This photoshoot was one of those perfect occasions where a group of people come together to create something and it just works like magic! I’d been craving a new opportunity to show off more versatility, something with a quirky, fashion edge and eye-catching attitude. Enter Salleh Sparrow – Photographer/Model/Retoucher extraordinaire, who totally got my ideas and mood-board inspirations, and organised a brilliant school gymnasium location to boot.
This awesome team allowed me to transform, work with my strengths and step up my game. It’s such a treat to get styling from such talented people!

Photographer & Retoucher: Salleh Sparrow
Model: Ivory Flame
Lingerie: Caitlin Arthur Lingerie
Hair: Jason Paget & assistant Charlee Lees
MUA: Charlotte Marie
Assistant: Siren Arts UK

For me personally as a model, I feel it can be a little scary as well as deliciously exciting to get made up in such a different way to how you often look. I’m used to a mane of wavy red curls as a prop, and I admit it’s my confidence and comfort zone too. My styling request was ‘anything BUT normal!’, but still I couldn’t help but feel half-panicked as my hair was scraped back by the amazing Jason Paget into a tight [artpiece of a] bun!
However with this lack of security comes a wave of freedom and determination as an alternate persona prepares to meet the camera. As well as the change of the smooth, slick hair, the make-up by Charlotte Marie was also so striking, inspired by dark, grungy, ‘unpretty’ looks, with strong lips, deep contouring in the eyes, eyelashes kept ‘nude’ and a coating of shiny oiled skin that glistened in the coloured gel lights. I love the contrast of this style with the location and the luxurious sensuality of Caitlin Arthur’s beautiful lingerie designs, which fitted perfectly and were gorgeous to move around in.

I have to admit, I had some nerves at the start of this shoot, as I really wanted to do a great job. With a group of people gathered closely around, shining various lights and reflectors your way, all eyes on you as the shutter starts to click, it can feel a bit intimidating for a moment, before you get into the groove, but the team were absolutely stellar. Everyone was so friendly, constantly attentive, checking details, making sure every element was at it’s best. The help and trust that gives a model is invaluable! Salleh was brilliant to work with; giving enthusiastic, positive feedback and clear, encouraging direction to help refine the angles and expressions – a perfect way to work. The make-up, hair, props and outfits allowed me to ‘reset’, feel fresh and inspired to move differently, be clean and bold in my posing.

I think my favourite shot is sitting down with the basketball, to which someone referenced a Blade Runner feel which is pretty awesome! It’s really hard to choose which I love best, as they all turned out so well.  I have added some to my portfolio here, they look great in the Fashion gallery – check it out!

Let me know which you think are strongest and what you think to this look!

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to share the blog post if you found it inspiring 🙂
~ Ivory Flame ~