A while back there was a conversation between the Right and Left halves of my brain… this happened again.
Right Brain: You know, it could be really inspiring to ask a performer to nominate another performer for a quick photoshoot.
Left Brain: That's an interesting idea, but let's consider the logistics. How would we ensure that the nominated performer is available and willing to participate?
Right Brain: True, we would need to have a system in place to coordinate schedules and communicate effectively with all parties involved.
Left Brain: Additionally, we should also think about the purpose of these quick photoshoots. What message are we trying to convey through these images?
Right Brain: Good point. The photoshoots could showcase the diversity and talent within the performing arts community, highlighting different personalities and styles.
Left Brain: That's a valid argument. It could serve as a way to promote collaboration and create a sense of unity among performers.
Right Brain: Plus, it could be a fun and creative way to capture the essence of each performer in a short amount of time.
Left Brain: Agreed. By approaching the process strategically and with a clear objective in mind, we can ensure that the photoshoots are not only enjoyable but also meaningful for both the performers and the audience.
Right Brain: Absolutely. Let's combine our analytical and creative strengths to make this idea a successful reality.
Left Brain: …
Right Brain: …
<ten minutes later>
Right Brain: … shall we just ask Harley Phoenix?
Left Brain: … yeah…
Harley nominated Turkish D’Light, prompting the initiation of communication to inquire about her availability for the upcoming week. Having previously photographed Turkish at the Fighting Cocks and the Matchstick Playhouse for Cabaret Identitease shows, a quick conversation ensued regarding the upcoming shoot. During our discussion, I shared details such as the designated location, the scheduled time to meet, and provided a map outlining the route we planned to explore.
True to form, I found myself arriving 30 minutes ahead of schedule. To pass the time, I decided to grab a quick bite while waiting for Turkish to join me. The initial segment of our planned route was deserted, given that Turkish had a show at Electrowerkz later that evening. We utilized the opportunity to drop off her wheeled suitcase at the venue before proceeding to our shooting location.
During our journey, our conversation revolved around upcoming shows and photography shoots. In the midst of our discussion, we inadvertently missed the intended road. After a swift turnaround, we eventually reached the first part of the map, which, as it turned out, featured a steep slope leading down to the canal. Although the idea of riding the suitcase down the slope crossed our minds, the presence of numerous joggers and dog walkers, who seemingly appeared the moment I took out my camera, deterred us from attempting such a playful descent.
We captured a series of shots with Turkish leaning against the railing, which served as a barrier to prevent anyone from rolling down the bank and into the canal. Imagining the unlikely scenario of Turkish falling in, I pictured a brief moment of shock, glancing between my camera and the bubbles on the water's surface before springing into action. Fortunately, we managed to avoid any unplanned aquatic adventures and continued our photographic journey.
Despite the early March timeframe, the brown tones of Turkish's coat caught my attention, prompting me to comment that these shots would exude an autumnal vibe.
As we progressed, we encountered a set of stairs outside a gated property. I took a moment to clear the area, nudging aside discarded bottles (any remaining were later removed by Photoshop's new AI tool), and began capturing a series of shots in that unique setting.
There wasn't a lot to see along that specific part of the canal, so we decided to venture along the narrow path under the bridge, passing a fellow jogger as we continued. As we moved forward, the scenery became much more captivating. The canal expanded into a lock, offering a picturesque backdrop with a sweeping line. I took advantage of this setting, asking Turkish to delicately position herself on a small bollard for the upcoming shot. As we navigated around the lock, I couldn't help but notice a pair of tower blocks in the distance. Their presence promised an excellent background with significant depth of field for the next image.
Taking a brief respite to warm up, we found ourselves at a cozy café where we enjoyed a quick drink and engaged in conversation. The added bonus of a complimentary small biscuit added to the pleasant break. After our refreshment, we leisurely retraced our steps along the same path, opting to explore the opposite side of the canal this time. Despite the lack of notable features in the vicinity, I requested Turkish to tap into her expertise in 'holding onto barriers' for the final two shots.
As the day wore on, the temperature dropped, and the realization of the advancing hours settled in. Acknowledging the late hour and the chill in the air, coupled with my own sense of time passing, we mutually agreed to wrap up the day. I accompanied Turkish back to the venue and then set off for home. Despite its brevity, this short photo session yielded some excellent shots, making it a productive and memorable experience.
You can find Turkish on her socials:
https://www.instagram.com/turkishdelightburlesque/