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.