shoot for victory
It was an epic assignment – to capture an Admiral against the replica of Nelson’s
flagship, overcoming the tourist-friendly setting and February light…
David Goff LMPA assisted Bill McIntosh Hon FMPA for the shot (right) and reports.
A
fter spending a lot of
time in the studio over
the winter months, being
approached to assist a
shoot in a great location such as
the HMS Victory at Portsmouth's
Historic Dockyard was going to be
something of interest. Increas-
ing my enthusiasm, I was told I
would be assisting a well-known
photographer from the USA. With
a little research into Bill McIn-
tosh’s previous work, I was first
amazed by the extent of his career
within photography then with the
way he montages environmental
backgrounds to give a unique
perspective .Soon I began relishing
the opportunity to work alongside
someone with his vast experience.
With numerous phone calls
and emails to and from the US in
preparation, we decided upon the
equipment that was needed for
the shoot. Bill was going to use a
Photographs by David Goff – above, Bill in Nelson’s Cabin. Four
Fuji S5; as I use Nikon equipment
images below – the shoot in progress over two days.
I could nring along my own lenses,
thus keeping the weight of Bill’s
bag a little less. Bill uses Lumedyne
lighting on location, and was
bringing a single head. Another
two head Lumedyne outfit was
provided by The Flash Centre’s hire
department in London.

Day 1
Squeezing through the strict secu-
rity of Portsmouth Dockyards I was
greeted by the Admiral’s Personal
Assistant before being introduced
to Bill. My first perception of Bill
was one of familiarity – almost a
cross between a symbolic American
photographer of yesteryear and a
wise sea captain, he seemed appro-
priately fitting for the venue. And
he comes over a lot younger than
his age, though he reckons to be
the oldest of his peers still actively
working.
In the officer’s mess for coffee
we were able to discuss plans with
the captain and officers. Today’s
task was devoted to shooting the
background image of HMS Victory.
We had the privilege of a guided
tour around the stunning ship
looking for any possible locations.
During the tour I was drawn to one
10
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