Aerial Rig FAQ
What happens if the forecast is dire?
Ah the great British weather. Although 2021 had the wettest May on record we struck lucky with it not clashing with any shoots. In the whole two months the rig was available we only had to cancel one shoot and rearrange two.
Providing rain or high winds are not forecast we are usually able to proceed and if you look at some of the images from last year you’ll see the more overcast the sky, the more dramatic the results.
I keep an eye on the forecast for each booking and contact clients 24/48 hours before to confirm local conditions. On rare ocassions if the weather is very changeable we keep in contact up to a few hours before. Once again these conditions can also be positive and provide blue skies, moody clouds and turbulent skies.
If rain, wind and general conditions do not look good the only option is to organise another date, which is why I keep days free in the calendar. I will be as flexible as I can to support you.
What facilities do you have at the orchard?
The orchard has parking for up to 6 cars, a shower and toilet block, a changing room and this year a chill out/changing Shepherds Hut next to the rig. There’s free superfast broadband wi-fi with teas and coffees available. My wife has a habit of baking a cake for every visitor, so be prepared!
Do I need to bring safety equipment or apparatus?
You are advised to provide your own performance apparatus with supporting strops, carabiners and swivels for personal peace of mind. You will need to bring someone to be your rigger.
I have available at no extra cost; .5m 1m, 2.5m and 3m strops from Firetoys and several Petzl 27kn William Ball Carabiners plus a large Swivel. There is also a thick crash mat available if you wish.
There is always danger of injury with aerial activity. Posing for photographs is more tiring than a moving performance so please make sure you are confident of your skills and what you want to achieve before the shoot.
If you feel tired, unsure, unwell or concerned for your own physical safety at any stage you are advised to stop immediately.
You will be asked to sign a liability waiver, equipment and medical check and read the risk assessment before using the frame.
Public Liability is covered by NFU Mutual Insurance.
It is my first time at a shoot, what advice do you have?
(1) Preparation is time never wasted. If you arrive unprepared and think you are going to wing it, then it will cause you and I far too much stress as no one knows what is coming next and ultimately you’ll only look at the final images and say ‘I wish I had done …’
(2) Sometimes the simplest shapes or moves are the most effective and create beautiful images. So practise 4 or 5 simple shapes and do those first. This will keep your strength up for later poses. By all means add a few more complicated ones as an option. That way you’ll always get results that please you. People looking at complicated moves will never understand what you go through to achieve them, so if you want to do them, make sure it is for yourself.
(3) Pace yourself. Shooting on the rig (or pole) without a break is exhausting, so bring a friend to swap with and share the load. It is also good to have emotional support when frustration and tiredness creeps in. Someone who understands what you are trying to achieve and who will give you an honest opinion that you are looking your best.
(4) A few grabbed examples on your phone or tablet will help us both no end to know what you’re trying to achieve and give me a better idea for the best angle to shoot from.
(5) It is important to be prepared to have a laugh. You’re doing this for fun remember. Nerves are understandable but no one is here to judge you. I want you to love the images and will do everything I can to help you achieve your goal.
(6) Finally, be prepared to eat cake. My wife has an obsession to bake something different for every visitor. Apparently her confectionary is getting its own following on social after last years numerous posts! Oh and bring flip-flops (or similar) for walking around the venue.
Cancellation Policy?
For the first time this year we are offering a Picnic at the Rig' feature where a studio can being up to 8 students plus instructors to spend the afternoon at the rig. However this is only for a select 4 weekends. If you book one of these weekends and weather forces us to move to another date which doesn't work for everyone we will cancel and refund any fees.
Solo/Duo performers. If you have booked and cancel more than 7 days before the date a full refund will be given. If you cancel less than 7 days a refund will be given ONLY if someone else takes your date and pays the shoot fee. If you have to cancel in less than 7 days we therefore advise you rearrange to another date without any penalty.
How do I book or ask for more information?
First check the dates on the booking page to see if your ideal day is free.
Then please contact me here on the website with your requirements, be it aerial shoot, stage pole/lyra or other creative shoot you have in mind so I can confirm options.
Once we have agreed a date I will ask for a £20 per person booking fee to hold it. If it is less than 2 months before the proposed date 50% of the total fee is required, with the balance payable no less than a week prior to the date.
Payment can be PayPal or Bank transfer.
Just a few references from clients (More on the references page)
Jodie Nesbitt: I had a fabulous professional aerial shoot with Bob this summer on his outside rig set up. Not only was I greeted with a friendly smile but his wife had made yummy homemade cakes and biscuits which was a lovely surprise. I had such an enjoyable experience. Bob made me feel at ease straight away and I found him very easy and professional to work with. I felt very lucky to have the opportunity to work with such a talented photographer in such a beautiful location. I will be back next year with my students for a group studio shoot. I highly recommend this photographer to anyone wanting a some amazing aerial or pole photos in a naturally beautiful countryside setting.
Jen Stones: I loved my shoot with lightstories. Bob gives an abundance of care and attention to his clients and endeavours to meet their personal expectations. I was so happy with the final photos with the lovely and unique backdrop.
Naomi Scott: I have been lucky enough to shoot with Bob on several occasions. Not only are the images he produces absolutely top quality but the experience as a whole is utterly fantastic.
We were treated to delicious fresh cakes and a selection of beverages but we were made to feel welcomed and safe. The setting is beautiful and Bob is well equipped to really get the most out of it. Everything down to the paperwork is fabulous, I particularly appreciate having the load bearing information for the rigging available and knowing the exact safety perimeters.
The review process on site at the studio gives an extra fun editing to the shoot and Bob always gets the final edits back swiftly. I would highly recommend shooting with LightStories, in the studio or in the orchard…
Nicky Pearson (Cirque Du Soleil): I had the pleasure of shooting aerial hoop with Bob on his outdoor rig - the weather was unpredictable and the light kept changing but Bob handled it like an absolute pro and the shots came out stunningly beautiful. He has an eye for aerial movement and captured each position from the perfect angle. Before leaving, I was able to go through the photos and select my favourites - so far it’s been less than 12 hours since the shoot and he’s already sent back a couple of edits! He also provided a lovely studio space to change in, along with safety documentation for the rig. The overall experience was professional, relaxed and fun. I definitely recommend Bob and his service.
Emily Mulholland: It was such a lovely experience from start to finish shooting with Bob. He was so welcoming and warm and the studio and outdoor location was stunning. Bob was super kind and respectful throughout and I felt totally at ease and comfortable. I'm so so happy with the photos we got and I would 100% be excited to work with him again in the future.
Abbi Harris: I had the absolute pleasure of working with Bob on aerial silks using the outdoor rig. Super friendly and also helpful with directions to the cottage, supplied coffee and tea. He went the extra mile to think about outdoor shoots by making sure the ground was clear as well as giving us a document that explained the load testing of the rig etc. Incredibly professional individual who is able to have a laugh, putting you at ease every step of the way. Excellent eye for the human body, lighting and attention to detail and this is shown through by the final result in our images! Thanks so much Bob, would definitely love to shoot again sometime.
Kaya Smith: I have had such an amazing time working with Bob, when shooting with Bob I have felt so relaxed and completely comfortable. Before the shoot Bob is great at communicating ideas so you both know what you will be doing on the day and are able to explore different ideas so you are able to get to at perfect shot. Each time I have received my images back from Bob (super speedy) I have felt so confident and beautiful and I have loved each one, which is down to Bobs talented eye he know exactly what looks good and where. From the moment you arrive at the shoot with Bob the day is fun and enjoyable, Bob is friendly, polite and professional throughout.
Pam Mcghee (K Pole Dance and Fitness): Absolutely loved my shoot with lightstories U.K. on aerial silks in Upton using the outdoor 5m purpose built rig. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly and offered refreshments and given the time to get ourselves ready for our shoot. Bob was friendly, professional and answered all questions regarding both the rig and the shoot itself. Which made us feel very relaxed and comfortable. Our images are stunning! And different! It’s so nice to be able to safely have a shoot on aerial equipment in a beautiful outdoors location. We will definitely be booking again next year!
Elli Stephanie: I have worked with Bob in a variety of settings and have been taken back by the shots from each and every one. I think this is largely due to Bob's radiant personality, every shoot is super good fun, he has me feeling confident and beautiful and captures that so perfectly. Bob is great for providing feedback throughout the shoot to ensure the shots are captured to their fullest potential (which are always returned in a timely manner!).
Bob's frame stands in his own garden, an absolutely gorgeous setting for shoots, appropriate for whatever props you can provide ! With the height for impressive silks shapes or the option for low aerial hoop shots floating above the buttercups, I couldn't have designed a more perfect backdrop.