Thank you, Walter, for the compliment on my immaculate timing: it comes with ease using a cellphone because there's Internet access and should I really, really need it I can even get a direct line to the local harbour master who is always willing to give me an instant update on the position of the sun and, get this, the direction of the wind, which is vital when shooting this breed of large-headed sunflower. Ah, the world of genetics!
The ersatz Colorama. It's going to be a less-than-perfect thing for colour because of the bounced light off the terrace tiles, which will give everything a dullish, weakish red tint, but that could be a disadvantage turned around if I find a white - very white - model and need an instant fake tan for her. Black/white should be a piece of cake - at least, a piece of cheesecake, if you get my drift.
Anyway, I've got just about enough room to erect a brolly flash (must be about 35 to 40 years old now) before it hits a support column to the apartment above. Failing that, I can hang a white sheet from one of those wind 'em in, wind 'em out sunshades and put the flash further out into the open air and shoot it through the sheet. One thing where this scores highly over my real, former studios is that I can get quite a long way away from the background. Might get to use my 135mm on full lengths after all!
In mid-winter the sun sets almost exactly to the left of camera position and shines right across the face of where the backdrop will hang. Might even take up shooting sunflowers in pots; lillies are a bit more expensive and rare here. I think: I never buy cut flowers so can't really swear to it. Ann didn't like them - felt it so sad to destroy such beauty, but we had a ton of pots around the place! Still have the pots, but not much colour anymore.
Rob C