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I recently had a conversation with Anne, over several emails, before a shoot, I have edited them down into the following and deleted some details.
I like this conversation because I think and I hope it answers any questions and fears that you may have! Although parts are not relevant, I think they may be helpful!
Hi Anne, I do not have many ideas of a shoot, rather you come up with a concept and then I can work with you. I'm physically strong; I cannot walk or fully stand unaided but can walk on my knees, very well. I have good control of my limbs, although I have little hand control but can hold things such as a tennis racket!
Please can we meet and work together between 12 and 4 or 5pm and 2am! My carer does not start till 10am, mainly because I am a night person! SORRY!
I have little artistic limitations; I'm very comfortable with my body and appearance! I love challenging people's perceptions; my only worry is that the viewer thinks, wrongly, I was exploited!
I hope this helps, I really hope I can do a shoot for you and please ask anything and don’t let my 'disability' inhibited you, just ask what you would ask any model, I’m very adaptable and resourceful!
I live to challenge,
Kevin
That's cool Kevin - I can happily come up with a concept and we can discuss it fully beforehand. I think there are two areas we can explore initially - the first is some arty dark concepts that might make quite a bold statement (and yes people may not feel comfortable with it but that I guess will be something you've had quite a bit of experience with) and the second, which might be quite useful to you for getting more modelling work in the future, is the "stock photo" type style - photos that could be used commercially as part of an advert or such like. We could certainly look at doing both of those concepts during one shoot.
I normally, as a matter of course, require a standard model release form to be signed but in the abscence of a signature I think if I send it to you in an email and you reply saying that you agree to it's contents that will surfice (providing you are happy with it's contents of course). It's nothing drastic but it is required if I will am to be able to use the pictures as part of my portfolio. I often take up to 200 shots during one session but will only expect to choose maybe half a dozen shots that I consider the best to take forward to post-production. I will happily give you a copy of all the finished images that are worked on in post-production for your portfolios but I do not ever give out un-edited photos - so in essense you are likely to have 6-8 great quality digital photos from the shoot. I normally get to work on the images quite quickly and you can expect to receive them within a few days of the shoot by email.
Would you be able to bring a friend to help you to manouvre on the day of the shoot - I think it would be handy to have someone there that you know and that will feel comfotable moving you around. I must confess I have not got alot of experience of working with - or being around - disabled people, so please forgive any ignorance on my behalf.
If you're happy with all this we can come up with a date for the shoot and go from there.
Best wishes
Anne
Hi Anne, I can sign the release form, no problem. When I stood for council, the home office had to take legal advice because there had never been a candidate who could not make a signature! It was decided my mark was my legal signature and now I sign everything like this.
6 to 8 photos is what I expected, although if I really like an image, I will say so!
I would like to come alone because once in the studio, I can move around quickly, like anyone else. I will have someone on 5 minute stand by, in case we need them, if you don’t mind? I feel less pressured by working like this!
Please don’t worry about having any experience of working with disability, this is what I prefer. I find I cannot work with people with disability awareness; I annoy them because my disability does not handicap me. I rather you say stand up and smile, than you say can you stand up and smile. Often I can do something but in a different way. If I hold on or lean against something, I can stand and while I’m getting in position, you may see a new angle!
I once did a shoot for Alan Mahon, we worked like this, he was very apprehensive until the session started but we worked together very well. After 30 minutes he got the shot and we annoyed the ad agency by going to a bar! He thought he would need the studio for 5 hours!
I upset many people because I hate idly chatting on messenger! Having a speech problem when I first talk to someone, messenger really helps. People get use to my speech quickly and I rely on it less. Basically I’m crap at small talk!
Finally Anne, please don’t take myself confidence for arrogance, I just find I have to explain to people I am capable, I must warn you I do giggle as well, quite a lot!
I talk too much,
Kevin
Hi Kevin
Black T'shirt is perfect - that is what I meant with regards to the short-sleeved T-shirt. The Adidas shirt is probably a bit tight but the purple/pinky shirt will be fine.
Cheers
Anne
Hi Anne, I just want to say when I work with a professional photographer
I don't look so startled, unlike in the last pictures I sent you which my carer took! My disability means that my reactions are two times faster than a 'normal' person and so with some flash photography I shut my eyes and appear startled! A herald photographer found a simple solution to this problem, he would bring two flashes and set one off slightly before the second one. I hope this is not too much of a problem!
Some people are overwhelmed when they meet me, don't be, just tell me what you want! I'm hard to understand at first, so just ask yes / no questions. If we really need to chat, I have a plastic printed keyboard and I point to the letters with my nose!
Please talk to or at me, during the session. Please ask anything and let me try things, I'm very comfortable on my knees for hours, sometimes I can look like I'm falling over, often I don't but if I do, I know how to fall.
I will wear my shirt over my t shirt because I can take them off quickly but it takes me longer to put them on and so I would be grateful if you can get the shots you need before I take something off!
I hope this helps,
kevin
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