Tales From The Studio - Shooting Portraits, Shouting F**K You To Cancer

It's been a while since I've blogged about my photography work as much as what I've been shooting is embargoed until next year. But a few weeks ago I had a session in my studio which was really important to me as it was with someone who I utterly adore and I've been looking forward to sharing these with you.

Earlier this year, one of my oldest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even now it seems utterly ridiculous, as she is the fittest, healthiest person I know. She was the person who got me through my 5k training, was the person who kept this slow-coach company during the Electric Run, and is still very much a massive health inspiration for me. She ran a half marathon a week after her diagnosis. How rock and roll can you get?

Cancer chose the wrong person to mess with. Half way through her chemo (you can read her blog here), the tumour has shrunk and it's Miranda 1 : Cancer 0. In true Miranda style, when her hair fell out as a side effect of her treatment, she looked like an utter rock star. Because she's not going to let some rogue mutant cells take over her identity, we decided to do a f**k you cancer photoshoot together.

Be warned, there are breasts ahead so the images may de deemed NSFW.

When we were brainstorming, the three biggest influences were Skin from Skunk Anansie, Grace Jones and the beautiful Lupita Nyong'o. We wanted to bring out Miranda's rock and roll rebel side, but also shoot some editorial worthy images which showed off her beauty.

We wanted to keep the images both raw and real, leaving in everything which makes Miranda, Miranda. One of the interesting things was that the photos showed how the affected breast had changed in size, with the nipple changing direction - something which I never knew happened and is another warning sign to look out for when you check yourself.

I cannot put into words how much I love this lady, and if you want to follow her continuing to kick cancer's bum, her blog Black Chick Tit Cancer can be found here. This also seems like a good place to link to how you check your breasts - I don't think Miranda would forgive me if I didn't sneak that in!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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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.)

Down By The Water

On a dull, rainy day in London where we waved goodbye to the last rays of Summer, I took a drive with one of my favourite people to work on a series of images which will become the "Behind Room 8" series. Luna DeLovely is one of my favourite people in the world, as well as being a fun person to shoot with. Whilst the series is very much a work in progress, here's a sneak peak of what we were getting up to.

You can see some of the behind the scenes images from my previous post here.

Until next time,

Diana x