Meg at The Good Intent Bar, Birmingham
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On Sunday I set out for my last solo photoshoot in June and it’s one I’d been looking forward too since we arranged it. The few days before had been like a mini heatwave yet typically for me and these shoots as I got to the train station it started torrentially chucking it down. As I sheltered under the station bridge I couldn’t help but laugh to myself; 4 out of 4 shoots almost called off for the rain and yet, when it came to it, we created a collection of images that I absolutely love.
We had arranged to meet at Snow Hill station to have a wander through Great Western Arcade and see if we could snap a few shots in such a gorgeous setting. The first image was just a test shot but it works so well I had to include it. We had a quick look around and I noticed a bar called The Good Intent, looking kind of quiet and gorgeous, a tiny gem in a beautiful place. On a whim we went in and got a couple of drinks so Meg could get changed and I had a chat to the barman Will, and I was blown away when he said we could have free rein of the bar. I later found out that they’re a non-profit bar and regularly host events for free.
As we got upstairs neither Meg nor I could believe what we’d stumbled into - the place was stunning. We started in the far corner where we found this amazing old organ; the tone of the wood working so beautifully with the soft warm light coming through the big windows. Because I like to make my life hard by shooting with my 85mm lens I had to find some creative ways to make space and climb but I think the crops look cool and Meg looks incredible in her new dress.
Upstairs has a function room which was cordoned off, but Will (because he is amazing) said we could use the space. I spotted this rose arch by the door and could already picture the shots I wanted to take. Meg looks insane, especially in this first image because everything just works. The positioning of Meg in the doorway, her tattoos and hair, stunning face and makeup, and not to mention the soft light from the window behind helping her stand out. We explored every inch of the upstairs (except the toilet for obvious reasons) and even the challenge of the orange-y bulbs above the table wasn’t going to stop me getting the shots I wanted.
When planning the shoot Meg had posted asking if any brands would like to collaborate with us and she had a fantastic response. We decided to stay upstairs and shoot with this gorgeous Feral Heart Clothing Co and obviously I wanted to get a shot of it surrounded by this arch. The back of the tshirt was really cool too and it was a real learning curve for me as I’ve never shot for a brand before and didn’t realise how awkward trying to get a back shot would be without wrinkling the design! Meg is a professional though so she knew exactly how to style it and move to show the top at its best.
The next brand we were incorporating was BLACKENCULT who really kindly sent 3 gorgeous rings and a necklace that I instantly fell in love with and seriously need to buy for myself. This again was amazing experience for me because as a photographer I’m very set in my ways and will happily shoot at f/1.8 for the rest of my life but I quickly realised I couldn’t do that here. I wanted to balance getting the depth of field to show the items off but still have enough of a blurred background that it was coherent within the set. I also struggled against the light here because I needed a higher shutter speed and should have bitten the bullet and upped my ISO but I’m just so allergic to doing it.
Despite my shortcomings Meg shows these beautiful items off perfectly, and her tattoos add interest without taking away from the rings - they look like they were made for her. Also, can we talk about that scorpion?! What a way to lead your eye up to the jewellery that’s just catching the light.
After taking the jewellery shots we made out way down into the bar to shoot more with Feral Heart Clothing Co’s vest and cap - absolutely perfect attire for this ridiculous heat. Will the barman even let us use the bar for this shot which I am in love with, I think everything works perfectly in it and even the pale pink of the design compliments the dark green of the bar. I also adore the shots we took in the snug area at the back of the downstairs bar; the light coming from above creates a moody vibe and Meg looks insanely gorgeous.
After making my life hard working with the minimal natural light at the back of the bar we moved to the front window and get these super cool shots showing off the cap. Meg obviously rocks like look because she makes everything look effortlessly cool and the reflection shot is so much fun.
For the final part of the shoot we moved to the outer bar area and Great Western Arcade, shooting for another incredible brand called Granite Anchor Clothing. I already have their Simpson’s ‘Nevermore’ top on my wishlist so was so excited that they responded to Meg. I’m crazy about this tshirt, it’s part of their Zodiac collection (this one is Scorpio) and I can’t wait to see what the Aquarius one is like so I can represent my fellow hard-headed water bearers.
The diffused light coming through the roof windows looks incredible on Meg and we had a lot of fun taking shots here whilst I constantly apologised to a lovely family who were just trying to have a quiet drink outside a lovely bar.
Throughout this entire shoot I was buzzing, and the adrenaline didn’t wear off for a long time after. I couldn’t believe how lucky we were to just stumble on such a fantastic location, and I can’t thank Will enough for his generosity and for accommodating us the way he did - nothing was too much trouble. Meeting Meg was a joy and I really hope to work with you again in the future. Meg is an incredible model; she is a beautiful human who is versatile, imaginative and needs very little direction from me, always being open to trying any crazy thing I thought might work.
Model: Megan
Location: The Good Intent
Brands:
