Archive for the ‘Burlesque’ Category

I love my work – looking back on 2014

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

I often read the tag #lovemywork, and that certainly describes my situation – this has certainly been one heck of a year!

So here’s just a brief overview of the past twelve months, which started brilliantly, with photographing in New Zealand and Australia…fabulous countries for landscape work, and wonderful friendly folk too.

Lake Mapourika, South Island, New Zealand, early morning

Lake Mapourika, South Island, New Zealand, early morning

Gratifyingly, a number of fashion companies started using my services for the first time, and there has been a great interest in my location fashion shooting – in 2014 I did more location shoots for catalogues/editorials than the previous two years combined! I’m posting some examples, but oftentimes fashion shoots have to remain ‘under wraps’ until release of catalogues.

Hell Bunny poster shoot 2014

Hell Bunny poster shoot 2014 featuring Miss Betsy Rose

Portia Victoria (L) and Devon Mayson for Banned Apparel

Portia Victoria (L) and Devon Mayson for Banned Apparel

 

Hell Bunny poster shoot 2014 featuring Miss Betsy Rose and Frankii Wilde

Location photoshooting – Hell Bunny SS14 catalogue

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to shoot in Canada, Luxemburg, Germany and several times in the USA.

During the year I achieved the qualification of Licentiate Photographer with the Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers, and over the past few months I have also been honoured by them with the accolade of a Gold Award for some of my images….such as these:

Portrait - Helene Atsuko

Portrait – Helene Atsuko

 

Fine Art Gold Award - The Societies. Shot in upstate NY

Fine Art Gold Award – The Societies. Shot in upstate NY

 

Societiies Gold Award - Nature, Fern - New Zealand

Societiies Gold Award – Nature, Fern – New Zealand

My work featured in a number of publications, and on various magazine covers too.

Sophie St Villier gracing the cover of Vintage Life

Sophie St Villier gracing the cover of Vintage Life

 

Leanne James - Inked Magazine

Leanne James – Inked Magazine

 

I was happy to sponsor both Burlesque Idol and Pinup UK again – acting as one of their judges for the latter.  I was also invited to judge the Miss Pinup Scandinavia, and to run a pin-up photography studio at Rat Fink Reunion in Avesta, Sweden.

Finalists of International Section Miss Pinup UK

Finalists of International Section Miss Pinup UK

Fighting the hot sun and having a great time Helena, Ariel and Kandi (L to R)

Fighting the hot sun and having a great time Helena, Ariel and Kandi (L to R) at Avesta, Sweden

December saw a flattering profile of the studio published in Pinstriping and Kustoms magazine – thanks guys!

Pinstriping & Kustoms magazine feature

Pinstriping & Kustoms magazine feature

I feel both fortunate and humbled to have been able to work with so many lovely models and great teams of MUAH and art directors. I am not going to name names as I know I’ll only leave someone out, so thank you to you all.   I have put together headshots of some of the models I’ve photographed – it has been a real pleasure working with you all.

www.retrophotostudio.co.uk models and actor headshots

www.retrophotostudio.co.uk models and actor headshots

www.retrophotostudio.co.uk models and actor headshots

retrophotostudio-models4

www.retrophotostudio.co.uk models and actor headshots

www.retrophotostudio.co.uk models and actor headshots

I wish you a healthy and happy 2015.  For myself I am delighted to have already scheduled photoshoots with so many loyal clients, and excited to be welcoming a number of new ones too.

Finally, a note to myself – must do better on my blog in the coming year; my last post was ages ago…simply down to workload!

Burlesque Idol – the shows go on!

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

The fourth season of the London based Burlesque Idol competition is now under way.  I have been privileged to have been a sponsor over the past seasons – the winner of each heat enjoys a free photoshoot at the studio.

As a consequence, there have been a succession of talented lovely ladies visiting the studio over the years, and it is wonderful to see how well-known many of them have become on the burlesque circuit…and not just here in the UK.  I thought it would be fun to post a retrospective gallery of some of the heat winners of the past years – see how many burlesque stars you recognise…

And the heat winners are, in no particular order…

 

Lolo Brow - makeup by Bella Noell

Trixee Sparkle - channelling HRH!

Trixee Sparkle - channelling HRH!

Scarlett Belle

Scarlett Belle

Tete Bang

Tete Bang

Violet Blaze

Violet Blaze - as Miss Jessica

Hotcake Kitty

Hotcake Kitty - a la Elvgren

Vivacity Bliss

Vivacity Bliss

Aurora Galore

Aurora Galore

Fanny Dent

Fanny Dent

Beau Burlington

Beau Burlington

Jolie Papillon

Jolie Papillon

Kitty Darling

Kitty Darling

Kitty Pearl

Kitty Pearl

Carmina de la Minx

Carmina de la Minx

Peggy de Lune

Peggy de Lune

Effie Vescent

Effie Vescent

Daisy Champagne

Daisy Champagne

Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace

Good luck to all the entrants of Burlesque Idol season four.  And if you have not won a heat and are still really wanting to shoot with me, send me an email, and as an entrant I will make you a very special offer!

 

Burlesque lives!

Friday, November 16th, 2012

Burlesque not only lives, it thrives.   Burlesque shows are sprouting around the UK, and of course further afield in Europe, Australia and America.  Aside from shows, the art of burlesque is also mainstream, being taught the length and breadth of the UK.  The courses are very popular, attracting girls from all walks of life, and all sizes – it is incredibly empowering for the girls, even if the goal is not to develop a stage act, but simply social, to meet other girls, and enjoy a little exercise and fun at the same time.

Retro Photostudio has photographed countless professional burlesque artists.  Yet not everyone with a feather boa who visits the studio is a professional burlesque artist.  The studio also photographs  an equal number of girls who have no intention of performing their own act, but merely wish to capture the fun and excitement that their hobby gives them.

Burlesque workshops

A number of burlesque workshops send their ‘graduates’ to the studio to enjoy a girly burlesque shoot day – after pampering by the professional make-up artist and hair stylist, they enjoy a few hours in the studio under expert direction to produce a series of photographs to  show off to friends and family.

Once bitten by the burlesque bug, some girls are keen to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience, and even compete to be able to measure their skills against others.  One of the best stepping stones for this, allowing girls to progress from keen amateur to fully-fledged performer is the annual Burlesque Idol Competition, which Retro Photostudio has been proud to be associated with as a sponsor since its launch three years ago.  The winner of each heat qualifies for a free shoot at the studio.

This year’s final takes place on 30th November at Madam Jojo’s.

The most recent finalist to visit the studio was Violet Blaze – a very enthusiastic young lady!

Violet Blaze - as Big Mama

Violet Blaze - as Big Mama

 

I asked her how she found her shoot…and she emailed me the following description of her experience…

Upon arrival at Retro Photo Studio… I was welcomed with a nice cup of tea… perfect way to start the day! I was impressed with the amount of props and costumes that were available ! 

Terry made me feel at ease instantly.. and straight away I felt at home with the camera and him. 

He is a fantastic photographer.. attention to detail.. angles… and always gets that foot turned just right.. or that stray hair out the way! He is not just a photographer.. but an artist. 

All the raw images looked FANTASTIC.. I found it so hard just to choose 25 from the hundreds of shots taken… but something is telling me I am going to have to purchase some more because I love them so much! 

When I received the retouched versions however.. I was AMAZED… I have always wanted to be captured in the true Mendoza style.. and he made me look like a real pin up star. 

I feel with these pictures… people will be able to see I am taking my burlesque career seriously.. they are so professionally done and have already helped in getting me gigs! It’s all about the image… 

I will definitely be going back for another shoot once I get my new act together. I look forward to working with Terry again.. he is simply fabulous. 

Violet Blaze xxx   

So if you love burlesque, and regardless of whether you’ve never been on a stage before, or are a full-time pro, feel free to contact the studio and I will be happy to discuss your own tailor-made photoshoot.

Belated update – recent publications

Saturday, September 29th, 2012

I was doing so well with this blog, and then a slew of photography projects landed in my lap all at once,  leaving me no time to attend to the blog.

In the past week I’ve photographed a bevy of beautiful ladies who belong to a burlesque school…at the end of each term the graduate feather boa twirlers and fan dancers have the opportunity to come to the studio and shoot a variety of images of their choosing.  It was a great day with all sorts of styles ranging from the typical burlesque outfits and poses, through to 1920 styled nudity (all very innocent), to FHM glamour and much much more.  With seven ladies, it kept my make-up artist and hair stylist incredibly busy, and the participants were delighted with the results – some are being produced as presents for spouses and partners so I can’t post any here.

I’ve also been on location shooting a group of powerful models, all with very long orange arms…but these were demolition machines for a commercial brochure!

Instead, here’s a small sampling my work on or in recent publications.

Tattoo Collection

The ever delightful Cherrie Mae features on Tattoo Collection

The Tattoo Collection is available online or in your local magazine rack

Betsy Rose on Vintage Life cover

Miss Betsy Rose on Vintage Life cover

Vintage Life is at W H Smith or visit their website. Miss Betsy Rose is a wonderfully accomplished burlesque artist and model – check out her website.

Atomic Bombshells

Atomic Bombshells - Acid Doll feature

At the beginning of the year I enjoyed a very productive shoot in Brighton – above is the gorgeous Acid Doll, featured in issue 3 of Atomic Bombshells. This magazine also showcases Kristelle O’Chocolat  (below) – I guarantee you will be seeing more from this stylish pin-up model!

 

 Kristelle O'Chocolat in Atomic Bombshells

Kristelle O'Chocolat in Atomic Bombshells

 

Rachel Goodwin on Tattoo Revolution Magazine

Rachel Goodwin on Tattoo Revolution Magazine

The above is newlywed Rachel, in her wedding gown (really!). Tattoo Revolution Magazine can be found in your local newsagent.

SINderella in Vintage Life

SINderella in Vintage Life

The always cute SINderella above, in Vintage Life, and again below in latex from Striptease Magazine

SINderella again - in Bella Morte Magazine

SINderella again - in Bella Morte Magazine

Vintage Life

Vintage Life - Beau Burlington featured here

Jacqui Gladden, modeling one of her own vintage outfits

Jacqui Gladden, modeling one of her own vintage outfits

Tanya Bratz on Tattoo Revolution Magazine

Tanya Bratz on Tattoo Revolution Magazine

Tattoo Revolution Magazine , once again.

Vintage & Homemade living - Tilley

Vintage & Homemade living - Tilly Batchelor

Collectif Autumn/Winter 2012

Collectif Autumn/Winter 2012 - Millie Dollar

Bella Morte - Taboo edition - Juliette October

Bella Morte - Taboo edition - Juliette October

Skin Shots - Cherrie Mae

Skin Shots - Cherrie Mae

Vintage & Homemade Living

Vintage & Homemade Living

Vintage & Homemade Living edition 3

Vintage & Homemade Living edition 3 - cover model Daisy

The image below features Daisy and Miss Lula Mae, the latter whom I have had the privilege of photographing in Brighton at the start of the year. The image also featured several unknown holidaymakers whom I had to paint out!.

Fashion feature in Vintage & Homemade Living

Fashion feature in Vintage & Homemade Living

Vintage & Homemade Living is a cracking magazine if you are into the retro lifestyle. A huge amount of care has gone into giving the magazine a distinctive retro feel…I am confident it is destined for great success.  I have been involved with a number of the fashion features, and I can’t wait to share the results of the most recent shoot which combines some glorious fashion with ‘Mendoza’ post production for a grand fantasy spread – once the magazine is on the bookstands I will share more here.

Playful Promises 'panties in a can'

Playful Promises 'panties in a can'

Playful Promises design and produce a range of beautiful, elegant and saucy lingerie. The above is one example from their ‘panties in a can’ range – featuring my photography and pin-up retouching…in this case the beautiful Miss Banbury Cross

Cherrie Mae on Tattoo Revolution no 19

Cherrie Mae on Tattoo Revolution no 19

To round up this collection, here’s the newest magazine, with issue 1 just out, is Tease and Cake – a stylish UK offering, to which I wish much success. The image below is a recreation of a forties airbrush image.  The mirror really was there…which took quite some setting up to shoot ruby without showing too much of the background studio props!

Ruby Woo - in Teas and Cake Magazine

Ruby Woo - in Teas and Cake Magazine

The Great British Tattoo Show

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Yesterday I spent an enjoyable day at the Great British Tattoo Show at Olympia, put on by Skin Deep group of publications.

Alongside a host of great tattoo artists, there were stalls aplenty featuring alternative clothing, jewellery and lingerie, so even if your primary reason for attending was not to add another design to your skin, there were plenty of high quality diversions and entertainment to occupy you.  Rather than boring you with a ‘what I did today’ account,  here’s a little pictorial impression of the day.

Graffiti Life

Graffiti Life - for when a body is just not a big enough canvas!

The Graffiti Life team were working away for the entire time I was there, creating an amazing and massive mural…it did make me wonder what would become of the work of art once the weekend drew to a close.

Box Jump

Box Jump - high flying BMX bikes

These guys were shooting up ramps and “high jumping” over a beam which must have been ten feet or more above the ramp.

New ink

One over over 120 tattoo artists, hard at work

 

Fashion shows

Fashion show with Spirit Models

There were regular fashion shows thoughout the day, featuring everything from streetwear to lingerie, modelled by  the amazing models from Spirit Models.

Beatrix Von Bourbon

Beatrix Von Bourbon - seductive burlesque diva

Beatrix Von Bourbon started her act with some great comic ideas, then really used her body and the stage to great effect.

I need a tattoo please...

Deciding where the next tattoo should go

Body Painting

Body painting with Retro Beauty

Charlotte Docker of Retro Beauty concentrates as she carefully applies body paint…by the end of this work the model was clad in seamed stockings – all painted on!

Compere Paul Sweeney

Compere Paul Sweeney

No, not Travolta…but Paul did have the crowd laughing as he linked between one show and the next. He instructed the audience in Mexican waving before moving on to Mexican clapping…one funny guy.

Lingerie with Spirit

Lingerie with Spirit

The lingerie show - grand finale

The lingerie show - grand finale

Millie Dollar

The sensational Millie Dollar

Millie had a sensational routine, and boy could she shimmy!  I have to say that both burlesque acts were classy and superb, and the personality of each girl really came across.

Engineers of Desire

Engineers of Desire - fashion show finale

Steempunk, whips, fire…Engineers of Desire had it all (including, I noticed, a guy standing beside the stage with Fire, Health and Safety emblazoned on his back!)

Engineers of Desire

Engineers of Desire - can you smell something burning?

Engineers of Desire

Engineers of Desire - yep, definitely can smell burning!

 More pictures…

I have put together a pdf proof booklet with around 150 images.  (Note this is a 16Mb file so  it will take time to download!)

If you find any images you would like for use on Facebook or your own website, then please email me the image numbers on info@retrophotostudio.co.uk and I will be happy to email you the web-files.  All I ask for free use is that you post the image/s with a credit to me and linked to www.retrophotostudio.co.uk

 

Marnie – performance art

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

It was a delight to welcome Marnie Scarlet back to the studio. As well as being an extremely talented designer for Libidex latex, she is also a burlesque artist – with a difference!  Her act is almost as far as it is possible to get from “classical burlesque”, and she is high demand as an alternative performer in Europe and beyond.

The couple of images here give an idea of Marnie’s imaginative ideas.  Safe to say she is never knowingly understated! It was great to bounce creative ideas off each other again this time.

Retro Photostudio during Marnie Scarlet shoot

Marnie models her Vogue styled latex outfit at Retro photostudio

Marnie - merry sailor

Marnie, merry matelot!

Marnie - strike a pose

Marnie Scarlet - strike a pose

Burlesque bonanza at Retro Photostudio

Saturday, February 18th, 2012
Recently the studio was given over to a day of burlesque shoots. In the morning I had the pleasure to welcome Miss Phoenix back to the studio…her third shoot with me in the past twelve months. We were shooting publicity shots for her flyers.
Miss Phoenix - burlesque artist

Miss Phoenix relaxes with two of her biggest fans

As her shoot drew to a close, the troupe from House of Burlesque arrived.  For the past three years I have sponsored House of Burlesque’s popular Burlesque Idol competition, which goes from strength to strength showcasing and promoting new talent.  I have previously shot with two of the trio who arrived,  Miss Betsy Rose and Jolie Papillon, but it was good to finally meet HoB’s director Tempest Rose.

Shipwrecked

The brief was to shoot publicity for their Shipwrecked show.  Tempest was excited to see the plethora of nautical props available at the studio. Although we did not need to use all of them the studio has two genuine ship’s wheels,a vintage life preserver, ship’s barrel, telescopes, captain & sailor hats, mooring ropes, anchor…well, you get the idea!
The primary publicity shot used their own prop cases – and you can see the finished result below.
Shipwrecked - House of Burlesque

Shipwrecked - House of Burlesque

Lili La Scala performing in Southend

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

What a pleasant surprise to open the local paper yesterday to find a half page portrait from a recent shoot I had done with the lovely Lili La Scala.   You can see more on my work on her website.   It was an even bigger surprise to turn on the TV in the evening just in time to enjoy husband Sam, A.K.A The Boy with Tape on his Face, on stage at the Royal Variety Show.  If you get the chance to see The Boy with Tape on his Face jump at it – really, really funny.

Sam has previously been to the studio shooting publicity shots involving him hammering long nails up his nose (not one to try at home!).  It was a somewhat surreal experience going through the proof images on screen with Sam standing beside me, still with a six inch nail sticking out of his nose!

 

 

 

Foxy Burlesque

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Some while ago the very lovely Laura ‘Foxy’ Lawton visited the studio for a burlesque photoshoot.  Amongst other accomplishments Laura runs a very successful Burlesque school near Tunbridge Wells.
From my discussions with numerous burlesque artists, both beginners and full time professionals, burlesque is a great way to give girls confidence.  It is an art form that does not rely on shape, size or age.  Not surprisingly it is rapidly growing in popularity.
Anyway, this preable is by way of showing you a flier below from TN4 Bar featuring Laura shaking her ostrich feathers!
Rocky Horror Party

Lili La Scala – singer & burlesque artiste

Monday, October 17th, 2011

It has been my privilege to have photographed the charming Lili La Scala a number of times, for her theatre posters and CD cover. I was delighted when Lili asked if I would shoot a series a of images for her website and for use on fliers and posters.

Not only is she a wonderful classically-trained singer, she is also a first-rate burlesque artiste.

Photoshoots with Lili are equally impressive – her poses are graceful, her facial expressions ‘spot-on’, which makes shooting with her effortless…all I need to do is to set and tweak the lighting and sets, and she does all the rest. Don’t just take my word for this – take a look at a couple more sneak peeks from the latest shoot.