Just Messin!

I have been having a great old time this month, I've visited so many inspiring locations and spent time with some creative monsters. 

I had a day off earlier this week and decided to paint big black streaks over my face and body and stand in front of my "inspirational" wall. I really wanted to just do something a bit different, not sure if I'm loving the outcome or not but I have learned a couple of things about my mistakes along the way so they get posted as a reminder forever :D

 I came across a model I hadn't seen in years recently, this happens from time to time. Its always nice having a look through their images to see what they have been up to since their break or how they have changed their style.

One thing I'm always trying to figure out is how pre-vanishing they can be the same age as me but when they come back they are much younger than I am. It surely cannot be surgery because they look just the same as they did. Maybe I'm the person doing it all wrong, maybe everybody who claims to be my age are actually pensioners and I just haven't noticed. Do photographers presume every model is lying about their age by 5 years so actually they think I'm 32 and not 27?

Nicer pictures by Rory - Wearing Geisha Wig

Its early hours on Saturday.. more blogs to come!

Cxx

Randoms!

 Well I had a super night away on Friday after my afternoon shoot Rory and I headed up North to see my non biological sister Jodie & her other half Graeme. I had been meaning to sort out a get together for ages so I'm glad we managed to make it happen.

Here are just a few from the first set we done :-) its soo nice working with another model who is the same height at me, and also ginger!

Here is another little set but these are by the awesome David Porter who popped round to Jodies on Saturday morning for a shoot, we had been arranging another shoot as the last time we worked together was way back in Dec 2011 (it may even have been 2010).. Eitherway it was far to long ago.

I loved these natural light shots taken on one of Jodies sofas, the blue wall is just AWESOME!!!

Anyways thats it for just now... as the terminator says "I'll be back"... and I will, thats a promise!!

xxx

At the castle with Batwoman

Sometimes all the elements come together on the one day - granted at this time of year and being in Scotland it doesn't happen very often at all. I was very lucky to be out on one of those such days. The type of days where I'm usually at home wishing I was outside in a nice location having my picture taken.

I was booked as an anniversary present (yes.. I'm not kidding). I was a tad worried actually before the shoot thinking "eek I hope the recipient likes me".  Photographers are fussy when it comes to who they photograph, and rightly so.

We had a lovely time, gorgeous blue skies and the sunshine was out which is a bonus for me as the last few location shoots I had previous to this one the weather had been pretty cold - snow/hailstones/rain and horrible wind with no sunshine to take off the bitter cold.

You can view a bigger selection of Karens work on her purpleport folio page -  LINK

Also thanks again to Karen for sending me these pictures and letting me post a blog about the shoot :D

Defiantly worthy of sharing with others

I do have other pictures to post from shoots however I'm waiting for other images from the sets before going all blog crazy with them.

Peace out

xCx

New camera pictures!

Well Rory and I finally found some time to play with the camera at the weekend. 

To tell you the truth I'm getting a bit bored of shooting in the house, one wall and limited to 3 quarter length  shots - so If you are sitting thinking "I'm bored of these" then you aren't alone, although I admit I do quite like this last lot of shots.

I do have some positive news about the issues I never went into much detail over. Things appear to be on the up *fingers crossed* (touching wood). 

Its never nice when you are mentally focused on something else but trying hard to maintain a normal lifestyle..

I had a very lovely few days last week actually, I may even end up sharing images here if the photographer lets me. I got to work with a model who I have admired for MANY years. When the photographer asked if I was interested I have to admit I was quite nervous, its not that easy working with other models but when its somebody you respect as an artist its even more scary.

Thankfully Ulorin Vex (who was the other model) turned out to be super lovely, its amazing hearing about her life and some of the projects she is involved in. You know when you meet people and you just think "you are so f$%king cool"? - that phrase fits perfectly with how my feel about her! One of the coolest chicks ever and I would love to work with her again when she ventures back over to this side of the pond. Star struck? hell yes!

 I almost had a shoot yesterday with John, but unfortunately he got called off to work.. We did however quickly find a location for future shoots (see below). I can already picture myself standing in the water and its not very far away from where I live so thats handy!

Seeing as I had my makeup on anyway I decided to try something under my hallway skylight window - which didn't really work and wasn't helped by my trigger batteries deciding to die so all done with the self timer meaning the minute I got into the "zone" I was back out of it again and faffing about with the camera. However I do kind of like this one, I just wish there was more focus on me than the horrible textured wall behind me.

 I was planning to also plug the studio day I have coming up, but there is no need now as its all filled up. I haven't done many studio days in the past, I know models are supposed to be full of confidence however I always think the worst and I struggle to put myself out there. I know that might make me less pro active in getting work than others but I always liked the less direct approach. If somebody spots my blog or work and wants to work with me then my inbox is open. 

Anyway I needn't have worried, I had 5 out of the 7 slots booked within an hour of advertising. To say I was delighted was an understatement. I was thrilled, like I said I don't do studio days very often. I think I have only actually done 1 in the past by myself. Its such a great idea though, being in the one place with everything I need and having the base for the day. I honestly can't wait to work with all these new people and see what they come up with :-)

I even had a few messages from others who contacted me to late/wanted more than an hour or weren't available on that date so it means there is a possibility of another one in the near future. Plus the studio is literally 2 minutes walk from my old house so I will get to go back to where I spent my late teens and early 20's which will be nice. Govan watch out <3 p="">

I have lots of other things going on, including a couple of pictures of me being shown in a gallery exhibition in Glasgow - 

It features the work of two artists, one being my dear friend Billy - Monkey Twizzle. So would be well worth checking out should you be in the area. I've also sorted myself out with a little fun camera time with him as its been ages since I was last down for a visit and I do love going back and seeing what we can get up to!

Facebook event page

Anyway I will no doubt be back soon, I have a fair bit coming up in the near future and throughout March so keep those eyes peeled :D 

Cxx

Shoot with Howard Ashton-Jones

I was lucky enough to have the afternoon out with Howard recently, this was our first shoot together. We have been chatting for a few years now and I really love working with local photographers. Its actually rare for me to work with fellow Scots - No idea how that works but hey ho.

The weather was awful over in my area, even on the route to the location the snow was piled up at the side of the road. I really expected the worst weather so was ready with hot waterbottle and all sorts of warm up aids but during the first half of the shoot I didn't actually need them.

I really loved the location and the history behind it, its called Elie Tower -


"To the east of Elie, lies Ruby Bay so called after the garnet or red gemstones which still wash up here. From here, you'll be able to see Elie Lighthouse and the Lady's Tower, built as a summer house for Lady Janet Anstruther in the 18th century. To preserve her modesty, she used to send a bell-ringer around Elie to warn locals to keep away from the beach before she took a dip. Bad as this sounds, in 1771, Lady Anstruther actually had the entire hamlet of Balclevie removed because it obstructed her view from Elie House! Unsurprising, she and her hen-pecked husband were rather unpopular. An Elie fortune-teller got her revenge by putting a curse on her, claiming that no more than six generations of the Anstruthers would live in Elie House. Believe it or not, her prediction came true"

(taken from tourist information)

Its great finding out the history of places - especially buildings. When I go into an abandoned place I wonder what it looked like when it was first built, I try and picture it years gone by with people living there or working there. Thats the great thing about photography being accessible to most people, and the internet. It means in 100 years from now people can google and it will be so much easier to see images of buildings from "back in the day".


xxx

Green.... red and Purple..

I'm going to do a "here is a whole bunch of images enjoy" type post with lots of words rather than putting them into two separate updates.. I mean whats the point in 2 when I can fit them into one!

No point.. exactly!

Rory and I didn't have time to do anything photography wise when we were in that London - which is a shame as we usually make use of the pretty room or interesting surroundings but between theatres/cinema/eating out/ socialising and my other shoots we really didn't have time to do anything, or the time we did have was about 10 minutes before bed and we never took lights with us. Well there is always next time, his mummy mentioned getting us tickets to see the tennis at the O2 which will be awesome. Shame its months away.

The reason for the title of this blog is I only discovered how amazing green/purple and ginger go with each other. People always comment on how great green would look with my complexion and hair, its one of my least favourite colours though so usually when I see something green in a shop I look the other way. however this little leotard was on sale and sale items don't fall under the same strict set of "no green or brown" rules.

I think in my last blog I mentioned the shitty times or maybe it was the blog before.. Either way things are still shitty but I've decided to not let the crappy times put me off my stride any longer, plus I know at least one (now ex) friend was coming to her own conclusions why I wasn't modelling - no,  its not that I'm a failed model and that nobody wants to work with me - far from it actually but thanks for highlighting how rubbish a friend you are and inadvertently pushing me into things again. 

I'm not entirely sure what a failed model is  - I thought about this. I started out as a way of improving my anxiety, I wont say its cured but christ its defiantly getting there, I've met some amazing people and worked all around the UK, I ticked off most of the people I dreamed of working with along the way and I still love modelling and get bookings. No I don't work everyday, I don't want to either. Putting aside my personal issues - because clearly the person who has said that comment wasn't aware of whats going on in my life right now.. This person booked me for a shoot, left me a glowing reference and used images of me in their portfolio, met up with me socially and we have kept in touch since. So it wasn't so much the comment it was the person who said it which actually disappointed / shocked me more than anything.  Then when I asked them why they said something like that behind my back instead of apologising or offering some explanation on why she suddenly decided she didn't like me much anymore she blocked me and never responded. I might be a bit harsh, or occasionally very harsh but I stand by what I say or try to put right what I have said if I feel I was overly critical- I don't run and hide when I have been found out.  Good riddance.

Anyway back to a nice subject - shoots :D I've had a few, its been pretty wild weather wise this week. I had some shoots on standby for the snow, other shoots were booked in which actually didn't require/want snow so they have been held back for now until it goes away again.

First 4 by John

John took me to this great little location months ago, I think its an abby or was an abby back in times gone by. I didn't hang around to read the "blurb" information on the history of the place. I suggested to John it would be will suited to some snow imagery due to the proximity to the road, the slight shelter from the wind in most parts and the complete shelter of my things on the roofed section. Not to mention there is only one path leading to it and the main road which runs alongside wouldn't be to hideous to drive down in the snow.

Again see my green and purple in these first shots - I'm counting the slight green tinge to the walls - it counts :-) John always invites Rory along to shoots, he likes having an extra pair of eyes. So when its weekendy time Rory comes along and holds my things and takes a few snaps along the way. So this blog post contains some from both.

I actually welcomed them clicking away in unison, it meant not being exposed for long periods of time. The first set though we started off playing by the "your turn/my turn" rules but given the weather and the fact is started snowing after Johns turn I said "just shoot - go for it" minimising my need to be cold for too long. It was proper blowing a good breeze.

We moved onto a window ledge, I seem to have missed posting the pictures of the ledge with this post though and it took me about half an hour to get the images on and looking half way to being neat so I'm not going through all that again.

                     Images above by Rory

We moved onto a doorway type area, last time I was at this location I ended up making friends with a friendly bull. Sadly he wasn't to be seen in the snowy field :(

                                                              Images above by John

We looked about for somewhere else to shoot - it also gave me a chance to warm my toes and body up a little bit. We drove to far in one direction and ended up loosing all the nice snow, so headed off to a location nearby my house as I knew it would have snowed down there. We parked up and got out, it was a bit of a walk up to the locations we choose but I think it was worth it. Again the snow was throwing it down at points, I do love the snow :-)

                                                                                  By Rory

Look I even put a little outtake up, aren't I nice?! You can see my hot water bottle peaking out of my jacket :) its quite strange though unless there is wind the cold air doesn't bother me apart from my toes. If they didn't go a funny colour and numb so quickly I could last so much longer. If only I could get away with wearing my big cosy boots/socks and have the photographer edit my feet in.

                         Two above By John

We then popped over to another part of the forest, I bought this "thing" poncho I think its called down in a vintage market in Brick Lane. I spotted it and thought to myself that I had never seen anything quite so different so it was in the bag quicker than a flash. No haggling just taken before anybody else could swipe it. The wind was picking up by this point so we decided to call it a day.

After doing all that I still had a little energy left to help push Johns car out of the snow, almost dunted it on a fence but even saved that from happening! Hurray. 

And we all lived happily ever after :-)

 Image by Rory

                                                                                                                  Image by John 

Well its 5am now, I had a nap after my shoot today and I regret it now.. Good job tomorrow is a cleaning day for me so it doesn't matter if I end up napping again. My shoot today went super well so its all lovely in Chrissie land. I've got a few pretty interesting shoots lined up in the near future and distant future and the little flame inside me keeps me warm even when my body is cold!

Nite all

xxx

Woah I had a shoot.. amazing!

Well I had been taking some time off, I did however decide to do a couple of things while I was in London - never one to miss an opportunity. Sadly I didn't manage to fit in any time for a shoot with Steve whom I worked with last year but we grabbed a quick coffee on the Saturday .

I was a bit unsure about going, with all the shit going on at home I was scared something bad would happen and I would be helpless and miles away. Thankfully the worst didn't happen, I still wasn't completely relaxed but I did have a nice time :-)

On Friday we arrived in the early evening after a lovely 1st class trip down, usually my anxiety plays up when I'm on trains but this time it was fine, I didn't freak out once. I will put that down to the inner strength which was brought out during my recent reiki sessions. Its quite amazing how it works, you think nothing inside has changed but when you are faced with something which usually makes you anxious it actually turns out ok :-)

In the evening I faced another activity which usually my anxiety discourages me from going through with - eating out. Again I managed it fine <3 p="p">

On Saturday I had a bit of a lie in, the bed did really feel like I was sleeping on a cloud. I could easily have spent the weekend in it without venturing outside. Rory and I went down to Soho to go in search of some inspiring magazines and we weren't disappointed  :-)

In the evening we all went out to see the musical spamalot which is monty python'esk. I wasn't sure originally if it would be my cup of tea, I never watched monty python. Thankfully after the show I learned nobody else had seen it either and I wasn't the only one not laughing at the panto type simple jokes. Least I can say I experienced it, the theatre was beautiful though.

On Sunday morning I had a shoot, I booked it in early so I still had time to do things during the day light. We just used the hotel room :-) it was with Linholmes from PS. We mucked around and had a great time just shooting everything and anything in our short shoot.

Here are some shots, edited and back to me within a day is pretty bloody impressive! 

I could easily have put more images on here but I narrowed it down a bit :-) like i said t'was such a nice shoot :-)

I decided to get back into things, mum had a bit of a talk with me before I went away - she told me I cannot put my life on hold and she is right. Even though I feel guilty about getting on with life I really can't hide away forever.

So I've got a few things booked in over the next few weeks - no hiding anymore!

xxxx