I’ve been thinking about light a lot recently. Whilst out in Stockholm for Way Up North back in October, I was blown away by the beautiful golden glow of the sun during the day.

Light like this is a rare treat for us in the UK, although since then I’ve caught myself walking through the hallway at home once or twice and smiling as my white tiled bathroom radiates golden light. Vitamin D light, as I like to think of it – the kind of light that hits your skin and feels warm and makes you smile!

For many years, the world of burlesque photography had kept me in the depths of Soho, shooting in completely artificial light sources and relying solely on the use of my Elinchrom Quadras and now ELB 400s with the help of the occasional follow spot of stage lighting. As my work has progressed out of the underground bars and into the world of lingerie and fashion, there have been more opportunities to work with natural light. I’ve been really enjoying the journey of discovering a balance between ambient/natural light and flash and how it sits with my style of photography.

On this particular shoot, Justine and I had arranged to utilise her studio space – École De Pole – for a bikini fitness shoot, using the ELB 400’s to create an ‘invisible black curtain’ look (which I’m sure will also feature on the blog at some point!). We’d set up on the ground floor as it had the lowest levels of ambient light, but there was something pretty special about the cold light pouring in from the window in the upstairs studio. It was too good an opportunity to be missed – especially with the unpredictability of British weather – so we relocated upstairs for a while and made the most of the winter sun.

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Inspired? Book your own bikini fitness shoot with me today – check out my boudoir photography packages here and then drop me an email with your preferred date. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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