Archive for the ‘Publications’ 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!

Happy birthday Bella Morte!

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Bella Morte is a magazine specialising in ‘alternative pin-up’.  Under the skilled editorship of Sonja it has just reached its second birthday – well done to you Sonja!  I have been associated with the magazine almost from the start, and feel privileged to be one of their official photographers. I know there are interesting plans for the magazine for 2013, but for now here are some previews from the new issue.

Portia Victoria - fetish model

Portia Victoria - fetish model

Sophia Disgrace

Sophia Disgrace

Fern Samantha

Fern Samantha

Bettina Scarlett

Bettina Scarlett

Betty Banzai

Betty Banzai

Whiplash

Whiplash

Underwater shoot…

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

I’ve previously shared some of the covers I’ve shot for Vintage and Homemade Living.

I’ve also been responsible for shooting their fashion spreads, which has been good fun. For the latest issue editor Caroline set me a challenge; the feature was to showcase some wonderful retro costumes, based on vintage designs under the Esther Williams brand label.

Researching images of Esther Williams, apart from one or two where she is draped decoratively along the side of a swimming pool, the majority naturally feature her swimming…her starring role in a number of vintage movies.  So Caroline suggested we shoot an ‘underwater’ set.  So i sealed the studio and assembled my underwater housing and donned snorkel and flippers…

The sneak peek below, does not do justice to the end results.  All were shot in the studio and  composited later of course.  The images where the models are ‘diving’ were shot with the models standing on tiptoes – with their orientation changed later in post-production.  The feet and particularly the toes needed extra work as they were not ‘pointed’ in the right way for swimming.

If you have any interest in retro lifestyle I highly recommend you treat yourself to a copy of the magazine – which you can find at their website.

This month’s issue also has an interesting article on Ether Williams herself as well as a fascinating insight into the wartime codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park.

 

 

 

 

RVintage - Esther Wiliams

Vintage - Esther Wiliams

The above images feature Rayna Terror (cover image), Tilly Bachelor, and Rayna (with starfish)., and Frankie diving for the depths below.

 

Underwater shoot!

Underwater shoot!

 

 

Halloween and Striptease

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Halloween is virtually upon us, with ghosties, ghouls and other strange goings on.

American magazine Striptease is celebrating in (weird) style with a fine collection of far-from-mainstream pin-ups.  The new magazine features a number of Retro Photostudio photoshoots –  I am posting a selection of previews below.

Striptease - Rayna & Ailsing

Striptease - Rayna & Ailsing

Here’s Rayna Terror (R) and Aisling Grace, clad in matching Cathouse outfits.

Striptease - Cherrie Mae

Striptease - Cherrie Mae

Striptease Cherrie Mae - in Cathouse latex

Striptease Cherrie Mae - in Cathouse latex

Striptease - Cherrie Mae in latex by Cathouse

Striptease - Cherrie Mae in latex by Cathouse

Cherrie Mae, always a delight to work with, is a regular to my blog.  All outfits in this selection are by Cathouse Clothing, a UK based company producing a great selection of unusual styles.

Striptease - Mamzelle Maz - Marie Antoinette, in latex!

Striptease - Mamzelle Maz - Marie Antoinette, in latex!

Mamzelle Maz outfit is by Miss Katie, Lady Lucie & Ooh La Latex – her Marie Antoinette make-up created by Jasmine Wratislaw.

Wig by Kezia Argue Designs

Striptease Chipfox in Rubber Monkey latex

Striptease - Chip Fox in Rubber Monkey latex

Chip is wearing a Rubber Monkey outfit.

Striptease -  Marnie Scarlet going shopping

Striptease - Marnie Scarlet going shopping

Striptease- Marnie, thinking outside the box!

Striptease- Marnie, thinking outside the box!

Those acquainted with the alternative fetish scene will know the talented Marnie Scarlet.  Her performances are startling, sometimes shocking but always riveting…and as far from mainstream burlesque as it is possible to get!  Aside from her amazing performances, she is an incredible latex designer too – she created this and all her other latex outfits. Indeed, if you are a fan of Libidex Latex clothing you will have certainly  come across her designs.

The Striptease Halloween edition is shipping now.

 

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

Studio update

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Bye bye blue screen!

I’ve enjoyed one too many Billy Gates bluescreen experiences recently. The issue that tipped the balance was finding my PC Windows had ‘updated’ overnight and from that point refused to boot up. So I’ve taken the plunge and am now a newbie Mac user.  I spent a fair few hours in the Apple store, before making my decision.  The very knowledgeable guy even loaded up Photoshop, then stood aside so I could see how it compared for speed. Well, having grown up on Windows, and never having experienced a Magic Trackpad, all I could do, was to make Photoshop speedily vanish with a flourish…pretty magical to me! It felt like the first time I’d been in front of a computer…a little embarrassing really.  I did not have a clue about making Photoshop do anything…and I’ve been using the program since version 3!

However now, after a week I am falling in love with it, although have had a few hairy moments working out the implications of using spreadsheets over the network, and  getting my head around aliases that forget where they are pointing!

A large RAID is on order so soon I should for the first time have access to my entire library, without having to rely on a pile of hard drives!

Shooting along…

The studio has been hopping lately.

In no particular order, here’s some of the output…

Aisling Grace, on Tattoo Revolution magazine

Aisling Grace, on Tattoo Revolution magazine

Congratulations to Aisling, who shot this for Tattoo Revolution Magazine shortly before leaving for Australia.

I enjoyed a very productive shoot with Portia Victoria, a multi-talented young lady, shooting some amazing outfits by the UK latex couture company Westward Bound.  This was one from a set for a cover of an online lifestyle magazine from Thailand.

Portia - Westward Bound

Portia - Westward Bound

 

Below Portia models an extravagant outfit from London based Kaori’s Latex Dreams

Portia in Kaori Latex

Portia in Kaori Latex

Sticking with the latex theme (bad choice of words?), Torture Garden have published images from my recent shoot with Marnie Scarlet who will be performing at their forthcoming Fetish Boat Party:

Torture Garden Fetish party

sailor Marnie Scarlet performs at the Torture Garden Fetish party

 

And now for something completely different…

Just about as far away from the previous photography, it is lovely to see the beautiful Acid Doll gracing the cover of the new Vintage Life.  This was taken during the Brighton shoot at the Pelirocco Hotel.

Acid Doll on Vintage Life

Acid Doll on Vintage Life

 

For some while Laura from Hot Rockin Belle has championed outfits for those who are above stick-thin!  So I was delighted to help her prove that rockabilly dresses actually do look better on girls with curves.  We shot some catalogue shots and some editorial shots…the latter will remain ‘under wraps’ until publication.  Anyway, if you have curves, now you know where to visit to find a treasure trove of fun fashions that really flatter.

Hot Rockin Belles

Hot Rockin Belles

These three Hot Rockin Belles above are (L to R)  Sarahanne Hall, Lea Blakey Miller and Amanda Coban.

Finishing the round-up of images from a few recent shoots we have model Chipfox, modelling an outfit by Rubber Monkey – and this is by no means a random choice of image, for this talented model is also the driving force behind Retro Beauty…and she was the make-up artist and hair stylist for our trio above.

Chipfox in Rubber Monkey latex

Chipfox in Rubber Monkey latex

 

On the bookstands…

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

A new month and it is encouraging to see so many publications on the magazine racks  are now featuring photography from Retro Photostudio! As you will see, it is a really diverse cosmopolitan selection.

Acid Doll is on the cover of Milkcow Magazine from our Manhattan shoot.  She is modelling vintage lingerie from Sleek ‘n Chic.  Inside the magazine you can enjoy a two page spread from the same shoot, this time featuring some great latex outfits from Westward Bound.

Milkcow cover featuring Acid Doll

Milkcow cover featuring Acid Doll

Acid Doll also features in Vintage Life magazine, shot recently in Brighton:

Acid Doll in Vintage Life

Acid Doll in Vintage Life

This versatile young lady is also in the new edition of Secret Magazine  (not pictured) – a beautifully produced black and white fetish magazine from Belgium.

The current edition of Vintage Life also has a Retro shot of my good friend Jaquie Gladden which we took several years ago, as well as Jessica Bella, whom I wish every success now she has returned to the USA.  Dawn at Candy Says kindly lent me this beautiful sixties outfit and several more specifically for this shoot.

Jessica Bella modelling Sixties

Jessica Bella modelling Sixties

 

I’ve only just discovered that a recent edition of Pin-up Perfection showcased a shot from the very first shoot I had with Ruby Fortune:

Ruby Fortune - pin-up on the telephone

Ruby Fortune - pin-up on the telephone

 

Finally, Australian hot-rod magazine Cruzin centrefold is devoted to Rayna Terror and Fae Raven:

Rayna Terror and Fae Raven - Cruzin'

Rayna Terror and Fae Raven - Cruzin'

 

If you are a magazine publisher and would like to feature Retro Photostudio photography do get in touch.

Bella Morte magazine – Sweethearts edition

Saturday, February 11th, 2012
For several years I have been  a official photographer for Bella Morte magazine.  I am always impressed at the way editor Sonja invariably pulls together such a great mix of high quality alternative pin-up work from around the world. The latest issue has a ‘Sweethearts’ theme…and Sonja has featured three of my shoots – with The Vivid Angel, Leia Lockhart and SINderella Rockafella. If you visit the link you can browse a small version, so you can see exactly why you need to get one!
SINderella Rockafella -  outfits by Collectif

SINderella Rockafella - outfits by Collectif

Vivid Angel - burlesque artist

Vivid Angel - burlesque artist

Leia Lockheart

Leia Lockheart

You can order either a digital only copy or a ‘real’ printed one. I can vouch for the print quality…if you order before 14th Feb the printers are offering 25% discount too.

Skin Two – latex fashion magazine

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Latex clothing has been surging in popularity over recent years.   Those wishing to find out the latest about latex fetish fashion, the clubs, the styles and what is generally happening around the world invariably turn to Skin Two Magazine.  The fetish magazine, under the efficient editorship of Tim Woodward has been going from strength to strength since he co-founded it in 1983.

Edition 62 of Skin Two magazine  is now available; it carries a feature on my work, along with shots taken at the last Rubber Ball event. The following models feature in the images: Beau Rocks, Betty D’Light,  Fae Raven, Lucy Fur, Mamzelle Maz,  Rogerio,  Ruby Fortune, and Esmé Bianco on the back cover.

Skin Two sneak peek!

Models (L to R) Betty D'Light, Beau Rocks, Fae Raven, Miss Lucy Fur

Outfits featured are by LibidexOoh La LatexJane Doe Latex and Stick ‘em Up Pin-up.

Order your own copy, either as a beautiful print version or digital download by visiting Skin Two at www.skintwo.biz

Solene – cover girl

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

What a lovely surprise to see Solene’s smiling face gracing the cover of January’s Milkcow Vintage, when the magazine popped through my letterbox today.  The day Solene came for the shoot we really worked hard, shooting catalogue shots for Sleek ‘n Chic, and editorial images, of which this is one.

Milkcow Vintage - covergirl - Solene

I do owe a big thank you to Caroline and Peter Tuffrey for generously allowing me to use their amazing home as a location.  When they took it over the original owners apologised for its ‘dated’ look – but it had been just what the Tuffrey’s had been looking for!

Since then they have painstakingly restored and recreated a wonderful fifties environment.  Just to give you a better flavour of the ambience have a look at the images below, shot back in July for Bamboo Bettie range of retro dresses.

Bamboo Bettie retro dresses