HURRICANE LEILA: A preview of my new beauty series...

Hello lovers! Those of you who have known me for a while know that traditionally I haven't done much beauty work in the past. Over the last year though, thanks in part to my co-australian editor of Black Justin Henry, I've been really discovering the genre. To the point now where I've had my first beauty cover for Black featuring Ruby Jean Wilson - you can check it out on Frockwriter if you missed it - and I keep getting approached by different creative directors from beauty brands... fun times!

Leila @ Chic

I think in the past I had been resistant to shooting beauty because I thought a lot of it looked pretty average - same composition, same idea, same lighting etc. However, having now dabbled I'm finding new ways to create magic and discovering how to put the Thom Kerr drama into the genre! I love my beauty story that I shot for Blacklog - I also wanted to share these two setups that I adore that we shot later in the day. Justin and I have shot a body of exquisite beauty work which we're dying to share with y'all! But you'll just have to be patient for the time being! So enjoy! Hair and makeup by Justin Henry modelled by Leila Goldkuhl @ Chic and shot at Studio 501. Studio 501 is located in Surry Hills and super groovy - you should book the space!

Leila @ Chic

DANGER DANGER: Nicole Pollard - high voltage!

When I first met the strikingly amazonian Nicole Pollard from Chic I got the distinct impression that she's quite the street wise beauty. Repped by Next in the big apple, she returned to our shores from an exceptional New York fashion week debut, booking twelve shows no less. A great response for someone dipping their toes in the international market. Beyond the hype though, you can see that her take on what seems to be a blossoming career is done with a steady focus and appreciation for all opportunities presented. You'll be seeing a lot more of Nicole over the next year, and hopefully so will I! In the meantime, here are a couple of snaps to get you in the mood. Styled by the uber talented Sarah Birchley, a rising style talent in her own right, and beauty by resident genius Lauren McCowan - the pictures reveal the fiery spark that Nicole delivers to the lens. Bam!

SUBFUSCO ELEMENTS 11/12: Jemma Baines

POP! I've been noticing the lovely Jemma Baines from Chic surfacing in some great australian editorials lately (including Harpars Bazaar & Russh) so I thought I'd share with you this beauty shot of her from the Subfusco lookbook collection 'Elements' - Amelia Axton did a divine job with the hair and makeup. Jemma was great fun to work with on the day and took to my strange sense of humour with ease!  Not only does Jemma have strikingly beautiful features, but she also posseses a total willingness to work until you get the photograph you're looking for. A great beauty who loves modelling - an ideal combination that equates to success!

RHYS: Chic

Summer lovin, had me a blast...

ROXANNA ZAMANI: Pagesdigital

Last year I met a young designer named Roxanna Zamani at fashion week who won the ftv new designer awards. I fell in love with her work! We exchanged contact details and since then she interned with Christopher Kane in London and featured in Italian Vogue! She finally returned to NZ so we vowed to work with each other again. Here is my Pagesdigital shoot of her latest capsule collection... Very clever cookie!