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Model Shoot Demonstration – A Masterclass by Ray Girling
21/11/2018

Film Noir Group Shot
Last year Ray Girling approached me with an idea for a model shoot for the club members.
“Great idea,” I said wondering what the subject would be about.
Ray continued, “I want to set up a shoot for the members to show them how I would go about taking an image of a 1940s private detective in the style of film noir.”
“Even better,” I exclaimed with a great sense of excitement, “who is your model?”
Ray gave me a little wry grin, looked me straight in the eye and said, “you!”

The term film noir may instantly conjure cinematic scenarios in your mind of hard-boiled detectives and brassy dames that drag trouble behind them like tattered coats. Film noir is a term introduced in the 1940s by French critics Nino Frank and Jean-Pierre Chartier.
Members waited patiently as Ray set up the scene using a metal Venetian blind (camera left) typical of the ones hung in private detective offices in the 1940s and 50s.

After a number of test shots and a few adjustments, we were ready. Members took it in turns to use the flash trigger to capture my image and also a chance to artistically direct me into creative poses. I had a number of props including a Trilby hat, braces, cigarette and wearing clothing to accentuate the mood and scene – white shirt, black tie and trousers.
My experience as the model was interesting. Firstly, not a natural extrovert, I found that I was a was a little nervous, however, I soon got into the swing of things looking mean and serious whilst members asked me to move this way and that. I think this was helped by the fact Sue Girling had put on a CD of the soundtrack from the Singing Detective – very relaxing and totally chilled. I found that when I got home, I was saying things to my wife such as “Get me a drink baby, whisky, straight up.” I am not sure where the American accent came from.

Joking aside, it was a great night and the results of the images speak for themselves. Thanks to Ray’s expertise, all the members got a rare opportunity to shoot in a studio setting with off-camera flash with a view of creating something a little different from the norm.
For more information about the Mid-Cheshire Camera Club visit our website at www.midcheshirecameraclub.org or come along to a meeting on Wednesday evening at 7.45 for 8pm at the Dingle Recreation Centre, Winsford.
Paul Wilcock
Press & Publicity Officer
MCCC