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Models are Isla (top) and Clair (bottom). Make-up, styling and direction by Meryl, who booked the shoot for a project she's working on. Awesome hairstyling by Beth. Some day soon I'm going to submit something here that has more than 100 words of text. Maybe.

A couple of days ago I realised that I hadn't shot any self-portraits in the studio yet so to remedy the situation I spent last night up there, naked apart from lots of eyeliner, wrapping myself in floaty fabric. A good way to spent an evening, providing the door is locked.



In slightly less egocentric news, last Saturday saw the first ever Indigo Siren workshop. It was held at Out of the Blue, an incredible venue which combines fantastic work spaces with great coffee and seriously yummy home made cake. It was a really fun day and I've just finished uploading some of the photos to IndigoSiren.com and to our MySpace and Facebook. The next Edinburgh workshop is on 9th May and there are still some places available if you'd like to attend.

I spent last Saturday afternoon running around the empty 2nd floor of the building that my studio is in carrying lights, extension leads, leather restraints, designer handbags and a life-size sculpture of a mummified corpse affectionately known as Jeebus the Zombie. Why? Because it seemed like a good idea at the time and far too much coffee had been consumed earlier in the day. Who with? Cherry Loco, beautiful burlesque boy, master of androgyny and caffeine addict extraordinaire! I feel very lucky when I meet someone like Cherry, who's tastes for the bizarre are so similar to my own. We had an awesome day and since Cherry had so much stuff to take home to Glasgow with him, Jeebus is having a little holiday at my studio for a while. No doubt he will be appearing in more photos soon, as will Cherry.

You can see more of Cherry on ViolentlyBeautiful.com in the sets In The Toy Box and Romancing the Dead.



I also had the pleasure of shooting some music promo pictures for a mindblowingly talented lady called Paris (and her enviably adorable pink sparkly guitar). This girl's voice is just...wow and I know she's going to go on to great things.



The above photos are from a ridiculously entertaining portfolio development shoot for make-up artist Meryl Elizabeth. Anyone who puts rollers in men's hair and brings awesome cake to shoots is good with me, and I'm really looking forward to doing some recreational art with Meryl in the near future. Models are Beth, Jamie W, Jamie P and Clair.



I love shooting men. With my camera, obviously. When I try to shoot them with a gun they always move too fast and get away... Seriously though, I love lighting the male figure, especially the back and shoulders, so when I got a call from a life model (you know, the people who pose for painters and sculptors) wanting some promotional photos taken I was very happy indeed.

And finally, cause these two photos are among my favourites from recent weeks, two more pictures of Clair...a DJ by trade who, believe it or not, has never done any modeling before.

I'm happy to announce the official launch of Indigo Siren, in conjunction with make-up artist Frances McPate and model, performer and stylist Wild Card Kitty! Here's a little bit of info from our website...

We offer exciting burlesque, pin-up, fetish and alt glam styling, modelling and photographic workshops for all would-be glamour girls, beauty queens, starlets, stunners and vintage vixens all across the UK. Book a space alone and make new friends, book with friends for a fun experience, to commemorate an occasion such as a birthday or hen night, or simply as a stepping stone in building your photographic portfolio!

Our styling, modelling and photographic workshops aren't just great fun - they also offer an opportunity to learn tricks of the trade from a qualified make-up artist, be styled and coached by an experienced model, performer and stylist, and have a photoshoot with a professional photographer.



We've also got a website, a MySpace profile and a Facebook page, so add us as a friend, become a fan, get in touch and say hi!

[ IndigoSiren.com . MySpace . Facebook ]

Our first workshop is burlesque-themed and will be held in Edinburgh on 21st March at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street. There are only 10 places available, so if you'd like to come please book early to avoid disappointment. You can find out more about this workshop on our website. I hope to see you at a workshop near you very soon!