Swim Stories from the Ladies at the Bull Wall.
I’m a local photographer and I’ve been swimming at the ladies shelter in Dollymount since April 2020. I’ve got a lot of spare time on my hands these days so I figured I’d ‘focus’ my attention on you.
I’m looking for local and regular Bull Wall Ladies Shelter swimmers to photograph to be part of a Portrait Project. I’d love to do a book and/or have the best ones displayed at an exhibition. I’m looking for all shapes and sizes, nationalities, colours and abilities. I’ll photograph you in an editorial style portrait portraying your strength and confidence and it will be your swim legacy portrait to enjoy for years to come. I’ll be gifting you all with a print of your favourite image and spending the next few months working on it.
I will also tell your swim story so please tell me;
1) Why do you swim?
2) How does it make you feel or how does it help you?
I’d encourage you to be open and honest, your swim story is just as important as your portrait. It’s important to have this done just before your photoshoot. I will shoot at 3 hours after high tide so the water is just around your knees and at sunset for the best light ….and to get the towers in the background of course!
I’ve checked with Dublin City Council, local TD’s and the Clontarf Guards and they all said it’s ok to proceed even in level 5 as long as I’m safe and participants are within 5k. I’ve got support from Dublin City Arts Council so it’s all very exciting.
The inspiration for the shoot is full of notions but you’ll get the artistic idea;
Rineke Dijkstra
Beach Portraits 2002
I studied Dijstra’s work in college and this image has always stayed with me. Look at the pose, low horizon line to elevate the subject and her connection to camera. Imagine water around the knees and towers in the background.
Botticelli
The Birth of Venus
You will see the similarities in composition with the above, subject central, horizon line, the pose. This is art.
Confidence
Here is a little more modern inspiration and I know we’re not models but look at the pose and have a think about which one you feel might suit you and we can work with it for you on your shoot, I will direct you. The expression, the simplicity and the confidence is what makes these images powerful and there’s no reason why any of us can’t do this. We can be so hard on ourselves but I’d love to bring it out of you through strong body language and expression.
You’re awesome, celebrate yourself!
To be added to the call out for shoot days text me on 0864027767 and I’ll add you to the whatsapp group that will alert you to shoot days with 24 hours or less notice as it’s weather and tide dependant. Each shoot will be 5 minutes and wear your fav bathers.
In order for me to be able to use your image in a book or exhibition I need you to sign a model release form giving me permission to do so. It just means don’t come looking for money from me, I literally don’t have any!! I can’t take your portrait without the form signed and I’ll use your address to send you a print. No third party will have access to your personal details.
You can read it here and I’ll have copies to sign on site.
Your Checklist:
1. You must be a regular of the Bull Wall ladies Shelter.
2. Text me your name to be added to the shoot alert days.
3. Email me your swim story just before your shoot. info@elainebarkerphotography.com, 1 or 2 paragraphs is plenty.
4. Have a look at some sample poses you’d feel are most you.
5. Read the model release and be ready to sign it on site.
6. Leave your morto at home :)
You’re going to love this experience and have a professional portrait of yourself to be proud of.
You rock!