As a photographic buyer by day and burlesque performer / pole dancer by night, Akasha Wilde and I have virtually bumped into each other many times over the past few years. so I was really excited when she contacted me book in for a Virtual Boudoir Shoot! Pulling out her favourite green Dita Von Teese lingerie set, creating this beautiful analogous colour scheme within her spare room.

Akasha Wilde’s Virtual Boudoir Shoot took place using the back facing camera of their iPhone. Isn’t technology amazing?! No matter what device you have available to you, as long as its wifi-connected and has an in-built camera, we can make a virtual boudoir shoot happen for you. Read all about Akasha Wilde’s experiences below…

Akasha Wilde

Where does the name Akasha Wilde come from: Akasha Wilde is my stage name – it’s a mix of my middle name (Wilde) and the badass vampire queen from the Anne Rice novel Queen of the Damned

Occupation: I am a Buyer for a photographic company, and a pole & burlesque dancer in my free time

How would your best friend describe you? Independent, fiercely loyal & someone to “always share the weird”

Name three things that you always carry with you? “Vanillary” solid perfume from Lush, a fineliner (I love writing lists) and dog poo bags… it’s a glamourous old life.

What was the last book you read? Tranny by Laura Jane Grace. I have a weird thing for musician biographies, and LJG is a hero.

Do you remember how you originally found me? Through one of the many amazing burlesque performers I follow on Instagram no doubt, and also through work!

What inspired you to book a photoshoot? I’ve been wanting to work with Tigz for a while, so a virtual boudoir shoot from my spare room seemed like a no-brainer. I have a terrible case of imposter syndrome when it comes to modelling for professionals, so this was a great way to ease into something like this, and convince myself I can be fabulous!

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Honestly no clue… It’s difficult to imagine anyone being me! Maybe Krysten Ritter though, even if we look nothing alike.

Whats the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? I’m a massive music nerd. I have a big collection of vinyl (I have a particular love for 1960s pysch), and will talk your “muso” boyfriend out the room. I also play the piano, guitar and accordion.

Tell us about one of the outfits you wore for your shoot – why do you love it? That green Dita Von Teese Lingerie set is everything I love – gorgeous lace detailing, great shape and my absolute favourite colour! 

Describe your shoot experience? So much fun! I’m a naturally awkward person, but Tigz is great at making you feel totally at ease. 

What song gets you on the dancefloor? Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard! And actually any 80s glam rock, come to think of it.. Oh and drunk Akasha/Hannah reaaaally loves anything Sean Paul.

What are you most proud of in your career so far? Being a woman in my industry (photography). It’s a male dominated minefield and I don’t go buy a day without getting talked down to, but it makes it all the more worth it knowing that we are a generation of change, and that Les from Slough is going to think twice next time he addresses an email with “Dear Sirs”.

What is your top body confidence tip? Remembering that life is so short and that the types of people who put other people down for the way they look are ugly on the inside.

What will your autobiography be called? “Born to be Wilde”

If you could be a model for any brand, which brand would it be and why? Ahh man, there are so many amazing brands! I’d say Edge O’ Beyond or Harlow & Fox at the moment- they’re two amazing UK lingerie brands and their stuff is insane.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a session of their own? Remember to have fun, and not worry about trying to hard to be “sexy”- being confident in yourself is the most gorgeous thing about you.

What do you think is the BEST thing about lockdown? Spending loads of time with my partner Zak and my dog Arthur- we’re a happy lil family!

What do you think is the WORST thing about lockdown? Missing out on meeting my nephew, Rio. He was born back in March and he’s over in Sweden with my sister so we’ve not been allowed to meet yet. It’s heart-breaking!!

What are you most looking forward to doing when lockdown is over? Getting out of central Brighton – I love this city, but I miss the countryside. I’d also relish in being far away from the drunken teenagers that like to congregate across from our bedroom window every night.

What exciting project are you working on right now? I’m working towards some new pole/burlesque stuff to debut once we’re all free again. 

Want to celebrate your body like Akasha Wilde? Make today the day you finally book your very own Virtual Boudoir Shoot with me – find all the details here and then pop me a message with your preferred dates. I can’t wait to hear from you!