I’ve nurtured a decade-long passion for photography, with a particular fondness for fantasy, surrealism, horror, and conceptual themes.
Half a decade ago, I occupied the role of a model but discovered my preference for being behind the camera. Frustrated by others’ inability to Photoshop my imperfections, I took it upon myself to learn the skill. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that has led me to predominantly collaborate with local amateur models. I find joy in empowering individuals to feel beautiful, regardless of their professional involvement in the field.
Presented here are my official ‘Before & After’ shots. I believe it adds an enjoyable dimension when you can witness the transformation from the initial image. I hope you all enjoy them.
#1
Undoubtedly, one of my preferred captures.
I’m a creative woman in my thirties from Wales, UK, deeply passionate about all things creative. While I once earned a living as both a model and a photographer, these days I pursue these activities purely for enjoyment, savoring the creative process. The shift away from making it a profession has allowed me to reclaim the joy that got lost along the way. Taking a step back from the professional realm has proven more important for my creative fulfillment.
#2
I particularly enjoy capturing shots that depict levitation.
#3
If the pose isn’t right, the entire picture falls flat. However, this lady nailed it perfectly.
I specialize in fantasy, horror, conceptual, and surreal photography because, in my view, digital artistry provides a chance to inhabit realms beyond our tangible possibilities. It enables us to encounter and contemplate aspects of existence that might otherwise remain unexplored. Part of the allure for me lies in its departure from reality; life can be predictably mundane at times, and crafting images like these allows me to delve into concepts and themes that defy conventional constraints. (At least until they invent a device that lets me step directly into my dreams.)
#4
I Wanted To Use Paper Cranes But They’re Beyond My Paltry Origami Abilities
#5
Changing Seasons (This Was Actually Shot In July)
I’d always been interested in photography but had only ever taken pictures of animals or landscapes until I quit modeling myself. I transitioned from model to photographer because although I worked with some amazing creatives, I always found myself thinking ‘That’s not how I would’ve done it’ and wondering just how they’d missed a chance to try X, Y, Z. Where I live, photographers are already a rarity but fantasy and horror photographers (the type I was desperate to work with) were few and far between, so I started to think that if I wanted certain images, maybe it’d just be easier to do them myself. It sounds stupid but I first began learning how to use Photoshop because some of my regular photographer clients didn’t always know how to remove any spots (yup, I had spots but I still got booked somehow!), and I was concerned that if the images were posted of me with a zitty face, it might not look too good for my modeling work. So combine some know-how with an absolutely desperate desire to do something a bit more ‘out there’, and before I knew it, I was behind the camera instead of in front of it – and I wouldn’t change a thing!
#6
This Lady Wanted Some Witchy Shots Because She’s A Pagan
#7
This Lady Wanted To Be A Moon Goddess – That’s My Makeup Artist Standing In For The Moon
I don’t think I could do what I do without editing. With the right enhancements, a composite image can go from a hodge-podge of craziness to a fully-fledged fantasy fable that keeps you coming back to look a second time. I usually approach my photo editing with a very specific goal in mind: does it look like it came out of a fairytale storybook? I think the editing portion of my work is where its soul lives; I love giving my images an almost otherwordly, old feel, as I want them to feel like they each have a story to tell. To me, editing is the most enjoyable (and surprisingly relaxing) aspect of the creative process; some of my edits can take anywhere up to 8 hours at a time to finish.
#8
This Lady Was Desperate To Do A Brave Cosplay – We Just Needed A Bear
#9
I Love Making Fake Underwater Shots
I work primarily with amateur models and non-models – I’ve even asked strangers on the street to pose for me before. You don’t need to be experienced to work with me, as I think everyone has a look that works for something. You’re unequivocally, unapologetically you, and you’re wonderful, exactly as you are, so don’t let anyone tell you that you have to be a size 0 and look like Kim Kardashian to feel beautiful in front of the camera! When I look for a model to work with, I want to find someone who is easygoing and concerned with one thing – enjoying themselves. I have a motto I live by: ‘If you’re not having fun, why bother?’ and this is the first thing I tell people when they work with me. The best images are taken when someone isn’t hyper-focused on what they look like but when they’re laughing, joking, and having fun. Seeing someone’s confidence skyrocket because they’re enjoying themselves more than they thought they would is a wonderful feeling and even more so when they see the images afterward. If you want to look amazing on a photo shoot, the best advice I can give you is to just be yourself and be silly with it. You only live once, right?
#10
This Lady Wanted A Fun Shoot For Her Daughter’s 5th Birthday
#11
Making Ghosts
If there are any aspiring models (of any orientation) reading this who want to know how to get into the scene and start putting themselves out there to photographers around the UK, why not try the websites I got started on? Both Purpleport.co.uk and Modelfolio.io are great places to start. It’s a great, fun hobby that I highly recommend to anyone. Just remember, don’t take it too seriously, and have fun with it!
#12
The Hair Is Always The Hardest Part…
#13
My Handsome Fella/Glamorous Assistant
#14
This Lovely Lady Wanted To Shoot An Ode To Ursula & Divine
#15
Faerie Friends
#16
Fly My Pretties, Fly!
#17
This Lady Wanted An Album Cover For Her Latest Ep
#18
Words Hurt
#19
Dandelions
#20
There Should Be More Ginger Mermaids
#21
Poor, Unfortunate Soul
#22
Air Elemental
#23
Fly Away Home
#24
We Have Elves
#25
This Gent Wanted To Shoot A Supernatural Theme (The TV Show)
#26
Mermaid Madness
#27
This Lady Has A Dream To Swim With Orcas, So I Made It Happen
#28
Funeral-Esque Fun
#29
Maleficent Cosplay Fun
#30
Do Enjoy Me Some Paper Planes
#31