Pete and I go way back but it is only now that we finally met to work together. Pete was one of my first followers when I first appeared on PP in August 2017. Always supportive, encouraging and considerate, Pete therefore is one of very few who can truly appreciate any progress I may have made on my modelling journey, as have I also observed his development and exploration of genres from portrait to glamour, art nude to erotica. Now the erotica genre is where I would fit one day. AF was the perfect platform for both of us.
It is only this year Pete decided to reply to one of my castings. I am a believer that it is better left with photographers to decide and truly feel when the time is right for them to hire me and depending on their portfolio and notes I make a decision. Because it has to feel right for me too. I knew Pete was ready. We spoke on the phone to finalise everything for our 3 hour shoot at my home.
Pete is very reliable and will not let you down if he books you, he made that clear over the phone. He arrived on time, very friendly and is clearly a very respectful gentleman.
It was obvious almost from the start of the shoot that I put Pete out of his comfort zone in terms of speed of flow, he told me so, and it was my mission to show him what I am about, how I like to flow erotically. I did not make it easy, I never do to be fair. But he knew that. I want photographers to expand and explore, try something different from what they usually shoot. He asked for my honest opinion from time to time looking at the back of the camera, and we kept exploring different angles to keep pushing.
I saw some really lovely captures of my muscle tone and flow, really, and a few expressive glimpses of my face too. He adapted very well to me. We used daylight the entire time. I was truly exhausted as 3 hours is my maximum now.
But what took me by surprise and touched me the most was when Pete asked to purchase a copy of my book ELLE to take with him at the end of our shoot. ELLE is my self-published book about my own self-exploration, a piece of me by me. This was right here another commitment Pete showed me, a genuine token of his gratitude and appreciation to what I had to say, as a creative, albeit the fact he had just taken hundreds of his own captures.
Lastly, thank you for a truly beautifully written reference right from the heart. One of the most eloquent and expressive reference I have ever received. It is from the heart that we can watch the best and most rewarding things grow. It is also the best place to leave a seed behind and let it do its thing.
I look forward to seeing what imprint I will leave on your erotic portfolio Pete and on your own journey. I like surprises but what I love most is to see a photographer surprise themselves.
ELLE X
Rating:
Positive
14/02/2020