2014 Through The Lens

I did this last year, so I'm doing it again this year!

As I've mentioned before, I don't have a lot of spare time (or the budget) to organise creative shoots, but I've managed to squeeze a few in here and there. I feel like although I've not shot all that much, the quality of my work is getting better! You can view my entire 2014 portfolio (and previous years) here, and let me know what you think.

 These are my favourite picks from the "non-work" creative shoots I've done this year.

Very early in the year, I shot the beautiful Suri Sumatra (top left), who I've known as part of the cabaret scene for a while. There was a *little* difference between this shoot and the rest of my work; she was very pregnant! She's since had an adorable baby girl, but it was wonderful to shoot some different pregnancy photos. Suri has an amazing wardrobe full of costumes, and I love the old gold theme she worked with for this styling - she looks like a mythical goddess.

I worked with Miss Betsy Rose (top right) a few years ago, and she's just so wonderfully photogenic! She told me she had some corsets to shoot for Ava Corsetry, and wondered if I'd like to join in. We shot so many different styles, I still have more shots to edit! I particularly love this one :)

I finally teamed up with aerialist and contortionist badass, Jackie Le (bottom left), for a circus-esque shoot at The Aeronaut in Acton (if you haven't been yet, make sure you do!). This was the first time I've shot anyone on an aerial hoop, which was a lot more difficult than I first imagined... but I love the results!

Betsy Rose was back in my studio with fellow burlesque stars Jolie Papillon and Missy Fatale (the 3 of them being Gin House Burlesque). We did some triple shots as well as singles, but it's this shot (bottom right) of Missy Fatale that I love because of her awesome snake!

 

I think my Playful Promises lookbook total this year has been 6.. not including the lookbooks for Wolf & Whistle! Some shoots took multiple days! I'm so pleased with the results, both photography-wise and for our brand.

Top left was the AW'14 campaign, where we swapped out elaboate locations for a minimalist '60s inspired look. Top right was for our 10th Anniversary circus collection, so I could be a bit more creative with lighting, and I loved the results (probably my favourite shoot!). Bottom left is our SS'15 campaign, and bottom right was our quirky, creepy Halloween lookbook, inspired by victorian spiritualism!

 I've just shot the AW'15 campaign, which I absolutely love! Three of my favourite models, Miss Miranda, Miss Deadly Red and Veanne, in one of my favourite locations (we actually used this for AW'12, my first lookbook for the brand).

Here's a cheeky preview of two of the shots

Here's to 2015!

Gin House Burlesque: Promo Photos

Gin House Burlesque is the new venture from the beautiful trio Betsy Rose, Missy Fatale and Jolie Papillon.

These lovely ladies contacted me to shoot some quick promo photographs for Gin House Burlesque, including Missy Fatale's snake, Fredrik!

Check out the photos below, and keep an eye on their facebook page for more information about future shows!

Miss Miranda for Kultur Magazine

WAAAYYY back in June last year I photographed Miss Miranda's new costume for her 'Santa Pimieñta' burlesque act.

We've had to keep the images somewhat hidden as they were saved for publication - which has finally been released! Miss Miranda has a 6 page interview in Kultur Magazine, featuring the images we shot. 

Head over to Kultur Mag to read the full thing!

Betsy Rose & Ava Corsetry: Part 1

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently shot with Miss Betsy Rose and Bella Noell (hair/mua) for Ava Corsetry!

The last time I shot Betsy was back in 2011 for Playful Promises, so it was wonderful to work with her again. We shot so many looks that I've decided to split the images up into separate batches, and post each batch separately.

Here's the first set - I'd love to know what you think, what your favourites are! I believe all the corsets are available to order from Ava Corsetry.

Vicky Butterfly and the Faberge Egg

The thing that I particularly love about Tim Walker's work is his use of large props. Although he has claimed to be cutting back on the props and moving into studio work, I'll always love the whimsical use of over-sized objects. 

So when Vicky Butterfly got in touch about shooting her new egg and screen stage props I was rather intrigued!

I've worked with quite a few performers, both behind the scenes at events and with my camera, and there are very few that actually seem to live and breathe their art the way Vicky does. Her costumes, props and dances are so historically accurate and completely beautiful. She's well known for her moon act (photo by Scott Chalmers) and various other large prop acts. 

This is what she said about her Egg and Screen:

Well, I can finally share the results of my summer 'project'! As some of my friends may be aware, I have been the inheritor of Ruby Blues' Faberge Egg... In addition to general restoration I also refurbished it in a look inspired by one of the Imperial Easter Eggs held in the Vatican. I do like a craft project though and as I rarely do things by halves, I also created a 6ft tall 6 leaf backing screen inspired by the Catherine Palace Hall of Mirrors in St Petersburg. Yes, the carpentery, joinery etc. is mostly mine. So, having washed the dust from my hands, I give you my Imperial Swan's Egg! Yes, there may also have been a little inspiration from King Ludwig in there too...

So, on Saturday, I went over to shoot Vicky and her new set. Unfortunately I was a little (ok, a lot) hungover and we had to play jenga with the very heavy egg and very heavy 6 panel screen! I also had to balance on a rotating stage, and I'm not particularly good with balance at the best of times.

But it was worth it ;)