Category Archives: Photographers/Models

An Interview With Miss Brazil & Miss England 2014

It’s Saturday lunchtime and I’m sitting here chatting to two of the world’s most beautiful women, Julia Gama aka  Miss Brazil 2014 and Carina Tyrrell aka Miss England 2014, just 2 out of 120 beautiful ladies hoping to win the title of Miss World 2014 on December 14th 2014, being held back in London (the last time the competition was in London was the very first Miss World  63 years ago).

The girls have just had their interview process in the “Beauty With A Purpose” part of the competition. Since this ethos was introduced into the Miss World competition, the contestants have raised millions of pounds and have endured countless hours of hard work to make a difference and bring about positive changes to communities in need worldwide.  Both girls agreed enthusiastically that the “Beauty With A Purpose” part of the competition was their overall favourite part, with Carina commenting how heartwarming it was listening to the interviews of her fellow contestants describing the various projects they’re involved in worldwide and how fantastic it was that these young ladies are so committed to the various causes. So, girls, what are your “Beauty With A Purpose “projects?

Miss Brazil: My project is the Fight Against Leprosy.image

Miss England: My project is to help the homeless in Cambridge – it was the charitable side of the Miss World competition that attracted me to enter in the first place.

Miss Brazil: Yes, that reason attracted me too.

What is your current occupation?

Miss B: I’m a student of chemical engineering in my 3rd year at university and a model too.

Miss E: I’m a student doctor in Cambridge.

How have you got on walking in heels on stage? Has it taken lots of practice?

Miss B : Do you know, before the competition I had never worn make up or heels! Honestly! But I have been really good, I think!  And I’ve enjoyed the experience!

Miss E: It does take practice and I’ve had lots although I think heels shouldn’t be too high.

Have you had any embarrassing moments so far?

Miss B: One time, in the hair and make-up room, there was a plate of cakes with bright pink icing for us to eat. I had one, so delicious, but I realised just before being interviewed that the pink dye was around my mouth and teeth.  I had to scrub my face really hard to get rid of it!

Miss E: No, nothing embarrassing … although at a charity party for the homeless project, I did lose one of my contact lens and almost stumbled as I made an entrance!

What outfits/shoes would you normally be found wearing when not in competition mode?

Miss B: Comfy, sportswear type of clothes. I am very casual. As I said earlier, entering this competition was the first time I wore heels and make up. I have enjoyed the heels and make up experience though.

Miss E: I like wearing smart trousers and skirts and elegant jackets – more chic wear rather than casual.

imageAny favourite shopping haunts?

Miss B: Garancedore.fr

Miss E: Debenhams – love the vast range of clothes, especially the pencil skirts and bolero jackets. I’m so pleased that Debenhams is sponsoring my Miss World wardrobe. I rather like Guess too…

Boots Or Shoes?

Miss B: Shoes? As in..heels? Erm.. that is difficult.. I’d say both.. as long as they’re comfortable!

Miss E: Shoes. Most definitely.

Thank you ladies for spending some of your lunch break  chatting to me. I wish you both the best of luck in the competition.  To follow the lovely Julia and Carina and their fellow contestants in their bid to become Miss World 2014,  download the Miss World 2014 app featuring Miss World TV with its live and scheduled broadcasts from key events including the Miss World final.

Linda x

All photos have been published with kind permission of Miss World organisation.

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An Interview With Tom Cairns

My guest this week is the talented Scottish photographer, Tom Cairns. I have been a fan of Tom’s photography for a couple of years and he can certainly do “people” photography – from models to brides to streetlife – Tom manages to capture the essence of a person in a single photograph. Recently sporting a beard himself, Tom has embarked on a project that has seen him travel around UK and Europe, photographing men with beards… the pictures are stunning… so, welcome Tom..

image Hi, I’m Tommy Cairns. Been running a successful photography business for over 3 years. Prior to that I worked in Enterprise Software Sales and Management Consultancy for 25 years. Live in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

What made you want to pursue a career as a photographer?

Have always had a creative interest in photography for as long as I can remember. I felt that I was coming to the end of my previous career, losing the spark and the interest….slowly but surely the penny dropped and I put my “corporate business experience together with my interest in photography and went from there. imageimage

Your current “beard” project has aroused a lot of interest – I admired your original photos of young bearded model Chris Millington and have noticed that you yourself have now become a bearded one – so what was the motive behind this project?

There was no particular motive behind the project. My US client for the project saw the images I had taken of Chris, got in touch and bought some for his corporate literature. Couple of months later he happened to be in the UK with his business partner, we met and discussed his business plans and stemming from that was a deal for me to cover 6 European countries photographing guys with beards for his companies library. image

What has been the most unusual photoshoot request you’ve had?

I have done a fair amount of lingerie/boudoir work so get many requests….Read this persons email about what they would like, lingerie, lace, stockings etc…..was a bit surprised when I read that it was signed by Alan!

imageWhat has been your favourite photoshoot to date?

Way too many to choose from, however, I am working on a personal project at the moment that is given me huge satisfaction….

If you were given the chance, who would you love to photograph?

Honestly don’t think I have one person in mind. I love to work with anyone and everyone, always looking for that moment they give me that look which gives me the image I want.

What style of photography would you like to try that you haven’t tried as yet?

I enjoy travel/landscape photography but not really from a business point of view. I want to get better at that I think.

I’ve seen & admired your boudoir shots, model shots, bearded shots and wedding shots, so, what style of photography is your absolute favourite?image

Portrait work shot with natural light is my favourite way to work.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Casual, All Saints is my fav’ brand…at the moment I’m wearing converse boots.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I’m hopeful that a client is making me a bespoke suit and a tweed jacket….need some brogues to go with those.

imageBoots or Shoes?

Mainly boots, just like them more.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

http://www.tomcairnsphotography.com/

facebook –

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Cairns- Photography/170971836287396

instagram – @tomcairns

twitter – @tomcairnsphoto

Thanks for wowing us with your photography Tom! If any readers are in Scotland or visiting Scotland and fancy a super duper photoshoot (beards optional) give the lovely Tom a call – you won’t be disappointed!

Linda x

Photo Credits: All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Tom Cairns.

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An Interview With Sukki Singapora Part 2

In September 2012, I  interviewed on this blog, the little known Singaporean burlesque star… and now a year later, Sukki Singapora is well known as the globe-trotting Burlesque Queen, next in line to Dita Von Teese’s “Burlesque Throne”. With a dedicated fan base (who refer to themselves as #teamsukki) and a World Tour under her belt, it’s been great following her success as a Burlesque star …. as well as an international role model. So, it’s with great pleasure that I welcome once again my gorgeous friend onto the blog to chat about her year… 
Hi Sukki! Your debut Burlesque performance was in 2011, and I was fortunate enough to interview you in September 2012 …. so, what made you want to become a Burlesque performer in the first place?Sukki Singapora Singapore Burlesque by Trixta Photography
I’ve often talked about how I entered into burlesque – from my upbringing in classical ballet to a discovery of vintage fashion, which in turn led to a discovery of burlesque – but perhaps less so the why. I suppose it was because when I was growing up as a child of mixed race, it was hard to fit in to any one culture. In my teens I discovered vintage fashion as an outlet for this and a way of “belonging” – of course then you hear about burlesque as the two tend to go hand in hand. I fell in love with the art and glamour of it all.
Congratulations on being nominated  for London’s Asian Women of Achievement  Awards in 2013!  Being a role model for Asian women & The Arts is such an achievement in itself… and not forgetting your Royal Invite to Buckingham Palace too!  What was your Royal Day like?
Sukki Singapora arriving at Buckingham Palace Burlesque view 1Why, thank you. The day was wonderful, and it was an honour to be greeted to such a reception. I was shown around on a tour by Master of the Royal Household near the Queen’s quarters, and then sat down for tea and cake from the Royal Bakery. It was my first time in Buckingham Palace, and I was enamoured by just how luxurious the it was. I believe I’m the first burlesque performer to be invited for tea, so it was certainly a huge compliment. Aside from the showbiz and glamour side of the day, I just hope that it help promotes the message of my Society and makes a difference to those who struggle to follow their creative dreams.
 
Could you talk us through the outfit you wore on the day?Sukki Singapora arriving at Buckingham Palace Burlesque view 2
I had the great pleasure of wearing a bespoke dress by one of my favourite designers, Kiku Boutique of Manchester. My heels were by a Singaporean company called Charles and Keith, and I accessorised with Clogau diamonds from the Welsh Gold company. I was acutely aware that it was a moment in history, so I wanted to do that moment justice!
After 5 years of being away from your beloved homeland of Singapore, you returned this year to promote Burlesque!  How did you feel and how was your reception?
Sukki Singapora AWA Awards Sponsor BoardI honestly felt overwhelmed and moved by the reception back home. It was hard not to get emotional when I met some of my fans who’ve supported me the whole way, and knew of my political struggle. It’s still not something that is widely accepted, so to receive an applause after greeting some of my Burlesque Society members and students brought me to tears. It was a difficult moment, but one which I’ll never forget. It’s why I’m inspired every day to push myself further, so that one day I can say I was the first Singaporean to perform Burlesque legally in Singapore.
 
You’re known for your elaborate sparkly costumes… and you’re currently working alongside the awesome Will.I.am‘s jewellery & bling team to create some new pieces for your new Sparkle for Singapore Act!  I’m impressed!!! So, how did you get to work with those awesome fellas and have you managed to meet THE man himself?
I was actually contacted by the designer who founded the celebrity brand, a woman called Bella. A lot of her clients are based in Asia, so I was extremely humbled to be approached by her to represent the company. The moment it became real was when one of the pieces was delivered to my house and I’ve never seen anything quite so exquisite. I love Will.i.am‘s work, so it was a pleasure to be able to work with his team. I’ve not yet met him, but I tweeted him a hello the other day. You never know, it could be on the cards for next year…
Apart from your Burlesque shows & Society, you’ve featured in numerous Corporate Burlesque Entertainment Booking Sukki Singaporaphotoshoots and appeared in several high profile ad campaigns. Do you enjoy modelling? 
I adore modelling. It’s great to be able to do both the live shows, but also to take a moment to create an incredible set, get the lighting just right, and then capture that vision like a work of art. It appeals to the side of me which loves to create that look of unobtainable beauty and glamour.
You’ve been doing an awful lot of travelling lately around the world – where have been your global highlights this year? Any place you haven’t visited that you would love to visit for pleasure or business?
Sukki Singapora Asian Burlesque Singapore All Asian ShowReturning to Singapore was most definitely a highlight, however it was also a joy to be able to tour countries such as Japan. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, and it didn’t disappoint! The fans there are some of the most wild! In terms of where I’ve not visited, I always said at the start of my journey into burlesque that one day I’d be performing in shows in Las Vegas, so next year will be a landmark year for me in that sense.
Looking ahead to 2014 – any plans in the pipeline that you can reveal to us?
I’m trying to keep next year a surprise, however I can reveal that I’ve been secretly filming pilots for several TV appearances… you’ll have to wait and see!
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
I like to mix my style depending on my mood, as well as incorporating talented individuals to design wardrobe pieces for me. At the moment my favourite pieces are from Armani and Kiku Boutique. My favourite shoes have to be heels.. of all shapes and sizes. I love crazy graphic heel shapes, or platforms which look like they defy gravity. Cubism chic!
What’s next on your shoe wish list?
At the moment designs by Charlotte Olympia and Nicholas Kirkwood are catching my eye. I’ve a soft spot for his lace courts. 
Boots or Shoes?
Shoes! Although as winter in the UK approaches I may be converted!
You can follow and keep up to date with Sukki via facebook: www.facebook.com/SukkiSingapora Twitter:www.twitter.com/sukkisingapora or via her website: www.SukkiSingapora.com
If you would like to read Sukki’s September 2012 interview, press here 
I’ve really enjoyed catching up with you Sukki and I think Las Vegas will be mesmerised by you….!! 
Linda x
Photo Credits:  Photos have been published by kind permission of Sukki Singapora
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Go Wild – An Interview With Donna Africa

This week I’m pleased to welcome to the blog, Donna Africa – London 2012 Performer, Poet, Author & Actress. Hi Donna!59786_4393221396703_1889843989_n

Howzit My Shamwaris / Warriors!
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Donna Africa,nick-named, “The Queen of Dreams” by my friends as I relocated from my homelands, Zimbabwe & South Africa, to Great Britain in 2004, to take care of my now late Mum & to finally realised my frustrated dreams of yesterday today with a little help from my friends! Best known as Donna Africa Warrior Woman as seen on British & African TV & at many a signing & charity event.  All my work showcased on my Donna Africa website  http://www.donnaafrica.co.uk/cv.aspx

You’re also a poet & an author  – where do you get your inspiration?My Publsihed Poetry Book

I started writing my Donna Africa’s “Queen of Dreams” Poetry Book, shortly after the sad passing of my much beloved, British born Mum, Joan Crawford, as I found it to be healing, therapeutic and a way for me to cope and vent out my feelings, frustrations and pent-up emotions. So proud to have finally given birth to & published my very first poetry book – after sharing my poetry works on my social network sites and receiving good response and feeling a sense of connecting with all walks of life and feeling as one! Inspired by the poetry works of the romantic British poet, John Keats, after visiting his home, Keats House and sitting under the plum tree in Hampstead Heath, London as a young girl with my British uncle Doug Crawford.  My poetry book is available in my shop on my website as well as Kindle Amazon. PS My poetry book is owned & my gift to many a well known British & Zimbabwean celebrity. Click here to connect, inspire, heal and to become one! http://www.donnaafrica.co.uk/shop.aspx

Out of modelling, writing, or acting – what is your favourite activity?BI17_EwCEAAENU0.jpg-large

My favourite pastime is sharing & caring with my friends from all over the world, via Facebook and Twitter and I must say I have become addicted to all the social networks! lol! I love dancing, dining and disco! Diva Viva Donna!

Been on any unusual or strange modelling locations? Or have you had any strange/unusual modelling experiences?

jedward 22012 was a very kind, good & memorable year for little old me at 53!
It all kicked off with me being filmed for “Britain’s Got Talent”2012 opening scene, dancing on the IPC roof top adjacent to the London Eye in my Red Top Hat, boa, corset and stockings at 53 years young and televised on ITV & labelled as a bit of a daredevil by my local newspaper! Followed by being successful at my X-Factor Audition with my poetry performance act “Asimbonanga” as Warrior Woman and going through to my LIVE auditions at Manchester where I got to meet celebs, Dermot O’Leary, Jedward, Carol Flack. Judges – Louis Walsh (gave him my poetry book) Mel B (who said she liked my boobs!) and Gary Barlow (who told me to get back on stage as I was busy flirting with Louis Walsh at the judges table). Then I received confirmation that I had been successful at my London 2012 Olympic Games audition and cast as a ceremony performer in both the opening and closing cermonies, where I got to meet  Danny Boyle and a warm hug from my celeb crush, Russell Brand. I made new firm friends for life as we had all shared this momentous ocassion & once in a lifetime experience! 
My Donna Africa Showreel 2012 http://youtu.be/RSnzBPc0YIoMy fav corset & stocking & shoes

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I have a great passion for fashion and shoes, shoes, shoes! As far as I am concerned you can never have enough of shoes! I have amassed a huge collection of shoes & boots, that they have literally taken a life of their own & have taken over my entire bedroom! My sister Lyn who is a DIY kinda gal, has kindly offered to put up shelving on my bedroom walls to showcase all my show-stopping shoes and boots! Fashionwise, I love Hollywood styled glamour and vintage and just simply love my pencil skirts, frilly blouses with darts, stockings and mad about hat, hats, hats!  My personal motto, “If you want to get ahead wear a hat on your head!”cKWPv4G_6uhk5Yn8MJNLVE1a1Cws9U3e5ASpHcSuPhY

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I am a bit of grab a great bargain kinda gal and if I sniff out the smell of a sale I am there in a heart beat! I’m not one for name dropping shops as surely, I should get paid for advertising them? lol! I don’t like to follow the pack and very much an individual and if I was to wear a label it would have to be my very own Donna Africa label! I tend to shop online just for the mere convenience of it all but prefer to buy my clothes on the High Street as I like to try them on before I buy!

What’s on your fashion/shoe wish list?My fav 50's dress

Well after my sister Lyn has put up my shelving for my shoes, I would then like to add to my collection:
Some stylish stiletto heels, thigh high leather boots, monochrome boots/shoes, and since summer is on the way, I would love a pair of sexy silver leg lace-up sandals and a pair gorgeous spanish espadrille wedges for the beach! Also seeking to find a pair of tap and ballroom dance shoes size 4?
Links you would like to share:
I hope I have inspired you to simply be YOU as YOU are all UNIQUE and ONE of a kind!353643085
If you would like to follow me, I can be found on Twitter & I follow back! https://twitter.com/DonnaAfrica
Donna Africa was interviewed live on Las Vegas KLAV 1230 AM Radio on 24 May 2013 with Sexy Roxy, Cable Guy Larry, Celeb Pee Wee Herman & Producer Tony. Discussing about her journey spanning three countries and portfolio consisting of published poetry, reality TV, modelling and acting. Catch the interview on: https://soundcloud.com/donna-africa-thompson/donna-africa-on-celeb-onset
My Fav Catsuit Costume (2)I enjoyed nattering with you Donna..thank you for joining us this week….
Linda x
Photo credits: The photos have been published with kind permission from Donna Africa
 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
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