Vaz, Jasz and Ruby don't join the Navy.

One of my favourite sites near here is Spine Road. Not only does it have a cool name but it has quite a few little surprise locations that look rubbish from the outside but when you photograph them right, look amazing. It's a default location for many Swindon photographers and we all try and use it sparingly as it can end up looking a bit samey.

I really wanted to shoot at Corsham. There is an old abandoned navy base where I have shot before. Unfortunately when I went to check out the location with Carol the night before the shoot (OK I might have checked it earlier but I didn't) it was all locked up. We did find a way in around the side through a gap in the fence but it would have been a nightmare lugging all the gear through there. We did get in and the place was deserted which was a little strange. It looks like a scene out of a post apocalyptic movie but there are usually some people in there and the place is covered in graffiti. However tonight it was empty (and a little bit spooky) We did however find a nice location and were just leaving when the police turned up. Now trespassing is not a crime. "Trespassers will be prosecuted" is a bluff ("Shoplifters will be prosecuted." is also a bluff. The store cannot prosecute you only the police can.) but when the police ask you to leave, it's always best to do as they say. So the result was that we could have turned up on the Saturday with Model, MUA, Designer, Photographer and hanger on (Hi Alex :) but when you get turfed out you have to lug all that gear and people somewhere else and to be honest I don't have a mini bus or a helicopter (until, like you, I win the Euromillions) so I decided that we would shift locations and shoot nearer home.

So Spine road it was. I hadn't shot there for a year so probably OK to re-use it. Just the last minute hassle of organising everyone to the correct location and everything's fine

or..... not...

The plan was Vaz (MUA) and Ruby (Model) turn up at mine and we go and pick up Jasz (clothing designer) from the station. We then go to location, shoot and the world is a better place. However... Vaz had left her gear at college and was desperately trying to borrow enough stuff for the shoot so she was running late. Jasz turned up so I picked him up and then we waited (and I flapped) until Vaz and Ruby turned up.

We had a few looks to achieve and probably spent far too long on the first one so the shoot ended up lasting over 6 hours. Which is OK as long as you bring plenty of water and snacks. Which of course this shoot being jinxed we didn't have. But we all survived (just).

Vaz did a fantastic job on the make up and Jasz's clothes were awesome, especially the clown dress. Ruby was new to modelling (this was her second time) but did a great job under the - probably stressful, when the great outdoors is your changing room and a sunny day in April is still bloody freezing -circumstances. Alex also did a great "stand in for the model" lighting test. All in all we had a fun day and got some great results. I always think I could do better but I did get what will probably be one of my all time favourite shots (The clown one below). Thanks to everyone and hopefully we can do it all again soon.