camera image plane hiding when selecting models

Hi I am making a CG model a scene in 2001 space odyssey for a lighting assignment. i am using a still from the shot i am modelling and using it as an image plane. and changing the alpha gain to check back and forth as i block out the model.

before i didn't seem to have a problem when looking through the camera with the image plane then in a perspective window going in and moving edges vertices etc.

however now when i am selecting the model it deselects the camera in the outline so the camera with the image plane is then deselected and therefore the image plane disappears.

any ideas of how i can stop this? it is integral that i get this to work otherwise it is to tedious to move edges etc then select cam in order to view the image plane again.

Many thanks for looking and helping

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studying computer animation at Bournemouth University (3rd year)
Part time DIT for RED and Arri film and commercial
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