitated expertly by Team Black, this time with visiting Italian model, Iris Rosa, hosted at Antonia Jay's home studio.

I’ve booked a few remote shoots with Team Black now and can honestly say they are brilliant at what they do! Comms throughout the process are always excellent, the equipment provided is of a high standard and the assistance, & advice when required, is both professional and invaluable… plus they make the whole experience fun. I always come away with a great set of images from these events and this shoot with Iris was no exception!

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Team Black’s services to fellow photographers – thank you once again guys! 😊

DesertShade

Again I did a shoot with Team Black this time with Iris Rosa.

The shoot was amazing. John was great, I admire his work, so it was a pleasure working with him. He was very helpful, very kind and very creative. Iris was a sweet model to work with, also very creative and energetic.

I got amazing results, more than I expected. I highly recommend working with Team black to any photographer.

Looking forward for our next shoot soon, this time with Alice. I'm looking forward. Thank you Team Black, keep it up.

Tmul

I booked onto a Duo shoot that Angel was hosting at her home studio with Ell Mae. I had worked with Team Black remotely on a few occasions but this was my first in person shoot with them.

We had exchanged a few ideas prior to the shoot about set ups, shoot ideas and on the day when I arrived, the first set was up and ready completed with backdrop, main light (huge Octa), fill and rim lighting. John was on hand to help with getting the settings just right and that was a constant theme for the full duration of my 3hr shoot.

Angel and John worked so hard at assembling sets, then taking them down, moving to another location in their home studio - that included changing backdrops, adding curtains, moving lights, moving props, you name it, they were on hand to make sure everything was just perfect.

They both have a great eye for detail and many times Angel spotted the odd little tweak that could be made to just improve a shot, and of course John was on hand for input on what works in different parts of their home studio.

They know their space so well as far as places to shoot from, what the lighting is typically like, angles to shoot from and backdrops / drapes / curtains that work best.

They are a fantastic team and worked so well together to make sure that both me as the photographer and also the visiting model didn't have to worry about anything but getting the shots.

Thank you both for a fantastic visit to your studio and home, for your hospitality and for all of the hard work to make my first in person visit to Team Black such an enjoyable one.

DesertShade

I did a shoot with Team Black this time with Ell Mae and Angel Black.

Both were amazing. I always enjoy working with Team Black, very generous.

Team black helped a lot in both shoots, providing their home studio which is really amazing with lots of options including locations, backdrops and wardrobe.

I got amazing results, more than I expected. I loved working with Team black. I highly recommend working with them to any photographer. I promise you, you'll have an amazing experience and amazing results. Also, always keep an eye on the models they are hosting. They just bring the best.

Looking forward for our next collaboration. Thank you.

Ell Mae

Let me start this by saying i’m 2 years behind on references but I had to get one on for this fabulous pair!

I have had the best little tour down to their place in Somerset. I stayed with them, and they really took care of me with anything i needed, i couldn’t sing their praises high enough.

Angel & John’s knowledge of the industry, lighting, admin, photography etc is unmatched I feel like i’ve come home learning things, aswell as having an amazing time.

Working alongside Angel was a dream, we worked so well together. I did a mini shoot with John too in breaks and the shots are 🤌🏻

Thank you both for having me, 1000% recommended and i would love to return ❤️

Mr Y

I had the honour & privilege of shooting with the amazing Ell Mae yesterday in a session organised and facilitated by Team Black.

This was my third remote shoot in conjunction with Team Black and, as I am now considering to be the norm, it was a brilliant experience!

Team Black’s expert assistance and the advice they give (when required) ensures the session flows easily and the equipment provided for these remote sessions is, as you'd expect, very professional. I find that they are more than willing to go that extra mile to help you capture images you can be proud of.

I am happy to recommend Team Black without hesitation and will definitely be making use of their services again in future! Thank you once again, 😊

jpatton_photography

I had a wonderful remote shoot with Ell Mae assisted by Team Black. We had to revise the original plan (shooting outdoors) because of rain, but as always John and Angel were great at helping devise different indoor locations and setting up to facilitate smooth transitions between sets. I highly recommend. Ell was also great to work with and the shoot flew by way too fast.