Plan (A) failed, so to Plan (B)
A random encounter with an intriguing guy while admiring his Royal Enfield led to this shoot. It was Paul’s suggestion that we use this section of an old quay, and a quick recce proved it a viable location.
I loved the old, rusty railings that would contrast starkly against the gleam of Paul’s Enfield, and especially its muted, rusty reds that would create colour relationships with the bike’s bold reds.
I wanted cloud for some drama in the sky but also sunshine breaking through (albeit occasionally), which would rake graphic shadows across the quayside lane at around 6 p.m. At 5pm that’s exactly what was being created, so my excitement was high for an even better effect at 6 p.m. onwards with a lower angle of sun.
However, that imagined image (plan A) evaporated quickly as a layer of cloud rolled in with no gaps for shafts of sunshine. So, to plan (B), which was to attempt a lighting characteristic that resembled Paul being lit by a streetlight illuminating the pier.
My advice when planning location shoots is to spend time at the location at the time of the planned shoot. Monitor the forecast closely, bearing in mind you’ll get your most accurate predictions a day before.
Then imagine that prediction not materialising, forcing you to contemplate plan (B) and even plan (C).
Do contact me if you’d like to learn more. Bjorn
