The Photographer and His Model (closed for Pipper)

[LeonGreybeard]

Andy sat quietly staring at his laptop screen. The latest assignment in his photography class was to capture the 'essence of feminine' in black and white. And his wife, Janet, had just left to stay with her ailing father, him unable to afford private nurses. He needed someone to model. Perhaps he could call some agency, maybe his prof knew students that might take the job, but . . somehow that made him uncomfortable, Andy had converted an upstairs bedroom to be a make shift studio, and had made some acceptable still lifes there, even some green screen adding backgrounds. He felt uncomfortable asking a strange woman to come into his house. Worried about . . well . . . worried.

At that moment he heard the voice of his neighbor, greeting her father next door, Remembering he had baby sat her as a little kid, now she had blossomed into quite an attractive young woman, must be about twenty now he thought. And suddenly an idea struck him, a 40's style portrait of her in black and white, like a still from Casablanca. But would she? What would her parents think? No no no no no stupid idea.

Maybe there is a statue somewhere that he could use. A few downtown by the university. Still the image in his head would not go away, re-creating a still from Casablanca. All sorts of visual metaphors were possible. And who more feminine than Ilsa? That scene where she and Rick were alone. His neighbour had that structure to her face, the strength and vulnerability.

What would happen if she said no. What would change? Nothing. There really was no downside to asking. OK he decided. He made up his mind, he would go next door and ask to talk to her.

 

[pipper]

The door flew open as Emily entered. She was in a hurry to get out of her work clothes. Old Mr. Greeson insisted that his female staff wear skirts or dresses. Emily hated the idea of being slung back to the old days when females had to wear such stuff. What was next? Slips? Petticoats? She dreaded the thought.

The brunette quickly kissed her Mother, who was making dinner, before heading up to take a relaxing shower. Working at the University’s book store to earn her tuition, for when she would start to earn her English Degree, did have its busy moments. Taking orders, trying to tell students their books were in, and attempting to find a book, who somebody had glanced at and then put it back on the shelf in a different location.

Back in her bedroom, Emily now attired in a short-sleeved shirt and jeans sat, crossed legged, on the bed, reading ‘Great Expectations’. She loved that novel. Why can’t modern authors write such classics?

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Hi, is Emily in? I'm wondering if she might be able to help me out I'd like to ask if she could give me a hand with the photography course I'm taking." He was about to explain further when her mother smiled, called over her shoulder "Emily it's for you." and excused herself "I've something on the stove."

When Emily appeared Andy explained about the photography course he was taking, that he wondered if she might be able to sit for a couple of photos for an assignment of his, he'd like to try to recreate the look of black and white 40's Hollywood, with her as the model. He googled "Ilsa Casablanca image" on his phone and showed her one of them, with Ingrid Bergman looking pensive. "Not to copy, but as a modern interpretation. I don't mean dressed like her, but the style of the lighting. And your face is perfect for . . ."

He stopped and looked at her, waiting for her response.

 

[pipper]

Emily didn’t like being interrupted when she was deep into a book. “Now, what?” she mumbled, before heading down.

She found the neighbour waiting for her. He kept on hinting if she could pose for some lighting shots. Could she ask how much he was going to pay her? Even if it was small, it could help her tuition fund. “Does that mean I can wear casual wear, rather than dolled up in fancy stuff?” she asked, hoping to avoid wearing that dreaded feminine attire for another reason then old Greeson.

Emily knew he was an avid photographer and had seen some of his works, so she was certain it wouldn’t be a waste of time.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Emily is there a chance you could wear a light solid colour blouse? White perhaps. Otherwise, what ever you feel comfortable in. I plan to be working on portrait style. I can text you links to some photos of the style I'm trying for if you'd like, what is your cell number?"

She seemed to be distant and annoyed. Andy hoped that might carry into their session, that aloofness could really work well. He had no idea how she would 'photograph' but he suspected it might work out very well - nice bone structure and with the right lighting, she might prove very striking. One never knows, perhaps she would let him try to market her to advertisers. First things first.

"Can you?"

 

[pipper]

She rolled her eyes. He had hinted that a blouse would be preferable, but not essential. Emily had learned from Greeson, that when he hinted something, it was actually a ‘you will’. So, she grudgingly accepted the fact she was going to pose in a blouse. After all, it was just for one shoot. “I think I can find one to wear. Long or short-sleeved? I take it that I can wear jeans or trousers.”

But, still no mention of a monetary reward for services rendered.