One thing I struggled with during the Covid Pandemic and being locked down was getting out with my camera. In the grander scheme of things I had more important things to worry about but I did miss having that therapeutic trip out.
Then I heard that a photographer had trialled a remote shoot between Europe and America (I could very well be wrong on those locations) but I did think wow, but how good can the shots really be? Then I heard it was with a camera rig and via zoom, so by the sounds of it it sounded like it could work. Time went on and I had the chance to remotely shoot with a model in her bedroom, and straightaway a voice in my head said that sounds creepy! I had visions of premium rate numbers and well, I shan't go on. But it put me off. Then I had, and this wasn't the first, a Purpleport notification for a remote group shoot (for only £20!) and I thought well how creepy can it be if its through a legit studio and its a group shoot, so I signed up, and the rest as they say is history.
Through PGD Photography I made a connection with the below model, Lauren Meadows who I believe is one of the 'House' models, and this was the first remote shoot I did with her dressed as Lara Croft. It was actually a lot of fun, and she's a lovely person and a great model. I was pleasantly surprised to hear too that I was the first photographer that day (And the last to shoot) to ask for the flash to be put behind her! I explained that it was a lightpainting trick, usually used with smoke. The below images are what I got, which I admit to have added a little Bokeh and additional smoke in post. I hope you like them..
As mentioned above this was not my first remote shoot, and I've done a few groups and a couple of 1-2-1 shoots. These are a couple of the RAW unedited images I took to show that this technology is good, and while things haven't been easy to get out its a viable alternative. I worry its a cheat too but you have full control of all the camera settings, lights and their position, so these are definitely the photographers images, you're just not there in person to press the shutter on the camera, you're doing it remotely. I can wholeheartedly recommend this if anyone has any doubts..
I like how this article has gone from posting Lara Croft themed images from a 30 minute remote shoot, into hopefully showing that you get quality images from these remote shoots, and anyone who is struggling to get out the house in these difficult times due to anxiety, disability, or any kind of sickness, this avenue to still show your creativity is there for you. Thanks very much for reading.
As a photographer I try to mix what I do in my shots, I've done still life, some macro work, lightpainting and I enjoy a good model shoot. If you'd like to check out any of my other work I'm on Facebook, or you can find me on Instagram under neilru75
Thanks very much for looking
Kind Regards, Neil