Letting Go

I just deleted a load of golden oldies from my Model Mayhem portfolio, some of which had 100+ comments and listings, ugh it was hard! lol (Apologies if anyone reading had the deleted images on their lists, I know I find it so annoying when people delete my faves of theirs from their lists!) Why is it so difficult? They're all on my website still. I literally just spent 2 hours slowly and systematically going through and deciding which to keep and which to ditch.

When MM brought in the VIP option a few years ago I was so glad, as keeping to a maximum of 20 images was ridiculously tough!! When I paid for the upgrade I promised myself I would only have 2 pages, then it grew to 3 and 4 and then the full 5. But I think it was getting a little messy and dilluted. I think profiles that just have 20 mind-blowing images are great though, I have a lot of respect for people that can be that selective about the work they show. I wish I could be that ruthless, but it just seems impossible! I guess it's because Model Mayhem has always been my main online portfolio, since I started (other than my website) you cannot help but grow attached to them especially when you're proud of your work and it gets lots of positive feedback. But even the ones that weren't so popular that just had that special something to me, that had survived being axed a few times already, I still felt sad finally getting rid of them. I know it sounds pathetic but I'm sure some people understand what I mean :-) But it's gotta be done, and hopefully it's now a much stronger portfolio that shows a range of modelling skills and intrigues MM people enough to want to go see more on my website.

I was actually kind of naughty because although I deleted lots of old ones, I also added some fresh old ones too from the archives (like the one below) I know that's kind of moving backwards in a way, but I personally always enjoy seeing other images from popular sets of other models and photographers, so thought it would be cool to add some alternatives, even though some are 3/4 years ago, do I look loads different? I'm not sure, apart from changes in length of hair, I think it's still an honest representation; I still have good clear skin and am in pretty good shape, but I dated them all anyhow.

I'm feeling inspired after doing that though, and look forward to updating it with new fresh styles and looks soon! It's reminded me what I need to update, what I need to do more of and what I still aspire to achieve. If you get chance I'd love to know what you think...

www.modelmayhem.com/ivoryflame

Woodland Nymph, by Stephen Perry, from 2007...

In The Fleeting Light

I was having a look through my files and found these ones I hadn't put up yet, by Joe Eldridge from my Newcastle trip in August. I love the cool blues from the beach and warm rich ambers from the fields. Joe added some great textures and saturdated colours in the post processing that I think make these images really unique and add an interesting storytelling feel, they remind me of reminescent flashbacks in film scenes, like memories that keep repeating.

French Bookcover

This one was spotted for me, from France...

Muse

A couple of weeks ago I spent the afternoon working with artist Paul Watson and photographer John Chapman, in a gorgeous old house near Northampton that was being renovated, so all the rooms were rough with great textures and colours. We did some low key nudes and portraits then some figure work using the available light, that Paul will use as reference for future work, and finished the session off with me sitting for a portrait. I find it so relaxing being painted, it's always so fascinating to watch an artist work and see their skills and confidence evolve into a visual creation of you; very interesting and a great honour too. I look forward to seeing his finished paintings, here are some of the images and behind the scenes pictures from the day...

Aveda Hair Awards

I had to walk the runway the other night for the Aveda Hair Awards, held at snazzy London nightclub Movida off Oxford Street. Stylist Katie Lodge from Independant MindBodySoul had got in touch with me a few months ago, and explained she was entering the competion for the first time and would love to use me as her model for her autumn inspired theme. When we got into the finals with her images we were so excited! Doing the live show was a seriously nerve-racking experience, especially having to walk down the illuminated catwalk to the music in monster heels in front of all the cameras and crowd of VIP guests! Hopefully they'll be some videos of it I can post soon too. We didn't win our Women's category but it was a great experience working with such a lovely team of people, and watching all the other finalists was awesome, particularly the Avante Garde category, and it was such a buzzing atmosphere backstage (plus free drinks!).
These are the images from our photoshoot taken by photographer Laura Slater with gorgeous glowing make-up by Joanna Sysum. You can see Kate really brought out the bright colour and shine in my hair, adding an overall gloss with richer darker tones undernealth to add depth and texture - love it! *swish*

Daylight Nudes

I'm really liking these fresh bright nudes taken by TechnicalBoy at his Light Spot Studio situated in London near Bethnal Green. I love how the light aqua colour of the drape we put in the background compliments my pale skin, the rest is just flattering natural daylight pouring in from the windows, and a gorgeous narrow depth of field to create that great blurred softness with the sharp focus on my hair and eyes. Hair and make-up by myself. Check out more of Dan's work and find out more about the studio which is available for hire here - www.technicalboy.com

Insolence

© Doddy333

Naturists May Be Seen Beyond This Point

I had quite an interesting day in Poole a few weeks ago. I'd already had a cancellation for the area but still drove the 2 & a half hours down for my 4 hour shoot with Robin Tapp. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the studio owner just didn't turn up and we couldn't get hold of him at all. Being as our whole concept specifically revolved around this certain style of backdrop in the studio, we were a bit bummed out, but obviously just had to make the most of it. So after an hour or so of waiting, we decided to move on, the best thing being to reduce it to a 2 hour location shoot, before I had to leave to make it back for my evening course in Aylesbury. Robin suggested the naturist beach at Studland, which I'd heard of though not been to properly, luckily the weather was great, so off we went :-)

Still being a fairly new driver, I was a bit panicked about mastering the car ferry, but despite imagining accidentally losing complete control and shooting my car overboard, we managed to get across normally. Achievement!! I've now conquered 2 previously feared driving experiences - going round the ramps in car parks and driving onto ferries :-)

We then had a bit of a walk to the beach, and I had to laugh when we neared the nude section, where this sign is posted (click the photo to see larger). Sure enough, as we got closer the naked bodies started popping up, meerkat-like from the sandy dunes (I think you can see the head of one in the picture to the right).

With the glorious sunny weather it was really quite busy! There were a few ladies on the beach enjoying more chilled out activities (like lying down sunbathing and sitting chatting) but the men were definately out in their splendor, appearing here, there and everywhere, pacing up and down the dunes, standing proud, looking out to sea and airing themselves in the cool breeze :-)
I have to say I hadn't properly been to a nudist beach, having unfortunately never lived near a coast, and did find all this quite a funny (but lovely) experience :-) How fabulous it was to just whip off your clothes for a location shoot and not have to worry!! Very, very cool. I'd love to go back and chill out for a whole day (in good weather!), the sun and air does feel wonderful on your bare skin and it's very relaxing & enjoyable.

So despite the initial trouble of the morning, it all turned out okay, even though I got rather tired with all the driving, I'm glad we could do something at least. We did attract a bit of an admiring crowd, which was fine, and we chatted to a few people who were very friendly. Possibly Robin was a bit bewildered how a supposed studio session had turned into a beach shoot surrounded my men wearing only backpacks and flip flops, but I think we got some great shots :-)

Light & Breath

A selection of recently received black & white / sepia images taken by some very talented photographers...

© Sabel Carrillo (wearing Madame Bink's lush latex collar)

© Danny Springgay

© MalPhoto

© Gareth Hickey

© Rayment Kirby

© Technical Boy

Snakes & Ladders

These images are from a shoot with Rayment Kirby last month when I drove down to work with him in Healthfield. He had some super ideas planned out and had built some great sets just using things that he had lying around, along with his fantastic DIY equipment - like hand made beauty dishes and ringflash style lighting (you can find his techniques on his website - www.raymentkirbyphotography.co.uk)
I love the ladders in the shed with the warm colours and tunnel effect, think I look quite snakey in the second image :-) The portraits were shot through the windows of his garage, and the final set were taken in his studio, where he'd set up the scaffolding against his blue background - how awesome!! Such a cool envoronment to work in, mimicking the lines with geometric shapes and contrasting curves.

Softness & Sensuality

Just in case you were in any doubt, I'm still a big softie... :-)

© David Atkinson

© Doddy333

© Rayment Kirby