Models

Models are indispensable for my work as a photographer. Recently, as I try to book one of my favourites, I got this disappointing, yet intriguing message:

“I know, you enjoy my services, and, in truth, it is exceptional for me to be, momentarily, unable to take this on board”, she smiled the most ravishing smile, “However, I have now a charming deputy, who, I am sure will meet your requirements.”

Photoshoot

I chew on this for a while, I had work to do, and I wonder if I ought to look for an alternative. I was a little unsure as, in this business, the customers are used to a certain type, a shape they particularly like, and are, often, adverse to change. But I was under pressure too, to deliver, and not let them down. So I accepted to book the “deputy” for that special photoshoot.

In this business on time delivery is only second to the quality of the product. Models account for 80% of this, although we like to think that our know-how is what really makes a difference.

Assumptions

On the day, I was at the studio with my gear, and arranging the lighting, the furniture, for what promised to be a lengthy session. I hoped the deputy was experienced, and prepared. At the appointed time, someone knocked at the door. I opened, and she, whoever she was, stunning, red-haired, bordering on the unreal, was there, carrying a small bag. I was immediately revisiting my assumptions, remembering the conversation with my model, whose deputy was now in front of me.

I was puzzled, something in the person signalled danger to me, not physical danger, but one perhaps imagined when confronted by something unusual, and perhaps alien. All this is of course after the event, a reflection of what probably went through my mind unconsciously. I was keen to get on, to make the most of that afternoon, with the deputy.

Perfection

I made her comfortable at the small make-up table. She asked me what I preferred for her make-up, what she should wear, and proceeded to strip. She was perfect. I opted, to start with, for a sober long dress, an avant-propos. For the next hours, with clothes on, or naked, my model showed her style and elegance. Meanwhile I grew uncomfortable, and I did not feel quite well, this young lady was too perfect. A touch of imperfection would have helped.

We worked all afternoon, perhaps a thousand poses, ten times as many shots. It was thorough work, I trying to find the right angles to tease out her humanity, her womanhood out of the perfect body. She was the utmost professional in her response, not projecting her sexuality, but not hiding it either. I thought the customer would be delighted.

We made a few additional shots in the supine poses. Again, the deputy probably exceeded the original, I was by then thoroughly puzzled. Then I realised: the “deputy” was as fresh as when she arrived, while I was exhausted. I had already settled the account, so finishing off was easy. She got dressed again in her simple urban outfit, and we said good-bye.

Android

As I was tidying up I found her card. It was made of leather with an aluminium engraving that said: “Sigma Agency, Android models”. I was out of breath. I closed the door of the studio, and returned the keys to the concierge. on my way home I reflected on this word “android“. Part of me thought it was a spam, my model was joking, had found another business partner, had decided to drop me, yet, I had worked all afternoon with a perfect model.

Inspired by Fandango’s One Word Challenge of January 25.

Picture source: Success for Ginger Haired Models