Everyone woman loves good underwear

This was Crimson's opening line for today's boudoir photoshoot and I suspect this is true.

Having suggested a boudoir shoot Crimson decided this was the perfect reason to buy some new underwear and this gave us a chance to shoot a range of images by varying the colours we used.

As a burlesque performer Crimson is a natural model and slips into poses very quickly and gracefully and is very relaxed as she does so.  Despite all this experience Crimson still admits that she needs feedback 'I'm hoping the poses are working but I need the photographer to guide me as to what is working and what isn't as I can't see'.  A pretty fair point.

Crimson - this one worked ;-)

pete

A work in progress

I had a lovely family holiday in the Forest of Dean recently and had planned to update the pictures of my nephew, Aaron, during the week.  I'd taken one speedlight and a softbox so it was also a chance for me to go back to basics with my lighting.

Young master Aaron is into his 13th year (not yet 13) and is on the cusp on becoming a teenager and moving from being a boy into becoming a man.

It's a fascinating time from an uncles point of view (parents I suspect may have a different view) as Aaron demonstrates a growing awareness of the world around him, his own points of view on a range of complex issues.  Yet he retains a lot of the innocence of childhood.  Tough time kid.

For this portrait Aaron demonstrated he has really started to develop his own look - his poses have gone from being over dramatic to more considered, individual actions.  I think his growing self awareness is responsible for that transition.

Here's to the next few years.

pete

What will you look like at 60?

If you've seen much of my work you will know I am a big fan of tattoos - the quality of the work, the vibrancy and the overall pride they instill in their owners is something I find deeply rewarding.

I've toyed with the idea for years and I'm getting closer I think to taking the plunge and some of that progress is thanks to Lou here.  Lou is the owner of the business Curious Cat and, as previously mentioned, a Facebook pal.

One comment I hear when I voice this interest is 'what will you look like when you are 60?' Lou gave me the perfect answer 'just like you but more awesome'.

Lou has reached awesome status a little earlier than 60 ;-)

pete

Love hurtz

A team shot from my portrait sessions with the Killa Hurtz Roller Derby team based in Chelmsford, Essex.

While they are still a relatively new team and growing quickly (a number of the team you can see have just passed their 'fresh meat' tests) they really feel to have bonded well and have a lot of respect for each other.

There is clearly a strong united passion for the sport but also a caring attitude for each other - you might call it love and not be too far from the truth.

Saying that I suspect the spirit of love disappears quickly once they start skating.

pete

Spicy

This morning I had the pleasure of photographing the Killa Hurtz Roller Derby team based in Chelmsford, Essex.

The plan was to get some images for the new website with a combination of team and individual portraits.  Unlike the rest of the summer is was dry and sunny but windy (more of that later).

The team is growing in numbers and is preparing to start competing at some point this year - I'm looking forward to seeing them in action.

The wind was a real pain - lighting gear is prone to falling over at the best of times and so a big thank you to Andrew who acted as light stand monitor and provided some excellent insights as the shoot progressed.

So quite a few more shots to come but Ninja Spice here (everyone has an ace derby names) caught my eye as her flame red hair worked so well against the green backdrop.

Can you feel the heat from there?

pete