Strumpets Bazaar: Diary of a photoshoot

I've recently done the first photoshoot for Strumpets and it was such a great experience I thought I'd blog about the process.

I'd been toying with the idea of setting up a vintage photoshoot for a while when a chance encounter with two Natashas made me determined to go ahead with it.

Natasha Estdale is a young friend I've known since childhood who's recently started doing some modelling. When I asked to see some photos I was completely bowled over to see how stunning she'd grown up and I thought she'd be perfect for a vintage look. I found Natasha Aldred's website through a work colleague who casually mentioned to me that her daughter was a photographer and gave me her web address. I was really impressed with her portfolio so arranged to meet her and chat through some ideas.

I didn't really want studio shots or anything that resembled catalogue shots as my stock changes all the time and once a piece is gone the photo is redundant from a marketing point of view. But I did think it would be fun to put some vintage looks together and shoot them in different, and maybe unexpected, locations. I also wanted to show how vintage clothes can be worn now - not just for fancy dress parties or reconstructions. I was feeling inspired by Brigitte Bardot whose looks crossed from 50s demure to 70s goddess - covering two eras that I wanted to play with. I also had New Wave diva, Debbie Harry, in mind.

Brigitte Bardot

Debbie Harry

Natasha A totally got what I meant and came up with some great suggestions. She chose all the locations including a beaten up telephone box, Morley town hall steps and streets, and Bertie's Diner. I had so much confidence in her that once I had chosen the outfits I was happy to let Natasha direct all the shots and take complete artistic control of the photos.

Next step was to get Natasha E round for a try on to find out what fitted her and what suited her:

The dress was a yes but these accessories were axed

Bingo - got this right straight away!

Cute dress but it didn't quite fit with the themes

Yes to the dress and the coat but no to the sequinned belt

We had great fun trying lots of outfits on and easily decided on looks that suited her best. Having picked the outfits I was then able to refine them by sourcing some more appropriate accessories.

We did originally have a make up artist on board but unfortunately she was not available on the day and so I was reluctantly put into the role of stylist. Having never done anyone's hair or make-up before ensured that I had maximum nerves when the big day came. I knew in my head the looks I wanted to achieve but would I be able to pull it off? It ain't easy to apply eyeliner and false eyelashes when your hands are shaking.....

Once Natasha E was into her first outfit, with hair and make-up done, we set off to collect Natasha A and off to our first location. I was very relieved to hand over the reins of responsibility to Natasha A and my role then for the rest of the day was driver, carrier of bags, dresser and lipstick re-applier, with a spot of extreme hairdressing as I put Natasha E's hair up in the street with a fair wind messing up my efforts.

I also had to keep my wits about me to make sure the frocks came out in the right order with the right accessories. We caused quite a stir being out on location and some people were dying to get in on the act!

I'd like to book Cowboy Dude for the next shoot too

I'd never done anything like it before but we had a great and hectic and creative day and I'm so proud of the resulting photos and the two Natashas. Can't wait to do it all again.