Long, spirited (not to
mention, hot) miles aboard the teenage dream, have enabled me to reach
substantive conclusions, about various bits of equipment. Most notably, the
Passport Crochet backed cycling mitts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pasport-crochet-back-cycling-mitts
and the Joes No flats Eco-Nano dry lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/joe-s-no-flats
We also received these 35mm
section Vee Tire City Cruz https://www.veetireco.com/listings/city-trekking-city-cruz/ and some unexpected (but very welcome) goodies from
Green Oil www.Greenoil.net.
It seems they have revamped their Green
Clean, removing most of the water content, thus weighs considerably less in
transit. Theoretically reducing the energy required to transport it.
Elsewhere, we have their
Bamboo detail brush.
The handle is made from sustainably
sourced bamboo. The bristles are created from bio-plastic, which is derived
from the castor plant
This is basically designed for
scrubbing cassettes, chains and other, hard to reach drivetrain components-after
they’ve been given a blast of degreaser.
Cursory inspection suggests
the City Cruze are intended to compete with Schwalbe’s legendary Marathon family. Yes, there are some obvious cosmetic nods, in their direction. However, I’m advised
the City Cruze are urban/trekking, rather than touring rubber.
I’ve whipped one up front. on
my ‘cross/gravel inspired fixed. The Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres
follows behind, as a comparator. Contemplation
and reflection are other themes of my rides “Headspace” some might say.
Winding up the tempo along
open roads and times, where other traffic is little to moderate, is extremely liberating.
Only managed 35 on this 1in 7 descent, assisted by a passing double decker bus.
https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1990325537665034/
(My record is 42mph on a solo, 55 on a
tandem). Came close on the Holdsworth but, several attempts suggest I require a
lower position, than the present, BBB pursuit pattern bars permit.
The Teenage dream’s Salsa Bell
lap were one option, and work very well, in that context but I’m thinking, in
this instance, a shallower drop, such as Soma Bar1, would be better.
Behind the Camera…
Models; like any other cross
section of the population, delight and disappoint in equal measure. I’ve been
approached by models recently, asking me to pay them, for nude shoots. Though
thankfully rare, I get approaches from some hobbyist models, which boil down to
“How’s you? I want to be paid £20ph, for exposing myself to you, with no
creative merit whatsoever”.
Personally, I’m insulted by
these approaches, which assume the slightest hint of exposed flesh, will leave
me spellbound! There is clearly, a market for this “Flash for cash” formula.
After
all, the “Reader’s Wives” (badly shot, homemade, softcore porn) was a
phenomenally popular genre and still, refuses to die.
Similarly, while I acknowledge
we all have to start somewhere, no amount of grainy, pouting selfies tells me
how good (or otherwise) a model, you are.
Now, I have no issue with paying people, for
their skills and services.
I will pay models, where
appropriate, as part of a wider, commercial commission. Just as a builder/
property developer should pay a bricklayer/electrician/plasterer for their
work.
However, some of these approaches, try to stipulate what I may/not do
with the images afterward.
The reality is this. If I (or
another photographer) have paid for your services, I/they may do pretty much
what I/they choose afterward. Professional models know this, so terms are
explicit and agreed, long before we enter a studio.
I’m not in the business of
using images that would cause distress, or leave models feeling uncomfortable.
However, it is something to consider, if you are entering modelling, and considering
nude/topless/erotic/adult work.
Unless a commercial client
approaches me with this kind of commission, I respond, with my list of charges.
It’s a polite way of declining and swerving, a whole heap, of potential
trouble, further along the line.
Good pre-shoot communications
reveal a model’s motivations, wat they are looking to achieve and, in what sort
of timescales. It’s also a great way, of filtering out unreliable,
unprofessional and in some instances, dangerous, people.
There are plenty of
“photographers” and plenty of “models” to choose from. Hours are like diamonds,
don’t let them waste. Know your worth and choose accordingly. That goes for
life, generally.
This week’s, delightful
model, is Carla Stillwell https://purpleport.com/portfolio/vixenmummy
