Barb, Chains & Blood...

Today started much the same as any other shoot I've left for in the past, leaving at 8am to pick up my friend and model Anita and then having a good catch up on the 40 minute drive to the studio.  We were welcomed by the amazing Iain Burton-Legge of Circle Creatif, looking positively ecstatic about the day that lay ahead and the wonderful Clare Louise, Photographer Extraordinaire!

This is much where the day changed.... It wasn't the moment I was told I had to 'get changed' (Undressed would of been more accurate! LOL) into the tiniest of posing briefs - Lets face it, having material at all to wear is somewhat of a novelty to me these days! - but when I was then coated in a white paste from HAIR to toe which was made up of some chemicals I can't for the life of me recall the name of now I'm writing this.

Anita was soon to the share the same fate... Whilst I was then taken off to be nailed to a 10ft cross! not literally I may add!  It was expertly handled with the nails deceptively placed and 'very real' barbed wire wrapped around my arms and the horizontal of the cross.  It was also the coldest of environments to work in until the industrial heater arrived and turned the place into a sauna in what felt like a heartbeat! Next on the agenda was to apply my 'crown of thorns' or in this case... Barbed wired! Thankfully not real except for in it's appearance and actually very comfortable considering. Finally... The blood, which was selectively placed in the appropriate spots and due to its tailored texture dripped in the exact right way as it heated up.

The shoot itself actually went very quickly due to Clare's clear vision of what she wanted and an eclectic soundtrack of music which we all went away wanting a copy of! On a personal note I loved this type of shoot as it allowed me to flex my acting muscles to capture the exact right mood of sadness and betrayal that was required for the shot. Next up was a very white Anita, whom at a glance resembled 'The Joker' due to the crazy hair and prominent lips contrasting her statuesque flesh.  She was given the pleasurable task of holding a pigs heart doused in 'fake' blood and stunning results emerged! To finish, Anita was then shot on her knees in full chained leash and collar, dominated by me - though your forgiven for not recognising me from just my legs - to capture the 'slave to love' vision Clare desired. Then the great Ian Hencher who I haven't seen since 'Wig Party' joined us for the same treatment where he portrayed an angel in a similar styling.

The photo's are part of an ongoing collection of Clare's work entitled 'Love Hurts' which I personally can't wait to see more of.  It was a pleasure to be part of such an incredible project and I look forward to working with her again very soon as she really allows you to stretch yourself creatively.  It was also great working with Iain Burton Legge again in what also felt like a rehearsal for the upcoming IMATS shows I will be involved with on the 4th-5th February in London. So do come along and support us and be part of a weekend that is going to be nothing short of immense!

Finally came the moment to say our goodbyes and leave... Myself instead opting to hold out for a shower when I got back home where I could really wind down.  So I left in full make-up, wearing my dressing gown and boots. Not a bad idea I thought given I literally only had to get in and out the car either end before I was shower bound. Or so I thought...  Typically upon leaving I quickly realised I needed petrol and so had the surreal moment of filling up my car on the forecourt in white body-paint, my dressing gown and boots! Thankfully my good friend Anita saved me the embarrassment of having to actually go in the shop and pay! LOL ;) - Thanx mate! :oD

So in all a great day with stunning imagery produced and lots of fun making it. Thank you to all involved... It really was a pleasure working with you as always.