Fashion Photoshoot in the Old Mill, Halesworth

Elegant Exposures spent a day shooting a fashion photoshoot in the old mill in Halesworth, Suffolk. Sue Hardy styled it, Riannah modelled, and the aim was a proper editorial look in a building with bags of character.

The Styling

The idea was simple: elegant dresses in a rough, rustic setting. Sue chose outfits that pushed against the mill’s worn timber and dust rather than blending in, and that contrast is what makes the set.

The Setting

The old mill gave us textures no studio could fake. We had the run of it thanks to the generosity of Hektor Rous. Every corner offered a different backdrop, and the rough surfaces set off the dresses well.

The Outfits

Sue Hardy chose three dresses. The turquoise blue was an original 1950s ballgown with a tulle skirt and silver floral embroidery on the bodice. The pink was from the 1980s, with a tiered lace skirt and a fitted satin top edged in lace and ribbon. The third was a red satin dress with a peplum. Three different decades, all at home in the mill.

Riannah

Riannah modelled all three looks and was game for anything, including posing on a pile of rubbish in a ballgown because the frame needed it. That willingness shows in the pictures.

The Editorial Look

The editorial feel was built partly in camera and partly in the edit. We also filmed a behind-the-scenes video during the day.

Wrapping Up

The mill shoot is still one of my favourite Elegant Exposures sessions. Sue, Riannah and I each brought something different to it, and the result is a set of images none of us would have made alone.