Girl Talk 20: Elizabeth
This series is based on interviews I did quite a few years back with women who had modelled for me, or were private clients when I worked as a photographer. Their words have been, 'edited' but only to remove features of continuous speech such as, 'um, ah, eh,' and repetitions of partial phrases which is common in everyday speech.
Confession Club: This story is slightly different from the other "Girl Talk," stories in that it's told more from my point of view, than from the model's viewpoint. Another difference is that this story takes place prior to the first, "proper," photo session.
I'd been in town one day, and met an old family friend who I hadn't seen for a few years. She had her eldest daughter with her, and we chatted for quite a while before we went our separate ways. I thought nothing more about it until I got a phone call the next day, from her youngest daughter.
Elizabeth: Hello, it's Elizabeth, Claire's daughter. I believe you were talking to my mother and sister yesterday.
Confession Club: Hi Elizabeth, yeah that's right. What can I do for you?
Elizabeth: Well... you're going to think this is very strange, but when mum and Jane came home yesterday, they were talking about meeting you. I never knew you were a photographer, or rather, I knew you were a photographer, but I thought it was just weddings, and such like. From what mum and Jane said, it turns out that you're a glamour photographer, is that right?
Confession Club: That's right, it's been a long, long time since I photographed a wedding.
Elizabeth: So, it's true, you are a glamour photographer then?
Confession Club: Guilty as charged.
Elizabeth: Hmm... I've got something I'd like to talk to you about. Can I come and see you?
Confession Club: Of course you can. I haven't seen you for years, since you were a wee girl. It would be nice to see you again. When would suit you?
Elizabeth: Nothing like the present. I can manage this afternoon if you're free?
Confession Club: Right - that would suit me too. About 2pm than?
So, it was arranged that she would come to see me that same afternoon, but I already had a good strong inkling what she wanted to see me about from what she said.
I hadn't seen Elizabeth since she was a small child and was curious to see how she'd turned out. The last time I'd seen her was when her adult teeth were just coming in; a cute little girl with freckles sprinkled across her nose, teeth that seemed too big for her mouth, and a real tomboy into the bargain. So, I wasn't quite prepared for the beautiful young woman who appeared at my door later that afternoon. A tall brunette, very slim, and despite the conservative business suit she wore, I could tell she had a great figure. Her legs were long, slim and shapely. She looked fabulous - definitely model material as far as I was concerned.
Elizabeth: (shaking hands) Hi, it's so nice to see you.
Confession Club: Wow! It's nice to see
you
- you're looking great.
Elizabeth: Oh, thank you, that's so sweet of you to say.
Confession Club: C'mon in, let's go into the lounge. We can talk there, and you can ask me any questions you might have.
I offered her a cup of coffee, or tea, but she declined, and so we sat down to talk. She crossed those very slim legs, her shortish skirt hiking up a wee bit to reveal even more of her legs, and I thought I caught a glimpse of stocking tops, but I couldn't be sure. I asked her what she wanted to see me about, but I already knew pretty much what she was going to say before she said it.
Elizabeth: Well... as I told you on the phone, I heard mum and Jane talking about you when they came home. It wasn't anything bad, or critical of you, they were just generally talking, and joking, and mum said you'd probably seen more naked women than a gynaecologist.
When I asked her what she was talking about, she told me that you were a glamour photographer, and you must have photographed hundreds of women over the years. She also mentioned that you had a website, so later on, last night, I went on the internet and had a look. I must say I was surprised to see so many local women were willing to get their clothes off for you.
Confession Club: Oh yes! Believe me Elizabeth; local women are no different from any other women. There are those that would run a hundred miles from the thought, those who would like to do it, but haven't quite worked up the nerve, and those who love to show off, and can't wait to get naked for the camera.
Most women, in my opinion, have an exhibitionist streak, and love to be the centre of attention. I reckon as much as seventy five per cent would love to give it a go, but for various reasons, family, work, personal relationships, etc, they hold back from following their natural inclinations.
Elizabeth: Really? I never realised it was so common.
Confession Club: Well, you'll just have to take my word for it, but I rarely have any trouble finding new women willing to pose for me.
Elizabeth: No, no, I wasn't doubting what you were saying. Just a little surprised that so many were desperate to do it.
Confession Club: Elizabeth, I've been doing this for about twenty-five years now. I rarely advertise these days, apart from my website, and yet somehow these women find me and come along on a regular basis. They get dressed up in their nicest clothes and lingerie, and then take their clothes off as I photograph them. It's great that they trust me, and believe me, I see it as a privilege and an honour that they do.
Elizabeth: OK, I can see that now. Well... I've got something to ask you, and you can probably guess what it's about. Now that I'm here, I'm a bit embarrassed to ask.
Confession Club: I've heard it all before, so just take a deep breath, and let it all out. Tell me what's on your mind, and remember, I have a pretty good idea of what you're going to ask me already, so it's not going to surprise me.
Elizabeth: Well... It's been one of my fantasies for years, ever since I was about thirteen or fourteen, to be a model. You won't remember, but I was a bit of an awkward, gangly sort of girl, a bit of an ugly duckling I suppose but as I began to develop boobs and grew taller, into a young woman as opposed to the little girl I used to be, I got the notion that I'd like to model.
I've thought, well... fantasised about it for years, but I've never done anything about it. I suppose I just got it in my head that it would never happen - not here in a small city - it only happens to people in London, Paris, or New York, but when I heard mum and Jane talking about it last night, it all came flooding back, and I got quite excited about the idea again, and that's why I contacted you. I know that with you being a family friend you'd give me an honest answer to my questions.
Confession Club: I'll certainly do that - so just ask me what you want to know.
Elizabeth: Do I have any potential as a model? If you didn't know me and I came along to see you about modelling, would you be interested in me?
Confession Club: Elizabeth, I can honestly say I think you're stunning. You're definitely model material as far as I'm concerned. You're tall, you've got lovely shiny hair, a beautiful face, a figure to die for, and great legs. Everything is in proportion, and you're a nice person, what more could I ask for?
Elizabeth: Really? You're not kidding, not stringing me along? Do you really think I could model for you?
Confession Club: Are you daft or something? You're beautiful. No doubt at all in my mind - you've got everything I'm looking for in a model.
Elizabeth: God, I'm so relieved to hear that. You wouldn't believe how happy that makes me. Does that mean you'll take some pictures of me then?
Confession Club: Hold on there a moment - you know the sort of pictures I take - don't you? You've seen my website, seen what I do?
Elizabeth: Y-yes, I know what you do, I've seen the photos of other girls. Don't you want to photograph me?
Confession Club: Oh, I'd love to photograph you, but what about your mother, what's she going to say?
Elizabeth: Look, I'm twenty six, if I don't do it
now