Freezing photoshoot at Brooklands

After posting up on FB that our Beetle had passed its MOT once more. One of the first comments was from ace snapper Jason Dodd....

"Fancy bringing the Beetle along to Brooklands on Sunday 24th February for a fashion course?"

....I didn't need asking twice. Having already helped out last year by providing an automotive backdrop for the various models to be photographed against I knew what was in store. A day wandering round Brooklands, parking the Beetle infront of bits of motoring and aviation history while the course students practise their photography skills with the models supplied. Somebody forgot to book the weather, snow flicked down, the sun never shone and it was artic all day. But everyone kept smiling.At 10am I rolled up alongside a Rolls Royce out the front of the club house, coffee was calling.



With everyone ready to brave the cold we set off in groups. The Beetle was positioned in the aircraft park against a couple of Vickers. Photographer primed, Jason on hand to advise and Clare the model striking a pose. I took a few photos. I really should do one of the courses properly one day. I still get nervous when the subject I'm shooting smiles back and flicks her hair!







With the cold biting into me I decided to take a wander round the other car and model groups to warm up. A good selection of cars were out including an old AC and a Routemaster bus.





A break for a cuppa and a chance to warm up again was welcome and soon were back outside again. Brooklands had supplied a stunning 1920s AC and a clean Ford Prefect. The Shell Pagoda made a great setting for both with a Morgan alongside.











Another coffee stop and it was time for the last hour of the day. Moving back out to the aircraft the temperature had dropped and we hurried through the last shots. This time against the Bus and RR.









With memorycards full and everyone chilled to the bone I fired up the Beetle and headed home, stopped next to a Bentley for a last photo before the cold drive home.



Another brilliant day out at Brooklands.

Steve.

Jason Dodd Fashion shoot

For my birthday the other year, Kim bought me a car photography course. A chance for me to hone my skills behind the lens and shoot some interesting cars at a great location, Brooklands. I added Jason on FB and kept an eye on the courses he was holding and the other work he shoots. There is so really stunning work and it makes me realise I'm a very amateur snapper. A few weeks ago I noticed a fashion course coming up at Brooklands using the grounds and some interesting cars as a backdrop. I'd been meaning to offer one of our Dubs again as well as try and get my friend Davids unique Union Jack beach buggy used too. The shoot was a  60s theme ( I know both cars are technically 70s, but they fitted right in). Meeting up at Brooklands we had the introductions to the students and the models who were going to pose as well as a selection of drivers of some fine rides including a Morgan and a pair of 356 replicas.



We moved the cars out to various locations and then photographers paired up and picked a car and model to start the shoot. We hung around watching and ended up holding reflectors and helping the girls get into position on the buggy. All whilst parked under the nose of Concorde





Meanwhile in the aeroplane park the Beetle was in use so I wandered over to chat and take a few snaps.







Another model was heading for the Beetle and the words "can she sit on the roof" were heard so I thought it best to supervise! Taking great care and with heels off, Kelly inched her way onto the roof and later the bonnet. The shots against the massive VC10 and the blue sky were impressive.







Following a break for lunch and a chance for the models to change outfits we were back out there again. The Beetle nestled right under the back of the VC10 to shield the snappers from the now blazing sun the photography continued.





Back under Concorde they were in full swing with a fantastic red dress providing good contrast against a variety of vehicles.





By the end of the day a great collection of shots had been taken (I'm hoping a few will head our way over time) and we packed up, making sure to get a final shot under Speedbird1, not every day you get to drive under the nose of the fastest passenger jet.



And I couldn't resist a stop off at the Campbell Sheds as we left.



It was a brilliant day, really enjoyable. The snappers were interesting to watch, varying levels of experience showed, but I think they all gained along the way and the models were great, putting everyone at ease regardless of how silly a pose they were asked to perform. I'm seriously considering enrolling on the next course as it looked like so much fun. There are loads more photos available here, I hope to add some of the examples from the pros later on.

Steve.

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