Photo shootout: Derelict RAF base – 25th April – Sign up now to take part!
So for those of you that haven’t heard before, I’m organising a big photo pow wow/shootout for the 25th of April. The location is a derelict RAF base just North of Cambridge. The base is huge with plenty of space for us all to work and create some really unique photos. Just to whet your appetite, here’s one I took at the location before:

Sign up form and more details after the jump…
OK so I basically want this to be a big get-together, social, learning and fun experience for all. The possibilities are there to get some truly unique and awesome portfolio shots. The shoot was originally designed to be free however the owners of the base have somewhat scuppered that one. In order to use the base for the day we’re going to have to put together some cash. I’m hoping we can get enough people to the point where it comes roughly £5-10 each. I’m hoping nobody minds this since it really will be a unique experience. To take part everybody must agree to work on a time for CD basis. Photographers must agree to provide models and makeup artists with digital copies of photographs taken.
One other quick note. The base is derelict. This means there’s broken glass around and some parts of it are completely unsafe. If you want to take part in this shoot you must do so at your own risk. The buildings (in general) are structurally sound however you will need to practice discretion and work out all the risks before shooting in an area. I’ll give a briefing of some things to be aware of before we start and as long as you’re careful it shouldn’t be a problem. Just to reiterate again though everybody taking part MUST be over the age of 18 and must be willing to take full responsibility for their own actions.
Right, on with the sign up form. I’m going to try and group people together of slightly mixed abilities. Ideally I’d love to get some people to also hold some mini-lessons for those interested. These might include things such as lighting techniques, posing styles etc. As such I’ve asked everybody to rate their ability. I know rating ability can be hard. Try to use this as a guide though:
For photographers:
Beginner – I have my own DSLR and still use it mainly on Auto or Aperture Priority.
Intermediate – I am fully proficient with my camera, am happy using it fully and getting along on my own.
Advance – I know everything about my camera, I shoot lots and am happy posing subjects and creating interesting photographs. I’ve also started to get to grips with the basics of lighting.
Expert: I shoot a lot. I have lots of gear and can cope in pretty much all photographic situations. I’m comfortable working with models and lighting. I carry out paid work regularly. I wouldn’t mind teaching some of my immense knowledge to newbies.
For Models:
Beginner – I’m just getting into this modeling malarkey. I’ve not done much before but am very keen.
Intermediate – I’ve been modeling for a while and started to build up a portfolio.
Advanced – I’ve been modeling for ages. I’m quite successful and have shot numerous paid assignments.
Expert – I’ve been modeling for ages. I mainly shoot paid assignments for big names. I’m happy to help out some of the newer models with tips and advice.
I think everything else should be fairly straight-forward. Hit me up in the comments though if you have any more questions.
Edit: Sign up now closed!
As put in my e-mail to you, I’ll more than likely be attending, I may bring some of my assistants / 2nd shooters too, will be good experience for them plus help with the costs.
Great idea Alex !
Arghhh! I can’t make that day Alex! Sigh.
Hopefully next time!!
Thanks Alex
This sounds fantastic. Am definitely up for it providing I don’t get broken in the Roller Derby match the day before. Should be fine – but fingers crossed anyway!
Would be a great opportunity to get some decent photos of the corsets and other stuff I’ve made, and maybe a few shots in interesting outfits with my skates (if there are areas where the floor is ok and I wouldn’t hurt my lovely wheels!)
Looking forward to it
Sounds awesome Lizzie. There is still flooring in some of the old ball rooms which sound perfect for skates
Hey Alex, just used the form to register my interest but I’m still not 100% sure if I can make it yet. Got any ideas on the time frame? I suppose it’d be alright for me to come and go if I need to arrive late/leave early?
Hi Dave, I’m thinking an 11am start would probably be best. We should have the site all day and as such you should be fine to head off early. If you need to arrive late let me know and I’m sure we can sort something out.
Alex
Thanks for the invite Alex. I’ve actually been invited to attend a similar thing elsewhere on the same day. I hope to attend your shoot though but will confirm for definate asap.
Hope that’s ok but feel free to discount me from the line-up if you prefer.
Many thanks
Ryan
Awesome idea Alex and I can’t wait to get onboard and hopefully get to ring up some models and MUA’s.
Mark
Looking forward to it.
I see we planning about 11am start, What time would we leave?
I guess everyone shall bring food and drink or is there somewhere we can grab a bite?
Glad to see the shoot is happening! Hope I can come along.
Looks like a great location for a shoot, love the pic of the girl with the balloons and I wish I wasn’t busy on the 25th! Look forward to seeing the pics from the day though.
Hiya!
Would be really keen to come along, but I do not have transport. If there is still a little space available for me (Intermediate/Advanced Model) I wonder if any one would be passing Huntingdon way and could pick me up… I am willing to pay towards petrol!
Hazel.
Hey Hazel,
Yep should be fine, I’ll send out an email soon with more details and hopefully with a lift for you!
Alex
Dude! You’re actually doing it. If I get back through volcano dust and am not too jet lagged and there’s no problem with me driving then I’m up for this. Sunday right?! As you know I’m not a model but I reckon it would be fun and I can learn more about cameras as I’m thinking of buying an SLR after this trip. Hugs!
Hey
I have just used the forum to register after seeing a casting on purestorm from Andrew Dobell. As mentioned to Andrew I am down in England the whole weekend doing shoots and have a shoot in Luton 9-12 on Sunday morning so I hope to attend on my way back up the road but wouldnt make the start time of 11am. I wondered if he might be okay to attend later, I would also need to confirm for definite if I can attend?
Let me know if this is okay
Many thanks
Regards
Jenny
Do you have a list of models or number of models, should I try bring a model?
Jason
Hey, This sounds like a fantastic idea, Im really interested but am so skint at the moment so cant pitch in im afraid