The blog of photographer Kim Ayres

Café Largo

Café Largo are a fun-loving band with a latin-jazzy feel, who decided to take me up on my Givember offer last month.

Ideas were bounced back and forth and the one that grabbed my attention and enthusiasm the most involved shooting a scene on the beach, with a slight nod towards Jack Vettriano.

Of course outdoor shots are notoriously difficult to set up in Scotland, especially in Winter, and even more so because of the sheer number of wild, wet and stormy days we've been having these past few weeks. So looking for a dry day when everyone would be available had me fearful it could be May next year before we'd be able to go ahead.

However, we provisionally set a date for last Friday and amazingly, in a week full of even wilder, wetter and stormier weather than usual, it turned out to be the only dry day.

We set off for a small beach at Mossyard, near Gatehouse of Fleet, which we had to ourselves for the morning, apart from one woman walking her dog who hurried past and didn't ask what we were up to.

Although it wasn't raining, it wasn't sunny and it wasn't particularly warm either, so I did all the test shots with everyone still wrapped up in coats and scarves, and it was only when I was pretty sure of my composition and lighting set up did we move everything into place and do the actual shoot.


Click on the image for a larger version

Liz, the wife of Alex - the waiter in the photo - very kindly shot some video for me using my old camera, capturing the process of putting the photo shoot together. I've edited down to 2 minute video, overlaid with "La Bamba" performed by Café Largo themselves. It's quite fun and really does give a good sense of the experience of the photo shoot.

14 comments

Joan Lennon said...

Fabulous!

Kim Ayres said...

Thank you Joan :)

Liz Cook said...

Kim you did a great job - thanks for letting me have a "go" with your camera. Love the chosen photo!!

Kim Ayres said...

Liz - many thanks for your time and skills shooting the video footage - you managed to really capture the mood of the day. And I was delighted you caught Scott's hat blowing from his head - I missed it with my camera :)

maurcheen said...

Great shot, especially considering the conditions! One day I'll get The Madhatters over to you, or vicy versy! 😜

Kim Ayres said...

Maucheen - with your love of dressing up, I'm in no doubt w could create a great photo for The Madhatters :)

Pat said...

The video really illustrates how miraculous the final shot is.
Glad the Labrador behaved. Loved the stance of the dancers. Very pleasing work.

Kim Ayres said...

Pat - I'm always pleased to be able to create a video of a photo shoot. Most people think all I do is turn up, point and shoot :)

Jonathan Chant said...

Great fun. Lovely, vibrant photos.

Kim Ayres said...

Jonathan - thank you :)

Hindsfeet said...

just amazing the synchronicity of this.....was just commenting to my brother tonight that a print he bought reminded me of Vetriano's work, and then came by to say a hello to you, and find another mention of him.......those moments that make me feel there really may be more method than madness, despite appearances.......

oh my friend, just have been so mia from this little bloggy world that has brought me so much comfort and insight and company over the years, felt a little visit was in order......

just wishing you good holidays, Kim, for you and yours.....glad you're on the planet, in case I haven't told you lately.......

all good wishes for all good stuff....
hugs
Liz ~*

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

You had me fooled for a second! This is cold, wet Europe! Not some Latino-Caribbean beach after the rain. I love the contrast. Heat in a cool place.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I looked at this again. I still think you all sneaked into the Caribbean or somewhere in St. America :-)

Kim Ayres said...

Liz - lovely to hear from you - it's been a wee while - wishing you all the best for the festive season :)

Neena - if you watched the video and see how wrapped up we are against the cold and the wind, you'll be in no doubt we didn't make it as far as the Caribbean :)

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