corinne
“Girl, put your record on. Show me your favourite song.” If that’s all you know of Corinne Bailey Rae then go and educate yourself.
I’ll admit I didn’t know a whole lot more before I was booked to photograph her. But the universe works in funny ways. I was booked to photograph her at 1pm the next day on my way to the pub, the doors to the Victoria line opened up in front of me to a large poster promoting Corrine’s new album. I had a 20 minute walk home that night so put it on, and I’m happy that I did because I found out what I had been missing.
When it came to shoot day I was to photograph her in Maida Vale, a BBC studio that needs no introduction. Everything from the Doctor Who soundscape, to the biggest bands in the world have played and been recorded here. I found her warming up in Studio 2. (where Bing Crosby recorded “This is Christmas”)
It was just me and Corrine, with her Pianist. It turns out the this pianist is actually her husband. I let them warm up in peace before I started taking photos in the moments between moments. It’s hard to explain what it’s like to hear a genuine top shelf talent singer, sing live for you. You’ve heard them on the radio, you’ve seen them on Youtube. You know what to expect right? Nope, it’s different when it’s just you and them alone in a large hall.
She sounded so good. Beyond what words can explain. So good that I forgot to stop shooting at some points. Straight up just standing there in actual silence just bathing in it. Bathing in Corinne. I also one the other way and forgot to be quiet at times and kept taking photos. During a take Corinne had to smile and give me the internationally understand “quiet” gesture during a take for radio. I was mindlessly snapping away on a DSLR, just making noise over the beauty she was creating. What a twat I was.
At the end of the session I had asked for some time to do some portraits. For some reason the photo team had decided to buy a large LED panel for lighting at Maida Vale, rather than a flash head. I tested it out before she arrived, so went the times comes at the end of the session I pull it out. What do I see?
Low battery.
I have Corrine posed up in the middle of the famous studio, surrounded by the famous walls and clock behind her. After 5 frames the light dies. Ok cool, lets keep going. I act as if I planned that. The final shot doesn’t work the way I pictured it, but still it works. Ok lets do something different, lets go in tight with a hard flash on camera. This is the time that my trusty Profoto A1 decides to not play ball with my trigger. Corrine laughs as I struggle to make a properly exposed frame. I ask her to hide and play behind the soundproof curtains. I get 5 frames that actually expose properly and release her from the awkwardness that is this shoot.
Overall the shoot works, it could have been better, but I’m happy.
Thanks for singing to an audience of just me Corrine, I’ll never forget it.
