A Week of Art, Light and Collaboration in a French Château
I’m sat in my seat on the plane headed home after an amazing week in France, something that we did last year and I feel is becoming an annual event. My last plane trip saw me finish off my book, The Resonant, and my brain wants me to continue working on book number two, but my heart wants this story to be told first. So whilst I am staring at the same white page and typing on the same keyboard, I promise to use very different words.
I’ve already used the word, event, which could be a bit misleading. This trip was much simpler. By design it was a holiday with a camera (or in my case several). But it does take some advance planning. On the 28th of December last year my friend Dave announced he had booked a chateau in Normandy for the end of April. Believe it or not, this is not an unusual message, we’ve travelled a fair bit together and he has a thing for castles. Besides, you need a big space when you are hosting many people.
Laure, Noémie and the stag in the morning mist
Booking a castle in another country sounds like the most complex part of the trip, but in many ways the logistics that follow are more complicated. At the top of that list is arranging times for models to come and join us, or more accurately fit us into their busy schedule. Then follows the travel. Planes, trains and automobiles from various countries all need to line up. Plus you need food in various flavours to suit a wide range of dietary needs (two vegans, two vegetarians and gluten-free just to keep it interesting).
The food point may sound mundane, but it’s actually really important. You’d be surprised at how this element can get left out. Being creative is always physically and mentally taxing and there are often early starts. As obvious as it sounds, people need food for that energy. And if they don’t have the energy, it comes across in the images you’ll take. Plus, the social side of sharing a meal together is all part of the collaboration. I’m labouring this point as it was Dave who booked the chateau and it was his wife Kris who did all the cooking. Each meal carefully prepared to suit the guests du jour. We joked that Dave is CEO of Ideation and Strategy and Kris, his wife, is CEO of Implementation. I don’t have a job title, but if I did I think it would have something to do with my black backdrop as it was a constant companion on this trip.
Home for the week
Yes, this is becoming a habit and my backdrop was about to embark on a new adventure. Our location was only an hour and a half outside of Paris, but door to door this was going to be a 12 hour journey involving four trains - one of which I nearly didn’t make. The station in Montparnasse, Paris is huge and they announce the platform 10 minutes prior to departure. I of course was in the wrong hall and armed with way too much luggage. So it was a great relief to arrive as planned at La Loupe and see Dave waiting for me at the station.
You know that feeling when it’s the start of your holiday and you have just arrived. The travel is done and you can finally relax but you are also excited to explore the place you are about to call home. Well, imagine that all starting with having to open a large double gate that leads down a long path with a chateau at the end. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Kris was waiting at the top of a grand double staircase that led up to the entrance to the chateau on the first floor. A friendly hug and the week could now begin.
Our first two days were going to be quiet. Our schedule meant that it was just going to be us three. A good time to explore the many rooms and the vast forest that surrounded the chateau. I have dropped pins for interesting tree stumps and large log piles (my Google Maps history is very strange). We also foraged in the supermarket and returned with the best cheese and wine. This was more aimed at Dave and I as Claire who was coming the next day is a vegan and doesn’t drink much.
Claire arrived late on Tuesday evening ahead of two days shooting with us. She had travelled all day on a number of trains from Toulouse to get here and importantly done so on her birthday. This was not new information. An agreement had been struck that she would have a cake. Well, it was more Dave telling her I’d bake her a nice vegan cake. I’d delegated that duty back to Dave by offering Claire a couple of prints of her choice as a birthday present. But as the day drew closer I was reminded of her DM: No cake, no Claire. We all agreed this would be problematic and Kris dashed off to the supermarket for Vegan related treats and birthday candles. The english version of happy birthday was sung and the merriment heralded the start of a busy few days.
Our original schedule had two models a day, but very sadly Deneb had to drop out at the last minute as her apartment had been burgled. A horrible experience and one that understandably gave her more important matters to focus on. So our first shoot day would be with Claire on her own.
Claire
Claire and I started early. I favour the soft light of the morning and Dave likes more direct light. As I write this I’m wondering if that is by design as he also likes a slow start to the day. In the grounds of the building is a stone statue of a stag, its white shapes were interesting and I wondered what it would look like with a - you guessed it - black backdrop behind. Think studio style setting, but with deliciously soft daylight and the wonderful Claire completing the image.
I managed a few shots of her before the wind picked up and wrapped Claire like a parcel in black cloth. These ideas need perfect conditions, or a small army of assistants. We relocated and continued shooting under the protection of the giant walls. It wasn’t long before I was using the chateau as my backdrop, as perhaps one should.
After lunch the light outside was too hard for my liking so we tried something a little unusual. We went into the grand living room and closed the curtains and shot with my portable flash gun. Its hand held nature allows for a fun reportage look or ‘After Party’ as I call it. This set would be my favourite of the day and I was soon editing a number of them.
Fields of gold
After a lovely meal, we headed down to a rapeseed field that was just visible from our kitchen windows. I had designs on taking a drone shot of Claire in that field, something she was now accustomed to. Coincidentally, I’d find out later in the week that the drone shot we took last year with Irena won second place in a photo awards contest. However, it was only when I reached the field that I realised I had left an important part of the drone behind, the battery! So the only images I captured were of Dave and Claire dancing through the crop. That little movie is a keeper!
That evening began our ritual of reviewing the day's photos over a glass of wine and chatting about the industry we all love. But it was Kris who drew the short straw, she had a very long drive ahead of her to go and collect Victoria from the airport. Her schedule, and therefore ours, had a last-minute tweak. Victoria is studying neuroscience in Poland and her exams had been moved forward which pushed our original plan along by a day.
I’m not sure I’d have the mental ability to sit my exams and then jump on a plane to France, but I’d later learn that Victoria is one determined young lady.
Claire and I started early again the next day. Victoria had requested a 10am start (she’d got to the chateau at around 2am) and Dave seemed more than willing to oblige. So with many batteries packed in my bag, Claire and I made for the rapeseed field (I hate this name, so it's good to know it’s called Canola in Canada). It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the field but the time disappeared as I listened to Claire’s stories. She’s such a happy person, it’s very therapeutic just chatting with her. The light was getting higher in the sky so we hurried into position, Claire knew exactly what to do and I soon had my drone shots and we followed up with some portraits and detail shots that showed the crop in shadow form on Claire’s body.
Victoria
As we returned to the chateau Victoria greeted us like we were old friends (only Dave had met her before) and she was soon at home in the large kitchen where we spent most of our social time.
Victoria and I had chatted in the days and weeks prior, she had seen a mood board I had shared and had bought a black dress to match. After a quick review of her (rather wonderful) wardrobe, we agreed on the black dress first and went outside. Victoria has an enthusiasm to rival my own. There was little direction on my part, she was fluent in her role and was very soon suggesting (demanding? 😊 ) new ways to extend the set we were creating.
It was her idea to jump into the rhododendron bush and whilst I’ll admit flowers are not a staple in my toolkit, I was happy to be led by her desire to create. Honestly, I was surprised how the photos came out, I really liked them. But what neither of us knew was that Victoria’s skin was quietly reacting to the flowers and her arms were beginning to go pink. Victoria being Polish and me being British meant that we both exchanged an abundance of apologies. But I think I also saw a face that said it was worth it.
This shot was taken in some grass before we reached the rhododendron bush.
Forever Black
After a short break, I made camp outside in the shadow of a large Privet hedge. Dave had taken up residence in the big living room and I was happy to let him exploit the direct light that sliced through the long windows this time of day. What we call Dave Light™.
For over a year now I have been capturing people against my black backdrop. Initially this was just an idea, but it’s something that has grown into a series of nudes that show how each person expresses themselves. Sometimes with just the gesture of a hand or shrug of a shoulder. Claire and I had shot like this before, when I was in France last year, but I have learnt more as I have explored this concept so I wanted to come back and capture Claire once again.
Suffice it to say this set was a success and as I write these words I’m also looking at thumbnails of Claire just asking to be edited.
Hard Light
After a lazy lunch Victoria and I were up next. The light was higher now and that direct light that I had so far ignored needed to be used. Victoria had brought a beautiful white kimono dress with her and I liked the idea of shooting with it against a very industrial metal door to a barn on the property. Victoria marched with purpose towards the barn, her heels crunching on the gravel and affording her an extra few inches that meant she was now taller than me. Something that was exaggerated by her hair which was tied up in a bun above her head. The look was complete, her elegance juxtaposed with the rough metal wall. All we had to do was slip in and out of the line of direct sunlight that shone down from above the treeline.
These images came easily and I was quickly sharing the results with Victoria. She didn’t hesitate when I asked her to dance (in heels) and allow the long lines of the fabric to be showcased. By now I was accustomed to her ideas and knew her input to be valuable. She had seen some blocks of concrete and in her words ‘wanted to lie amongst them’. I was once again conflicted, yes I loved how this would add to the juxtaposition concept, but these were large, rugged blocks of concrete. Would it hurt her? Would her dress be damaged? So many thoughts, none of which could be debated as she was already lying on the ground, nestled between three of the large pieces. As it transpires this was a great idea and I enjoyed playing with the dappled light from the trees above. I’ve just this minute shown my wife the images and she also agrees they were worth doing.
Chasing soft light
At the end of the day Claire and Victoria were to work together. I’ve rarely shot duos and I think I’ve assumed the models need to know each other well to make it work. But I had seen this work well with Tezz and Elena last year in Italy so I was keen to do something similar. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke and all that. I went hunting for some shade and began to set up my backdrop in the only spot. Behind the barn was an open outbuilding with a tractor and farming equipment and importantly some gorgeous soft light along a bare wall. That would be home for the next thirty minutes.
Once I was set up Claire and Victoria joined me and were kind enough not to question why they were in such an odd place. The pair have black hair and fair skin making this a naturally contrasty look. Claire was wearing a white shirt and Victoria was nude but concealed behind her. They were so natural together despite having only met that morning.
That evening we reviewed the images and discussed that very point with both Claire and Victoria. They agreed that it’s easy to connect with like minded people, something that is prevalent in the art model world. This was also our last evening with Claire; she had to get the train as her next shoot was on a beach in Normandy. An early start and likely in the rain. Her face beamed despite this, she's such a happy soul and it was sad that she had to go.
Tethered
The next morning Victoria and I shared a brief breakfast, she favours eating later in the day so this was swift. We discussed what to do with our time that day as she was leaving us in the evening, her next destination was Iceland - of course it was. She had seen the shots of Claire with the flash and I knew that was on her list. My list included her in my set of expressive nudes on the black backdrop and knowing this series from my past posts she quickly agreed. The early morning light was wonderfully soft so that would be how we would start the day.
The chateau is framed by a long run of trees that went down to a lake at the end and in doing so channeled wind back up along the length of the lawn. This was such a picturesque setting, but speaking selfishly the aerodynamics were not ideal for a chap with a black background and two stands. So I once again made camp in the cover of the Privet hedge and decided to shoot tethered to my laptop so she could see the images in real time. Victoria had been so collaborative the day before that I was more than happy to let her opine as we went along.
This set was interrupted by a brief interlude of rain, my laptop was getting wet but was happily playing music regardless. Thankfully Victoria saw sense and dragged me and my laptop inside. We did manage to go back outside as the clouds parted and we used the last of our time to experiment a little. I asked Victoria if she could braid her long hair and fashion it into an accessory, something she coiled around her neck like an ornate scarf. A beautiful way to complete the set and as intended, each person leaving their own identity on the concept.
Noémie
It had been a year and a half since I last saw Noémie. We’d shot together in Paris in October 2024 and I really enjoyed her company. I think it's fair to say that Noémie is petite, physically, but also in how she carries herself. Her very presence is gentle and yet she will surprise you with her fierce intellect, something that is perhaps the loudest part of her. Kris had collected her from the station and we could all hear the two of them chatting as they climbed the stone steps to the chateau. Noémie hugged everyone and was quickly part of our little team. Dave and Victoria went off to shoot together and I made Noémie a cup of black tea so she could ease into it. But it wasn’t long before she was downstairs, ready to shoot. The weather forecast suggested it would rain this afternoon and all day tomorrow so I wanted to use the last of the dry weather outdoors. I shared the nude images of Elena and Tezz (two people she loves) on my black backdrop and explained the idea and she happily agreed, despite the now cooler weather.
Reuniting people with their prints
Perhaps inspired by the dragon-like tattoos that cover her skin, Noémie’s movements were rather reptilian. Where one model might switch from one pose to another, Noémie writhed between them. It was often unclear where one pose finished and another pose began, her shapes a constant dance. Her body is a work of art, but so too were her very contours.
My only issue was that I was shooting with prime lenses and having to travel with her, on the gravel, as she moved. This was my problem and not hers, it was a delight to capture her organic movements and I would just have to keep up.
Shortly after this set, we had a break and I gave her a print from our last shoot. I will never tire of being able to do this, reunite the person with the print.
As had become custom, we all enjoyed a lazy lunch and made room for each other's food choices and personalities at the table. These meals are such an important part of the day. No one wants to feel like a machine and anyone who feels valued will give back more later. That’s not a cunning tactic, it’s simply how respect and friendship works.
Stormy weather
Victoria and I were to shoot together again, but the rain had become thunder so we agreed upon an indoor shoot, the flash set that she had wanted to try out. For once Dave wasn’t in the grand living room so I busied myself, moving furniture and closing the long curtains whilst Victoria selected an outfit. She arrived in a short black dress and some complex red stockings. This was such a fun set to do, you could see she really enjoyed slipping into a new character and switching the feel as we alternated between the eclectic furniture in the room. But at some point the rain stopped and the hard light pierced through the curtains. Being a nice chap, I called Dave to let him know his light was back and we vacated the space and went upstairs.
The room above was Dave and Kris’s bedroom with two big windows that face the garden. It’s understood that all rooms are for shooting (unless someone is asleep or resting) and as this was empty we used the space to complete our flash set. Back in the eighties a visually impaired interior designer with no taste had been commissioned to select curtains for the bedrooms and had decided to make this room the centre piece for their work. I wanted something less distracting and used my A-clamps to clip a red velvet blanket to hide the horrible fabric of the curtains. The combination of reds and blacks, plus Victoria’s striking black hair really made this set pop. A perfect way to end our 1:1 time together.
As we walked down the wooden stairs to the kitchen Victoria quietly shared that she had passed her exams. Such wonderful news and again a great example of how diverse this community is.
A constant dance
It was now the afternoon and the weather was constantly changing and the light conditions with it. Noémie and I hopped about, inside and outside of the chateau to find light that excited us. It’s so nice when you are shooting with someone who’s own natural curiosity is not just part of the creative process, but is also visible in the images.
That observation is highlighted in this image. I wanted to use the stormy clouds as a background, but that meant a potentially awkard angle so the position of her lower hand was discussed before hand, but that was basically my only direction. Look at how she holds her other hand, pointing at it. But even though it’s partly hidden, I think her facial expression is perhaps the most powerful part of the image. This is one of serveral from this set that Noémie selected (see the BTS below).
No instruction
The day was coming to a close and soon Victoria would have to leave us for her next trip. But before that could happen it was time for another duo shoot. I think it is fair to say that Victoria was looking forward to this, she had enjoyed being the mother figure to Claire in yesterday's shoot. It wasn’t intentional, but something about the height difference deferred a maternal responsibility to Victoria. I wanted to stick to my knitting and found a shaded spot by the front of the barn and the light was perfect.
There wasn’t any instruction needed, Victoria and Noémie knew what to do, but I always ask if they are comfortable doing this. Nudity is one thing, proximity is another and they had only just met that day. My concern was quickly dismissed and we were soon taking some beautiful and peaceful photos of the pair.
I was so happy with the shots that I finished early and Victoria used the time to take some shots of Noémie with her Olympus film camera.
As the day concluded we all said farewell to Victoria who was now wrapped up in every item of clothing she owned, she looked very ready for Iceland. Kris took her to the station and would stay there to collect Laure who was able to join us at the last minute when Deneb realised she couldn’t make it. I remember asking Dave how his shoot with Noémie went. He was quick to say it was a great success and that he enjoyed spending time with her. This was something of a relief as I had had a nightmare the night before, one where the two of them met and then instantly argued and Noémie left. Now, I knew this was a dream because it’s biologically impossible for Dave to not get on with someone and Noémie especially so as her very DNA is like a charm offensive.
But that wasn’t the weirdest part. For some reason Noémie had travelled with another model who had earrings everywhere, not just her ears but all down her legs and arms. In my dream Dave went off to shoot with her and I was left very confused at this sudden personality car crash. I don’t have bad dreams often, but as a whole I like people to be happy and this was my mind playing tricks on me. On the plus side it made the others laugh and is still doing the rounds. Laure has just sent me a meme she found that she says matches my dream. It’s good to know I left a lasting impression…
Laure
Laure and Noémie needed no introduction and Dave and Laure have shot together several times. But I had only shot with her once before and that was last month. Laure is such a talented individual, she’s a graphic designer by trade, but also an accomplished photographer.
She has a beautiful editorial in this month's Marley magazine entitled Calla, after the lilly. Oh and in case it wasn’t obvious, she’s a fantastic model as well. Tomorrow would be our last shoot day in the chateau so it was good to go out with a bang.
I woke up to a foggy morning. The lake at the end of the garden had vanished, consumed by fog and the stag stood proud in its place, but shrouded in the same mist. This was going to be a beautiful day!
Morning mist
Dave was quick off the mark and soon shooting with Noémie by the stag so Laure and I used my black backdrop with this gorgeous light. As soon as Dave and Noémie finished Laure and I replaced them by the stag, it was just such a magical setting with the mist behind it. But a minute or two later, Dave shouted from the chateau asking if we should make this a duo set. It turns out that this was Noémie’s idea but she wasn’t sure I’d be happy to relinquish my time with Laure.
Dave knew better and we were soon lying on the wet grass taking shots of the pair of them as they contorted themselves around the white statue. It’s funny, writing these words, mist, statue, duo, to you as the reader I’m sure it can sound odd - oh and the two women are nude and both photographers are lying on the ground in now very wet jeans. But honestly, this is four people all intent on having a good time capturing a rare moment. Perhaps the best part was hearing the girls say “trop belle” as we reviewed the images afterward, during our break.
Gentle light for gentle Noémie
The day was like the others, Laure and Noémie alternated between Dave and I, each pair chasing the daylight and locations to suit. I did a little experiment with Noémie using my drone to see what she would be like in my otherworldly project, something that is better suited to a volcanic island than Normandy. But it was quickly obvious that she would be a perfect addition and it was a delight to see her face light up when she saw her figure as seen from above. We were soon sharing ideas of where to travel to later in the year.
That afternoon I took some of my favourite shots of Noémie in a surprisingly simple set up. It was a small wall in a bedroom at the top of the building which had a tiny window. The narrow light slid across some aged blue wallpaper and the whole thing was so peaceful. I’d seen the room days before when we first arrived, but hadn’t used it until now. This wasn’t a big space for Noémie to be inspired by, but she could quickly see what I was trying to achieve. No drama, just something gentle, like her personality. This was a set that I know I’ll cherish.
In sync
As the day drew to a close it was time for another duo set. Dave wanted to use my black backdrop, he’d seen a reference image by Herb Ritts that he wanted to try out. Coincontenentally, this was the same image that I had shared with Victoria and Noémie the day before. You know they say women who spend a lot of time together can synchronise their menstrual cycle, perhaps this is the male photographer equivalent?
Either way, another great example of why Dave and I are friends. The rain was coming down hard now so I set up the backdrop indoors. The grand living room was transformed into a studio with lovely light from the tall windows. Another set of gentle poses and the perfect way to finish the week here in our grand chateau.
This image was me testing the light and is one of my favourites, because it is real.
Noémie had to go back to Paris, she had a shoot the next day, always busy that one. Our time may have been brief, but it was intense. The creative energy we all poured into each hour was evident and this made saying goodbye that little bit harder. As Noémie was driven to the station, Laure said she still wanted to shoot. It was getting dark so it was a good excuse to use flash one last time. Laure changed into an outfit she had in mind and I asked her to slick back her hair a little (she did this last time we shot together and she looked like a different person).
After Party
Laure is so easy to shoot with, her energy is infectious, but also it’s clear she enjoys what she does. As I said before, that creative energy came rushing out and Laure was playing her role in the After Party well. We took some great shots together in this set - maybe our best? After I got back to the UK we were chatting, just saying how much fun it had been, but she also shared how tired she was when she got home. Something that wasn’t evident when we were shooting, but logically had to happen as Laure gave everything in those images, physically and emotionally it takes its toll on you.
It had been just a handful of days and there was no question it was tiring. But it was also very enjoyable. A time to recharge those creative batteries and also reconnect with people that I consider to be important. Something Dave and I often remark on is how each model we work with brings far more than just their appearance.
Art modelling isn’t just about looking pretty, and in many cases it isn’t about evoking a traditional beauty.
There’s a deeper intellect and emotional awareness at play. It comes from a personality that understands how to access and express that part of themselves. You don’t learn this at an Art Model University, this is inherent in their DNA and cultivated over time as each person grows and comes to understand themselves. That is why Laure and no doubt the others, got home exhausted. They didn’t just spend a day or two modelling. They were participating in a practical exam, one they had been revising for their whole life and would see them pass with flying colours. This is why when you look at an image of an art model you will see a conventional beauty, but you may find yourself drawn to something else less tangible. Something more human. A different kind of beauty entirely.
I’m writing these last words on my birthday. I could use the time doing other things, but today I wanted to celebrate by reliving my time in France, sharing these moments and observations. A gift of time, and one that feels particularly valuable.
So many words
Speaking of writing, I’ll leave you with this. As we left the chateau Kris asked me to sign my book. She had brought it with her from Canada and finished it before our week in France had started.
There is something wild about seeing your book in someone else’s hands and knowing it had been bought in another country. But that doesn’t beat being told they enjoyed reading it and wanted to read the next one. I have so much writing to do plus so much editing. First world problems!
Thank you everyone for such a wonderful week, for sharing your valuable time to create some beautiful images and memories alike.
Models: Claire, Victoria, Noémie, Laure
CEO of Ideation and Strategy: Dave McEllistrum
CEO of Implementation (and best person Dave knows) Kris McEllistrum
Below are a few behind the scenes shots of our week
