Smoke and Mirrors

I love playing around with make-up, so absolutely jumped at the chance to be a beauty model yesterday for my friend Al Pillay, the Empress of Slap. As well as swooning over the contents of Al's make-up kit, it is always interesting to see the techniques which other people use when applying cosmetics.

I was treated to a drama filled, classic smoky eye and fell in love with the copper brown shade from Bare Minerals. The colours used were not ones which I'd normally be drawn to, but this is definitely a look which I'd wear in the cooler months of the year.

I barely recognised myself when it was finished, and loved how the colours brought out the blue in my eyes! It was a bit of a shock when I looked in the mirror, but it was certainly a good one. If only I could look like this every day!

Al has a fantastic range of tutorials on YouTube which are a mix of beauty tips and cabaret excess, and if you want inspiration or a giggle, you can find them here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Christmas Wrapping

Are you getting as excited for Christmas as I am? There was a time where I really found it difficult to feel the festive love, but being Howard's girlfriend and a member of #teamhylda has forced me to embrace the season of mulled wine and silly jumpers with open arms. We've been getting into the party spirit sincewe put up our tree on the 1st December, but there is one annual Christmas shindig which always really confirms for me that Christmas is almost upon us.

Every year my darling friend Lana Pillay throws a glittering Christmas party, with a beautiful tree, lots of bubbles and fascinating people . Being a showbiz starlet and celebrity make-up artist over at The Empress of Slap, I needed to make sure my outfit was right for the occasion so opted for my Lady V London dress and some slinky shapewear from Simply Be to keep everything in place!

Dress: Lady V London.

Underbust Bodyshaper: Magisculpt Retro Bodyshaper at Simply Be.

Tights: Simply Be.

Coat: Asos Curve.

Roses (in hair): Pearls & Swine.

The soggy weather certainly didn't dampen any Christmas spirits (and goodness knows, plenty of spirits and bubbles were consumed!)

I'd even attempted some tacky festive nails, using two Barry M varnishes (one of their red gellys and their snow like Christmas glitter which I'd previously wrote about here.)

I have one more deadline to hit before I can step up from mulled wine to ALL the gin, rum and Quality Streets and absolutely cannot wait. In the meantime, here's a festive message from the lovely Lana (and if you're in need of some Christmas party make-up tips, check out her YouTube channel here.)

Enjoy all those Christmas parties!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos. Please do not reproduce without written permission.) 

The Stars Come Out At Night

Christmas promotional images for Bettie Wishes and Lana Pillay.

It feels utterly terrifying to even contemplate that we're hurtling towards the end of this year, but my diary and it's list of Christmas themed bookings are making me face the truth - shortly I need to start thinking about starting my Christmas shopping!

However there are lots of advantages in the run up to the festive season; mulled wine, good food and all the Christmas market hot chocolate my stomach can manage! It's also a fun time in the studio, with my regular clients feeling festive and lots of fun taking place in front of the camera.

The studio diary is beginning to fill up with clients wanting to get their festive promo shots sorted ahead of the Christmas rush, so if you have a seasonal act you need publicity stills for, or just want a nice image to send out on a card to your business associates, family, or friends, drop me a line at diana@fashionlovesphotos.com to get booked in with packages starting from just £80 for a shoot and two edited images of your choice.

(As a special early Christmas bonus, book before the end of the week and mention "sparking Christmas baubles" to get the £80 package for just £50.)

Burnt Toast and Black Coffee.

It's been a busy few weeks, and as ever time has completely run away from me. Between shooting, editing and DJing, it's been hard to find a few moments of peace, but it's certainly been as fun as it has busy!

It all began with me taking a turn behind the other side of the camera. I'm not a complete stranger to modelling, and absolutely jumped at the chance to be shot by Tom Perry  who works almost exclusively with film.

Tea and red lipstick - the essentials for any photoshoot!

Pearls & Swine Headdress.

Whiskey Kittens and Photo Geek Necklaces by Punky Pins and Bette Noir Jewellery.

The view from the other side of the lens!

Tales from the dressing room.

So in love with this headdress and ASOS Bodysuit.

There have been lots of other photographic adventures where I've been the boss with my camera firmly in hand.

The first included roadtrips for country weddings and 50th anniversary celebrations.

Sunday Morning Meeting.

Stonehenge.

Back in London, we had promo shots with both Bettie Wishes and Lord Dicely.

A secret location was found for the "Inside Room 8" series with Luna DeLovely.

And continuing the theme of glamour, there's the usual product shooting. At least this came with wine.

I managed to escape to the V&A for a second viewing of it's incredible Bowie exhibition with Howard.

I briefly saw my darling Bink of Pearls and Swine.

I managed to celebrate the birthday of the lovely Lana (Al) Pillay.

And even had the time to squeeze in one more event shoot by London Bridge, meeting the adorable Albert The Pug..

Of course there was also the usual rock and roll revelery at Whiskey Kittens.

This was followed by a hungover day in Brighton with #TeamHylda.

#TeamHylda

And a few other bits and pieces here and there...

I'm currently drowning under a pile of editing, but am making sure my blogging is more frequent. I've got lots of exciting shoots, events and outfits lined up, and can't wait to share them with you!

Until next time,
Diana xx