Say cheese...

I finally managed to find a quick moment to test shoot my models, FINALLY, although it was not long enough to do an actual shoot and although I chose my models knowing what they looked like because of how they looked, I also wanted to see if they would definitely look right in a rural environment and setting and if chemistry could be seen between them.

Luckily they work really well together and it helps they are already friends. this helps portray a comfortable familiar relationship between the pair which is what I need for my story. They both also have a very naive, innocent youthful look which is exactly what I want as I don't want them to look too 'movie ready'

Whilst I had Jen available for a short while I also practised some potential make-up and hairstyles. I want the make-up simple but pretty so that on camera she has a gorgeous glow but still showing her sweet freckles through. Her make-up will remain the same throughout the book due to continuity but her hair styles will change on a daily basis. As my hair skills are stronger I will due a vast range of braids which are stunning elegant and simple. 

Luckily, her hair is super long and glossy with a rich chocolate tone perfect for my photographs! I also love the make-up I have created on her although extra concealer needs to be added under the eye as her bags make her look tired when she should look glowing and sprightly. 

Once upon a problem...

I have been in contact with my three models, and it is worrying me when I am able to shoot my final images let alone test shoots to see how they work and look together as individuals. The three of them are incredibly busy at college with mock exams and homework, something I did not consider. I am going to be brave and leave my final shoots until the Easter holidays, I hate how late this is leaving it, but I do not want any other models. I am also worried as it is hard to predict the exact weather 1/2 months from now. 

On the bright side, it gives me lots of planning time and I have already decided to start writing up the storyline in which I have got many alterations in mind:

- 2 characters only, main girl and main boy

- to prevent confusion with Romanian storyline, young girl sent over from Romania to England when she was 5

- main girl adopted at 5 to wealthy family with a son of similar age, they grew up to be friends rather than siblings

- item received with inheritance at 18 is cursed causing her to act cruel

- main girl horrible to boy on several accounts

- both destroy tiara together

- girl destroys tiara but dies with it

Having only 2 models to organise will make shooting easier, costs will be cut and it will create a stronger possible romantic connection between the two throughout the storyline.

The hunt for book publishers...

After scrolling through the endless list of potential printers online and making phone calls, I got a train to Chandlers Ford and Eastleigh, to meet a couple of the printer companies I had come across. Although I am sure their work is fantastic, I had trouble communicating what product I was after and if they did understand, it was not available and could not be provided to me. I visited three to which all were a disappointment. This did knock my confidence in the idea of creating a book, and although it is early days, I am worried I won't find anyone. I am going to keep researching for local places around Uni and at home (Southampton and Reading) my fingers are crossed.

The quest for further research...

After doing some more research into Romania during the early 1900's, the high immigration links well with the storyline of the main character moving from Romania to England as a child.

I have also continued to look at attire worn in England during that time period and have started looking online at possible dress choices. Although, the wardrobe will not be complete period drama style, it will take influences from the clothes from over a century ago and will be blended with modern and updated fashion. 

I feel ASOS has the widest range at an affordable price to purchase numerous outfits for the female models. Although the boy must also be styled, my main attention is on the female characters as I want them and their styling to stand out more considering it is a fairytale. The boy will be wearing simple smart/casual garments such as black straight leg trousers, loafers, shirts and ties.

I have also been looking at more locations and although some that I had in mind were gorgeous, I will not have a huge amount of time to style my models, travel, shoot, touch up, change outfits in the short amount of time I have with them. Therefore I am planning on looking at local parks and even the woods out the back of my garden. I am fortunate to live in a very rural area at home with nature on my doorstep, ideal for the shoots I am planning.

Mirror Mirror on the wall, you're the fairest of them all...

I have sourced and contacted the three models I intend to use in my project. They are currently at Sixth form college close to my family home therefore easier to meet up and shoot images. The boy I have chosen is also a model with Models1.

 Myself and the models have agreed to shoot images around their school work at weekends. I feel this may be tricky considering the possible large amount of photographs that need to be taken, therefore several shoots will have to be planned for one day/evening with outfit changes and altering hair and make-up, especially on the girls. Choosing these particular individuals I feel is a good choice as both they and I will feel comfortable with each other as are in regular contact outside of the project and as they are 'normal' teenagers, it will help portray a more 'normal' and natural feel and look to the final images, as majority of the feedback from my questionnaires stated they wanted to see REAL girls, something and someone they could relate to,