Sharing My Long COVID Journey: An Interview on BBC Radio Kent

The Photoshoot

Picture this.

A Saturday morning in December. It’s dark, it’s 4.00 am and freezing cold outside. I’m getting ready for the photoshoot for my website with the wonderful Robyn Harper (photographer) and Robyn Shooter (makeup artist).

All ready to go but my eyes are like pinpricks. This time of the day does not suit me; but the adrenaline is starting to pump with the excitement of doing something I’ve never done before. I am a step nearer to the production of my debut album, “Peaches”, being made into a CD.

You need to know that I hate having my photograph taken. I’m not very photogenic and I always feel awkward. So, apart from excitement, I feel quite apprehensive.

I have been talking to “The Two Robyns” for a few weeks now. They are very skilled and highly professional. Although this is my first time at this, it isn’t theirs. We’ve been discussing everything so we are all prepared. My bag of clothing and accessories are in the back of the car.

Stan and I arrive at Richmond Park in South-West London. Because it’s very early still, there are hardly any people about. It’s spectacular; full of beautiful trees and shrubs, foliage, ferns turning brown, leaves crackling with frost beneath my feet. Sadly, there’s no mist this morning (that would have been very atmospheric) – but this really is the best place for a photoshoot for a Nature Girl like me.

Robyn H and Robyn S pull up in the car park and I sit in the open back of Robyn H’s estate car. She wraps a thick blanket around my knees because I’m so cold. Robyn S has her “box of tricks” and asks me if I would prefer “full-on Hollywood makeup style, or something else or just the minimal amount of makeup. I tell her I want minimal makeup because I’m not a star – I’m just Jan and I want to look like me.

Once we’ve completed the makeup (and I’m feeling fabulous, by the way), Robyn S heads off, after much thanks and a hug.

Robyn H and I tramp through the parkland, with the deer looking at us as I pose multiple times for the camera. The deer are inquisitive (what are those women doing in my park?), but they keep a watchful distance. One pose I can’t grasp is standing on the base of a tree -with my feet facing downwards – without falling forwards – so we abandon that idea. We are in the park for some considerable time before heading to the warmth of the studio.

Stan is settled nicely in another room, with his Kindle, tea and biscuits while Robyn and I get set up.

We’re discussing shots as we go along. Robyn has ideas and so do I. I’m changing into and out of outfits and finding my accessories to match. The makeup is still good – yay! This is very fast pace; Robyn and her camera are working quickly. At one point, I show her the silver engraved Schaeffer pen that my beloved Mum bought me and worked so hard to save for. Robyn wanted a shot of me writing my lyrics in a notebook and highlighted my pen. I wish Mum could have seen this.

We have a short tea break ourselves and then…back to it!

By the end of the day and I’m home, warming my cold bones, I hear from Robyn Harper; photographs are ready for me to download! I can’t believe how quick she is. I open the folder of photographs and I am amazed at how beautiful they are. There’s a lump in my throat as I look through all the photographs. There was no need for me to feel apprehensive. I ring Robyn, to go through them all and make my final selection.

If you ever want a photographer for your special event, please contact Robyn Harper Photography: (07799 348106)

She can also put you in contact with Robyn Shooter, who will make you feel and look your gorgeous best.

Have you enjoyed reading about my very first-ever photoshoot? I hope so. By writing this blog for you, I’ve been re-living it myself!
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