Free photo shoot with Simon Harvey

Although experimenting with different styles, there is a certain shared edge to all of Simon Harvey's pictures, an artistic vision he wants to express. Sometimes done with a cheek in tongue attitude, his photography tries to go beyond the surface image, to penetrate the soul of the person he captures through his viewfinder.

Yes, he does commercial photography. Sure, he shoots landscapes and promotional images. But there is always something more behind each of his picture - a true artist's view of the world. Images of people - that's what Simon captures best. Whether it's a child's innocent look, the model's arrogant haute couture attitude or an old gaffer's wearied countenance - Simon is there with his camera. Authenticity is what he is looking for.

Simon often likes to do his shoots in natural light. Obviously, sometimes natural light needs a bit of a nudge in the right direction - that's where the photographer's usual accoutrements, such as reflecting screens and shades, come into the play. But he also has a good eye for picking the time and place when the light conditions are just right. With a true photographer’s patience, he can spend hours observing, waiting and making adjustments just to get this one great picture from his shoot.

(c) Simon Harvey

(c) Simon Harvey

(c) Simon Harvey

His involvement in photography started at age 11 – as a young boy he was fascinated by the concept of stopping time to capture a story in pictures, immortalizing the scenes he saw unfolding in front of himself. More than a quarter of a century has passed and during that time Simon has tried out different things – landscape photography, documentary style, fashion and glamour. Besides the extensive practical experience, he also has a National Diploma in Photography as a formal qualification.

"I am still developing," he claims "I want to try out different styles. For this shoot, I am looking for a model, who fits with the ideas I have for my portfolio. I want to try something exciting - and this has to be right for the model as well; the shoot needs to complement her portfolio too. Ideally, I am looking for someone with a striking face and great physique – although this is more of a fashion shoot, I still want to show tone and shape."

For a model starting out – especially one working on free lance basis, he has the following advice: “To be noticed by photographers and potential clients... you need to stand out. Be creative with your styling, locations and backgrounds for the shoot – this in addition to your posing and good looks. Ideally, your best pictures will come from a collaboration between you, the creative artists, make-up artists and photographers – it’s a team effort to bring out the best in you!”

Simon - also known as 'hotshooter' when behind the lens - will do a casual / fashion / portrait shoot with two WannabeStar members on TFP basis on location, in or around London area.

More of Simon's work can be seen here at www.blitzimages.co.uk