A Nottingham based fashion photographer frustrated by the fact
that many people look to London for creative talent, is taking
matters into his own hands by persuading people that Nottingham
really is full of artistic flair.
A few months ago what started as a very general model search
conducted by Gavin Kemp Photography, became a show case for some of
the East Midlands top creatives, demonstrating that there is far
more going on in the city than people think.
As Gavin explains: "We had a number of clients who were asking
about models for upcoming jobs and in
addition to speaking to local agents, we put out a casting call
just to see what new models were based locally. We were surprised
and delighted when local model Olivia Dunn (15), who has already
worked worldwide for a number of international designers, got in
touch."
Very quickly what started as a general casting call became a
fully organised professional test with an entirely local team, all
of whom have national and international reputations.
Made up of Katy Short from Leicester who has a national
reputation for her work in fashion and on TV, Nottingham hair
stylist Martin Bland who's a well known face at London Fashion
week, Retford based Olivia who works internationally, and Gavin
Kemp who also has a national reputation for his lingerie and
fashion photography.
Gavin, who has worked for global brands both in marketing and
photographic capacities said: "There is a
considerable amount of talent round here and in times of
economic constraint I continue to be surprised by the number of
people who still think all the answers are to be found in London.
Many brands will swap local talent for large bills and the
inconvenience at the drop of a hat, when Nottingham really is home
to some fresh new talent.
"The test that was to benefit everyone's portfolio was a huge
success, we worked all day it produced a series of images that were
stunning, but more importantly what it did was to showcase the
depth of talent available to local brands and designers, and
certainly does provide food for thought to any one thinking of
going outside the East Midlands for creative fashion images for
their brands and businesses."