Always wanted to write for a magazine...

This piece is all about promotion of aspiring talent. I’ve been in conversation with the wonderful Sophie Lou ever since my interview with model Kirsty Jayne went live last week. I was lucky enough to catch Sophie just before she and Kirsty were scheduled to shoot together on the weekend of April 28^th. After talking about possible projects we might do together, I was moved to get involved in any way I could, and this article/interview idea came from that. So here’s a little piece about a shoot and the artists involved. I hope you all enjoy it, and I hope it strikes a blow for independent women making career opportunities happen for themselves.

The idea:

Latex, latex, latex. It’s a wondrous material, and can conjure immense visions when treated in the right way. For Sophie’s vision she has chosen to portray the material in two very different ways. First of all she’s chosen to depict model Kirsty as a “space hopper”, a toy from the 80s that immediately brings to mind images of fun and enjoyment, and it’s an emotion that I think permeated the shoot. The idea of a retro toy portrayed as a latex dress, being brought to life by Kirsty’s modelling is fantastic. It’s an opportunity to juxtapose a bygone source of fun, with a dynamic photographer and progressive model, leading to unique and fresh pictorial pleasure. I couldn’t wait to see the results of the shoot and how the latex was worked and captured by model and photographer alike.

The second series of pictures being produced utilise latex in an altogether different way. It’s much more how latex is perceived these days, in a very fashion conscious and stylistic shoot involving some wonderful sounding apparel. Kirsty is captured wearing a myriad of different latex clothing and accessory pieces. This shoot is less concept heavy than the “space hopper” one, and uses the latex as accent to Kirsty’s work. I’m excited to see the results, and I think its an interesting challenge for Kirsty and Sophie. These shoots excited me, not only because they were involving latex, but because I knew Kirsty had an interest in pursuing more latex and fetish work. I was also psyched about the opportunity to witness more of Sophie Lou’s photography, and hope it’s the beginning of a marvellous collaborative relationship.

The artists:

Model: Kirsty Jayne is someone I was recently introduced to via my blog work. She’s a model with intense enthusiasm and energy, who is constantly seeking out collaborations with like minded individuals. This hardworking lady seems to always be investigating new projects, and it’s this work ethic that really impresses me. She’s also very kind, generous with her time, and was a dream to work with previously.

Photographer: Sophie Lou is a new photographer on my radar. As I mentioned I was introduced to her following my interview with Kirsty, and was immediately moved to check out her work and upcoming projects. On perusing her previous images, an interest in burlesque is evident, and this photographer has a knack for capturing the moment well, both backstage and during shows. I’ve also picked up on her appreciation for latex, and the women that show it off to its best. I was eager to see how she would handle this shoot and the ideas within.

 

Post shoot short interview with photographer Sophie:

Q: So Sophie, where did you get the idea for both of the shoots you’ve done today? Did you have Kirsty in mind to model for them from the beginning?

Sophie: The idea of the more fashion based shoot came about through myself and Kirsty talking and finding out Hellcat latex were selling some sample pieces. We decided to buy the pant set used in the shoot.

The ‘space hopper’ was something I just randomly thought would be fun, but I guess the idea was put into my head by my friend buying me one for Christmas. 

I then spoke to Rubber Monkey Latex about the design before I started thinking about models, at first I had no one in mind for it, but as I talked with Kirsty more I realised she’d be perfect and I’m so glad I asked her.  

Q: How do you think the shoot went? Were there any difficulties you had to overcome? 

Sophie: The shoot was great, so much fun! We did have to deal with slightly wet and cold weather, which if am honest made me even more impressed with Kirsty’s professionalism, as she carried on with a smile on her face even though I could tell she was cold. 

Other than that I think we managed to be problem free. 

Q: Which set did you enjoy the most? Was it the kooky fun sounding “space hopper”, or the more stylized latex accessory set? 

Sophie: Think it’s safe to say that the ‘space hopper’ was more fun but they were both enjoyable. 

Q: Who was in charge of hair and make-up for this shoot may I ask? 

Sophie: Kirsty did her own hair but the make up was done by an MUA team - Sophie Smalley and Kata Orczy.

Q: What camera or cameras (as I know you have loads) did you use? 

Sophie: I used my DSLR, a Sony a200 with an 18-70 lens. It’s a trusty camera but its starting to show signs of ageing, so I’m currently saving up for a new one. 

Q: What was it like to work with Kirsty on this project? 

Sophie: It was brilliant, I’m so glad that I chose to work with her for this project and I would definitely want to work with her again. 

Q: What would be your dream outcome from this shoot? Where would you like to see the resulting pictures? 

Sophie: I would love to get them submitted to a magazine online or print.

Q: Did the shoot inspire any future photo shoot ideas? How else would you like to work with latex or fetish? 

Sophie: A few ideas where sparked from shooting in the park area but nothing too specific yet. 

As for other work with latex, I have a few design ideas flying around my head, would be interesting to try more latex styles that don’t necessarily have a fetish feel to them.  

Q: What’s next for you and your work Sophie? Are you shooting again anytime soon?  
Sophie: I have now finished university for the summer so I am hoping to expand my portfolio further. 

One shoot I have coming up in May is one I have been looking forward to for a while, a few months ago I started an Alice in Wonderland project using different models for each character. In May, I will be adding the white rabbit to the set in the form of the lovely Alice La Vie.

 

Post shoot short interview with model Kirsty:

Q: Hello again Kirsty, I had no idea we’d be talking again so soon. How did your days shooting go?
Kirsty: Hey! You know, now that I’m back for a second time I might just stick around… have fun getting rid of me! The shoot was great! I loved finally getting the chance to shoot with Sophie, we’ve been planning to work together for ages.
Q: Were there any difficulties getting the latex on at all? I hear it can be a hellish fabric to work with.
Kirsty: No problems getting it on, I did get stuck on the way out though… Sophie had to help me out.
Q: How did you feel during both sets? Did you change your approach as your outfits changed?
Kirsty: The first shoot was a bit scary. I was running round a kid’s park in my underwear. We were lucky the weather wasn’t great, it meant there was virtually no-one around.
I was a bit more covered in the second shoot though so I got to move around a lot more.
Q: What was it like being a human “space hopper”? Just the idea brings a smile to my face.
Kirsty: It was amazing! I can not put into words how happy I felt in that dress.

Q: What was it like working with Sophie today? Does she direct you much, or leave you to be more improvisational?
Kirsty: It was great, she’s really lovely. She pretty much just left me to play and snapped away as I did.

Q: Did you enjoy working with latex in this shoot? Has it inspired you to do more shoots with the magical material?
Kirsty: It’s gotten me hooked. I loved it so much. Latex is definitely my new favourite thing. I’ll be looking to do many more latex shoots.
Q: Finally, is your collaboration with Sophie something you’d like to do again in the future?
Kirsty: Of course! She was fab to work with and hopefully I’ll work with her again soon.

It was such a pleasure getting this insight into the relationship between model and photographer. I also really appreciated the chance to be along for the ride so to speak on a creative venture. Much respect must be given to individuals who take it upon themselves to make things happen in their own careers. It is these people who have the drive and the passion to keep industries going. I think the initiative shown by Sophie to put this all together should be admired, and I wish her every success for the future. Also massive thanks to Kirsty for being up for this whole article idea so soon after featuring on my blog, she’s a fantastic lady and I hope she gets everything she wants out of life and work. This is my admiration piece for two striving women doing what they love.

 

Sophie on tumblr: http://ickawillow.tumblr.com

Kirsty on tumblr: http://aliicafez-balacazez.tumblr.com

 

Images used above were excerpts from the shoot last week, and were provided by Sophie.

Today I’m bringing you another interview with an utterly unique and interesting individual. Her name is Kirsty Jayne, and she is creative, beautiful, ambitious, intelligent, expertly inked, and produces wonderful photographs through her modelling work. She’s someone I was introduced to via tumblr, and whose work instantly resonated with me. I’ve found her images are hard to turn away from when you meet her gaze, and her ability in shot is really quite outstanding. Upon researching this interview I was also taken in by her marvellous tattoos, and applauded her for the artist chosen to do some of them. Conversing with Kirsty has been a joy, and even though I get the sense she is very modest about her talents, I hope she knows just how much fun she’s introduced to my journey with this tumblr. Please enjoy, and please investigate this lady’s work.

 

Q: Hi Kirsty, a pleasure to have you on my blog. I wanted to start by talking about your wonderful modelling. I was first introduced to you via tumblr, where I adored your work and tattoos. Where did it all start for you in front of the camera?

Kirsty: It actually started as a way to try and boost my self confidence. I did a couple of small scale shoots for friends on college courses, and then I started a profile on modelmayhem as a bit of a joke. I’d always joked with my friends about girls that would pay to go to a studio and have pictures done and then claim they were a model, but I was quite surprised when several people contacted me for shoots within the first couple of weeks of my profile being live.

Q: Before I started interviewing models, the industry was a bit of a mystery to me. What were your thoughts on the work before you got involved? When you were young, was modelling something you considered? Did you follow the alternative scene during your formative years?

Kirsty: I’d never considered modelling as something I’d end up doing as an almost part-time job, my friends would tell me I was really photogenic but I thought they were just being nice. Before I got involved I knew it was a tough industry, I’d watched TV documentaries about girls trying to become models or actresses and with me being a cross between a ‘Goth’ and a ‘scene kid’ I knew there was probably no way I’d make it big.

Q: You’ve been modelling for over four years now. How have your opinions changed regarding the work? What are the positive aspects of working as a model, and are there any negatives you weren’t expecting?

Kirsty: I’ve learnt a lot about the industry that I never knew, for example I didn’t realise that alternative girls were so in demand. It’s great, I meet loads of people and some of my best friends I met through modelling. The only thing I really hate is when you get the odd photographer that is just plain rude, I’ve been insulted many times; one guy even told me I could do with ‘losing a few pounds’!

Q: I’ve found that people have the misguided view that modelling is just turning up and looking good. However there is much more craft to what you do. Is it a case of learning as you work, or can you practice posing and expression etc away from the camera?

Kirsty: It’s a lot of both actually, obviously it helps to practice at home in front of a mirror, so that you can work out how to pose so that you look your best, or so that you can show of a piece of clothing/jewellery that you might be advertising. But then you can also learn from shots you get back. Something may have looked great in the mirror but not so great on camera, you can either scrap that pose or rework it and try again.

Q: Modelling may not be your only avenue of expression at the moment, but what are your views and opinions on the business side of the career? Whether you’re represented or not, it seems networking and self promotion is a vital part of a model’s workload. It must be a tough industry to work continuously within.

K: It’s incredibly tough! If you don’t push yourself to be noticed by messaging photographers or clothing designers, even make-up and hair stylists, you can end up sitting around with no shoots. I’m personally not represented by anyone just yet so I’m totally freelance and a good portion of my free time is spent rearranging my portfolio, re-writing my ‘about me’ sections and messaging people I’d like to work with.

Q: Also, does luck and the right collaboration play a vital part? Is finding a new and innovative photographer also important?

K: The right collaboration is a big part, you could have an amazing concept in your head but unless you find the right creative team it could end up looking awful. I’ve been wanting to a Star Wars shoot for about a year and I’ve only recently found a great photographer that I think will do it justice.

Q: Your modelling portfolio from 2008 is captivating to look at. There’s a range of photos in there in a myriad of styles and genres that really grab the attention. You’ve worked alternative, fashion, lingerie, pin up, implied nude etc. Have you got a favourite style of shoot, or a style you haven’t done that you want to?

K: Oh, that’s mean… making me pick. Um, I’ll have to say that I love doing my more ‘colourful’ shoots, anything that needs me to pull funny faces or be dressed in insane clothing. I don’t do many shoots like that but they’re my favourite. I’m looking at getting into some fetish stuff right now but the only things I won’t do are nude, glamour and porn. I can’t take any of those 3 seriously, so the shoot would always end up being a dud.

Q: Looking over your many quality photos, there’s always energy to what you produce. You can convey a sense of fun and light-heartedness in images, but also a real attitude and elegance. Do you get into a mindset before or during shooting? Do you feed off the atmosphere on set? How do you like to work?

K: Honestly, the mindset is just my own. I’m the same on a shoot as I am every day. I’m a little bit weird but I’m loved for it. I work better when the photographer isn’t taking it all overly seriously and my one requirement on set is that I have music playing :)

Q: I love the work you’ve done in strong make-up and different wigs, you’re not afraid to drastically affect your natural appearance are you. You’ve even worked with body paint. Do you enjoy the dress-up or transformation side of the work you do?

K: I love my wigs! I’d wear them everyday if I could, I do actually wear my blue one to do the food shopping sometimes. I’m quite plain day to day as I don’t really live in an alternative friendly place, so getting to dress-up on shoots is amazing.

Q: Finally on modelling, I notice when I look at you pictures that you always engage with the camera. Your eyes are very expressive, and when you’re looking to camera, it’s hard for me as an audience to look away. Who would you say you take pictures for? Is it a personal thing, or do you have a thought about connecting with the audience or the photographer behind the camera?

K: Awh, thanks! I do love my eyes. I honestly don’t know though… Although what I do find easy is if a photographer wants a certain emotion, I can look into the camera and imagine I’m looking at someone that I feel that emotion towards. 

Q: If we could please move on to your stunning tattoos now Kirsty. You’ve been tattooed by one of my favourite artists Leasha Jacques. Her style shines through especially on the sleeve you’re currently working on. Leasha is someone I’d love to interview, and she always impresses me. What’s it like to have her work on you and produce such amazing designs?

K: Leasha is a star! I love her to bits, if anything I consider her more as one of my friends rather than just my tattoo artist now. It’s always fun when I get to see her for a new design, we chat about all sorts and have a right laugh!

Q: Speaking of your sleeve, I understand there’s a particular theme you’ve decided on. I know Disney resonates with many people, but what made you decide to dedicate a part of your body to it? Also, could you talk us through the characters you have depicted on your skin thus far, and who you plan on getting in the future?

K: Disney played a very big part in my life, and still does. I learnt a lot from Disney as a kid and it’s something I’ll never grow out of, some of the characters have such depth to them and I love that. So far all of the characters I have show a little part of me in them. I have Belle, for her book smarts, Archimedes for how cynical he is, Megara for her independence and Tiana (in her waitressing outfit) for her hard-working attitude. My next addition is Mushu, he’s a bit of a screw-up but he tries his hardest to fix what went wrong. There are plenty of smaller pieces to come but I’m not fully decided on which characters I like best

Q: Another piece that I love is your chest design. I wonder if you could talk us through that, and what inspired you to get it done?
K: There’s actually no story behind my chest piece. I’d always wanted a chest piece so I thought I’d go for it. I had it started on my 21st birthday as a present to myself.

Q: Getting a tattoo is a very different experience for everyone. What is it like for you? Do you think about ideas and designs for a long time, or just chose what you want done, and go for it? Also, what goes through your mind when you’re getting work done?

K: I can’t really explain the experience, I usually have fun because I like to have a natter. Some of my designs have A LOT of thought others are ‘just because’ tattoos. Like the grim reaper on my ankle, it was a Friday 13th tattoo, he has no reason I just think he’s cute. My mind is usually focused on what tattoo I want next while I’m being tattooed ;)

Q: In your opinion, is your body a work in progress? Is there an area of your body, or particular tattoo position that you’d like to get some ink?

K: My body is very much a work in progress!! I really want my entire left leg covered, with what I don’t know yet but it’s going to happen.

Q: How else do you like to express your creative side Kirsty? Do you get to many live gigs, or are you watching/reading/doing anything you’re really enjoying at the moment?

K: I don’t get to many gigs, I wish I could go to more but I just don’t have the time. I’m currently working my way through a series of books called The Mortal Instruments and I’m loving it but I read the first book in 2 days so I’m trying to read the rest a little slower, they’re so good I just can’t put them down!

Q: Back to modelling finally, and I’d love to know what you’re working on now and in the near future. Have you got any projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

K: Ooooh some things are a secret! But I will tell you that I have a couple of latexy shoots in the next couple of weeks, a Star Wars themed shoot on May 4th, a shoot for my friend’s little company that makes knitted accessories and I’m also going to be part of the Birmingham Alternative & Burlesque Fair in June for Rubber Monkey Latex

Q: Can we please end with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire?
K: Never heard of it, but yeah! Bring it on!

What is your favourite word? My favourite word is a swear beginning with C ;)

What is your least favourite word? Rotting

What turns you on? Leather, and being held by the throat

What turns you off? When I can SEE that they’ve not brushed their teeth for ages

What sound or noise do you love? Piano music

What sound or noise do you hate? Tyres Screeching

What is your favourite curse word? I mentioned this already :) C**t

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I’d love to be a Florist

What profession would you not like to do? Admin…

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? “Come in dude! Party starts here!” *said in a cheesy American surfer voice*

It was really great to talk with Kirsty about her work in front of the camera, and her creative and artistic influences. As always, I hope she thinks I did her justice with this piece, and she’s quickly become someone I’d love to work with again on ANY project. I will be keeping an eye on her career for sure, and I think with her ambition and creative flair, she’s going to produce even more memorable work.

Kirsty’s links:

Tumblr: http://aliicafez-balacazez.tumblr.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kirstyjayneukmodel

All images used were taken from Kirsty’s Facebook with her permission.