Memories and Dreams

Out with the Old and In with the New

2010-11-02T02:17:00.000-07:00

Well folks, a lot has changed since I last posted (I know, it's been over a month!)

My health is still up and down at the moment but thankfully its mostly up! Craig and I are making the most fantastic memories as husband and wife and new doors keep opening for both of us. I am very fortunate and very lucky with what I have in my life. I have the most amazing family and friends and have something to smile about each and every day.

2010 has been our year...we have got married, had the most amazing honeymoon in the Maldives and are just back from Florida with my family. We are skydiving next weekend and doing some Christmas shopping in Manchester as well as looking forward to santa coming next month!

One thing has played on my mind over and over recently. I feel it is time to close the door on my modeling career. I have put lots of thought into this and I want to focus on a few new things in my life. Craig and I have been seriously talking about starting a family and this is where my heart lies. I have to put my health first and make sure I am not doing too much....doctors orders.

I want to take this time to thank all the special people I have met during the last 3 years. I have made some very special friends, especially John, Hannah and Phil. I have travelled throughout the UK and been to some magical places I never even knew existed. I have fallen face first in a puddle of mud, been bitten by a swan and almost pulled over a fence by a donkey! I have stepped on a dead vole while shooting nude in a cave, almost been stranded on a rock as the tide came in, seen a photographer (Phil) fall out of a tree and almost fallen over in some reeds while my leggings were round my ankles and I was trying to walk. I have shot everything from fashion to lingerie, glamour to nude. I specialised in nude, which I am so happy I did. I enjoyed embracing my curves in front of the camera and creating different shapes in the light and shadows. I have shot with male and female photographers, in front of one photographer or a group. I've been caught naked in an old farmhouse and shot in -13'C with Alex Ingram. I also ruffled the feathers of another nude model but over time we both realised we are similar and therefore have similar visions. After exchanging emails etc we have now almost become friends, which is something truly unique in my heart. (I know you are reading this and I want to say Thank You and you are a fantastic model!)

I have made so many memories over the past few years while in the presence of a photographer and a camera. I have all the images to speak for themselves and will always hold them close to my heart. Many models have inspired me, photographers too. Places inspire me. There is nothing more magical than shooting in a natural surrounding, nude, with the chilly wind and small raindrops falling on your skin. This is my favourite feeling in the world, being free, at one with nature.

I could go on for hours about all of this, it is something so utterly special to me but I'd like to leave it there for now. I'm closing this chapter of my life and opening another. I'm not saying I will not be in front of another camera in my life, possibly even behind it, but for now, for me, I know this is the right thing.

Thank You Everyone and Goodnight xxx

Changes

2010-09-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going through a little unsettled period at the moment, primarily due to my up and down health of recent months. I just can't seem to see a clear path at the moment, my journey seems clouded and fuzzy. I'm trying my best to see through the rain just now, some days it seems to just drizzle but other days it pours. I'm trying out a few new things and seeing if they help.

I've started a new fitness routine at my local gym which is killing me every week but it will be worth it. I was there again last night and today I'm not as sore as last week so hopefully I'm getting fitter. Can already feel my abs returning..it's a great feeling.

I've also been let down by another photographer since I last posted. Sometimes I just find people so rude when you point out something which upset or annoyed you. The least they could do is understand, instead of getting all defensive and bombarding you with messages.

Anyway, here's a lovely image from Stephen Phillips from our shoot not too long ago. I really like this one and I love my expression...

I have had a fair few shoots since my last post and also turned another year older. To celebrate my birthday I had a shoot with the lovely and very talented Mr Hewat where we shot me in my birthday suit! I also wore some "interesting" outfits...if you could call them that. Images to follow.

On Sunday I'm shooting at the Radison hotel in Glasgow with a few other models, should be a fab day and looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones!

Lots of love,
Kirst xxx

I can see the light

2010-09-09T01:13:00.000-07:00

The above image was shot by Stephen Philips who I recently worked with on a studio shoot. This was the first time Stephen and I had shot together and I'm pretty pleased with some of the images. From what I've seen so far the above image is my favourite. This was captured during one of the moments Stephen told me to "do my thing". I'm not sure what it is that attracts me to this image...

One thing I do like about the image is that it is very relevant to my life at the moment. In this image there is something in front of me clouding my sight (my hair) but I can see through it slightly and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think the expression on my face is very apt to my situation and one thing I was very keen to do during this shoot is use my feelings from my health news to portray emotion in images. I may as well use sad news as motivation and gain something out of it!

I'm shooting on location on Monday and very much looking forward to it so expect another update pretty soon!

Kirst xxx

My good old friend Phil

2010-09-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

Well here he is, Mr Lifescapes! Phil is a very special person to me, we seemed to click instantly when we started talking online about arranging a shoot. He will always hold a special little corner in my heart <3

Kirst xx

Do you ever get bored of looking at images of yourself?

2010-09-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

I got asked this the other day while shooting. Truth is I don't get bored of looking at awesome images of me (awesome being different/interesting/unique) where you look at the image and go "wow, that's cool". I've done this a few times with my images, firstly with my work with Alex Ingram which I feel is one of my biggest achievements so far in modeling. If this keeps happening when I look at images of myself I'll be a happy girl as I'd be going somewhere - moving forward.

While shooting recently at a studio something struck a chord in my mind. I was happy, the shoot was going well, I was getting on well with the photographer but everything was just 'nice'. The lighting was nice, I looked nice in a nice outfit with a nice smile which made a nice image. Just nice. I don't like looking at 'nice' images of me. I was being directed during the shoot which is something I'm not used to, I'm not used to smiling and making pretty pictures, I'm more about concentrating on my expression while creating interesting shapes with my body with interesting and intriguing shadows or making an outfit stand out in an image while I portray a specific emotion.
When I left the shoot I was feeling a bit down, almost as if I hadn't enjoyed myself. It made me realised for me to fully enjoy a shoot it needs to be inspiring, different, emotive, thought provoking...not just a nice image for my great granny (if she was still alive) to look at and say "that's lovely, stick it on the fireplace"

I guess I'm just re-evaluating everything after the storm I've been through recently. I want to make sure (since my energy can get quite low) that every drop of my energy is used towards something I enjoy whole heartedly.

So I know it's been a long winded explaination but moral of the post is that I think I need to be pushed more, with challenging ideas and inspiring situations. I guess I don't like just being 'nice'.

Since I never like posting without an image here is one from Sstu Hyland from last month. I'm happy with this one - it was wicked working in a different setting, it's been a while since I've shot in a castle! Thanks Stu!

Kirst xxx

Will the rain clouds ever go away....?

2010-08-31T01:01:00.000-07:00

Well, as you all know I've not been very well recently. Yesterday I demanded to see a doctor and I sat in his room and told him I wasn't leaving until I got some answers. Well....I certainly got some answers but it wasn't what I wanted to hear at all. When he told me I burst into tears.

One of the hardest things was coming to terms with it and being able to admit to what I had/have. I went to visit my sister-in-law who was there with a shoulder to cry on. When I went home I was so scared to tell Craig, for some reason I thought he wouldn't love me as much if I told him what it was. Eventually I couldn't hold it in anymore so I let it all out and told him everything. He was absolutely amazing and told me he's going to stand by me no matter what happens. Couldn't ask for a better husband.

As you might have guessed, I'm super close with my mum. We tell each other everything and there are never any secrets between us. Craig told me I should tell her but I was shaking at the thought of it, I was terrified. My mum has enough stress with her day to day life without having to worry about me.
After dinner Craig, Cody and I walked up to my mums and I got her on her own, burst into tears and told her every single thing the doctor said. She cried a little too and gave me a massive cuddle. It still brings tears to my eyes even writing about it, I'm so scared...

...at least now I know what it is and I can get the proper treatment I need. I did get told to keep active though and to try and not let things bother me too much. I'm looking to fill my diary with lots of exciting projects to keep me going over the next couple of months as I know they are not going to be the easiest of times.

Kirst xxx

My Handsome Little Man

2010-08-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

As lots of you may know I have a lovely little border collie called Cody. He is my complete world. Some of you have been lucky enough to meet him, some have even managed to get him to pose for some shots. I love this little chap dearly. I know of no other man who will be super excited when I walk through the door and who is so happy with the most simple of things...the same food every day and just water to drink. For the little things they receive they certainly have lots of love to give.
When I have been unwell Cody has stuck right by my side and always been ready to cuddle me until I fall asleep. I love getting my camera out when he's about, he's such a little poser!

Hope you enjoy my little man as much as I do,

Kirst xxx

Mummy's jumper

2010-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

After my mums crazy 50th birthday Craig and I decided to walk home rather than wait on a taxi. Walking somewhere after you've had a few cocktails is always a funny experience, it seems to take forever (must've been walking at snails pace!) and you giggle at everything...well I do at least. Craig and I seem to have the most hillarious conversations when walking home after a few drinks.

Anyway, my mum gave me her jumper to keep me warm. It was a lovely jumper, so cosy and felt like I was getting a huge cuddle all the way home. I loved it so much I couldn't help but take it to a shoot with Stu Hyland and Roy Pritchard a couple of days later.

Stu, Roy and I had a fab shoot at Blackness Castle in South Queensferry. It got dark quite early on which made it slightly more challenging but we welcomes the challenge with open arms and produced some lovely images together. Iit also started raining slightly but I managed to escape to a doorway and get some shelter. I was shooting from the doorway which was perfect...I was dry - Stu and Roy were very wet!

I got the above image back from Stu a few days ago but my blog has been playing around and not letting me upload images. It working today though so fingers crossed it stays working. I love this image. I've seen some others which look awesome too, really proud of some of them which is always a good thing. Hoping to upload some soon. I'm also excited to see Roy's images as they looked fab from the back of the camera.

Health wise I've not been the best recently. After my little stint in hospital I've had numerous tests which all seem to come back with the results I didn't want to hear. Have to go for an echocardiogram soon - an ultrasound of the heart - to check everything is ok there. I'm just glad we don't have to pay for health care in this country or I'd be even poorer than I am now!

Until next time,

Kirst xxx

Sometimes people just click

2010-08-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

I recently had a shoot with Stu Hyland at an abandonned warehouse

near his place. This was one of my first shoots after being ill and on

the way through to meet him I wasn't feeling great and was annoyed

at myself in case my ill health encroached on our shoot.

When we arrived at the location my eyes just lit up. I was so

inspired by the building, everything about it was just amazing

and the potential for images was great. We got to work straight

away after exploring the location and deciding what areas we

wanted to work in and what outfits I was going to wear. Usually

I mainly shoot art nude but after being ill I was told I had to

stay warm so have been building up my fashion section of my

portfolio. Although saying that, there were a couple of sets

towards the end of the evening where I just knew they would

look better with some nudity so couldn't help myself.

Stu is a great photographer, had unlimited ideas and is as

daft as a brush! We seemed to click really well and from the

moment we started shooting we were bouncing ideas around

(including some from Craig who was our lookout with the dog!)

We even got down to some light painting later where Craig

was in charge of the lights, Stu with the camera and me doing

my stuff as usual. We got on so well I'm doing a group shoot

with Stu and some other people on Monday at South

Queensferry and we're already in discussions of future

shoots and ideas.

The images were uploaded onto UKPM where they caught

the eye of Craig McGuire. We had discussed shoots before

but never really got round to getting anything firmly in the

diary. These images have managed to strike a chord with

him though so we're back on track with getting something

booked.

Anyway guys, enjoy the images and let me know what

you think of them as they are a little different to my usual stuff.

Kirst xxx

Vintage Beauty

2010-08-13T02:39:00.001-07:00

John Hewat and I recently shot at my place in my newly decorated spare room. I saw this teal colour of paint when I was thinking about decorating and couldn't help but buy it. The room looks fantastic with two different shades of teal and lots of light, airy furnishings and vintage looking furniture.

John and I decided to go for a vintage feel for this shoot so here are a couple of the images. We used the dark teal wall as a backdrop and it worked wonders. My hair and make-up were inspired by the 1920s, a period which I absolutely love.

Thankfully I'm feeling better after a few weeks of ill health. I'm back to shooting and have had a few fabulous shoots with lots more to come. When I'm in front of a camera I completely forget of worries about my health and other things which are bothering me. It's my escape, my time to feel free.

Kirst xx

Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

2010-08-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, from time to time, people piss me off! It seems in the past week or so lots of people have pissed me off at once and that doesn't make me a happy bunny!

Firstly I had a shoot booked with a certain photographer known as L**D (it's pretty obvious who he is but if you want to know leave me a msg and I'll get back to you). I arranged a shoot with him at 5.30am one Sunday morning to catch the sunrise at a popular beach in Edinburgh. Now, this fella has let me down before but I gave him the benefit of the doubt after he ran out of dying relatives and as he promised he is now more professional the booking got confirmed. A few days later I received an email from him saying he has a family get together on the Saturday evening and would not manage to be awake for 5.30am on the Sunday. I was uber pissed and emailed him to confirm I will not be opening any emails from him in the future and would never think of working with him, neither would I recommend him.

Secondly, I had a shoot arranged for yesterday at Bent Brae studio with a photographer I have worked with before. I logged on to PS to confirm things only to receive an email saying "I've heard you are unwell, hope you take care". Now I never saw this as a cancelation as it never included the words "I am canceling/postponing etc until you are better". I phoned Derek at the studio and he told me the studio had been canceled as 'I had canceled with the photographer'. Now, this photographer T**B never once received an email/text/phonecall from me saying I was too unwell to shoot. I had an away notice on PS saying I had been unwell and was taking a while to get back to my mail. I also said I had canceled the necessary shoots. I HAD NOT CANCELED THIS ONE AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER HAD NO REASON TO THINK I HAD CANCELED IT AS I HAD ALREADY CONFIRMED IT WOULD BE GOING AHEAD. Really fucked me off to be honest. Some people are so unprofessional.

Thirdly, (and this is not to do with modeling at all) I had a girl lined up to rent one of the manicure stations in my salon. She ended up telling me after she was due to start she had changed her mind. I only found this out when I called her and got her voicemail, to receive an email from her. She is older than me and meant to be professional but refused to remove posters in corporate companies advertising she was at my salon. When I emailed her to ask her to remove them again I got no response. I eventually emailed again and asked her to remove them for a third time or further action would be taken and she proceeded to tell me I was being over dramatic and my tone was unreasonable. My salon is my pride and joy and I will not have anyone put me down for anything to do with the salon.

All these people should be put in a big spaceship and blasted into outer space. Just my 2p worth.

Kirst x

Can I do glamour? ;)

2010-08-04T02:01:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd post these from a few weeks back when I worked with a new photographer Cee El-Ehembe. We shot while I was on my honeymoon in the Maldives and thought we'd take advantage of the beautiful lagoon outside my beach bungalow. I really like these images, it was nice to try something a bit different for me. I was going to shoot my usual art nude but with the Maldives being a Muslim country it was going to be a bit disrespectful for us to do so.

So, what do you think? Can Kirsty do glamour? Or are these images a lost cause?

Kirst xx

** Look at the photographers name and write it down as you say it.... C L.A.M.B <---- the hubby! Was just a little play around on our honeymoon **

Poor Old Me

2010-08-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

I know I've been pretty rubbish at updating this recently but I've not stopped since we came back from our honeymoon. I've learned my lesson though because all of the work I have been doing landed me in hospital last week.
I came into work feeling not too bad, a bit of tonsilitis but thought I'd be fine. Within a couple of hours I was dizzy, had fainted, had a panic attack because I was on my own (first time for this and very scary) and couldn't stop shivering. I phoned my mum and Craig but couldn't get a hold of them. Eventually I managed to get myself to the hospital and was immediately taken to a side room in the emergency department.
I was panicing again and even more when they were wiring me up to all sorts of machines and telling me I might have meningitis. Blood was taken, an IV put it, drip attached and lights turned out. I had all sorts of medication pumped into me and all I wanted to do was go home. The doctor told me I had to stay but, having a fear of hospitals, I refused and started causing a scene - mid panic.
One of my friends had come to sit with me and convince me to stay but I was having none of it. I ripped the machines out and refused to stay. The doctor told me how serious it was but against everyones wishes I discharged myself.
My mum had come to meet me and wasn't mad at me, just worried. She took me home but within hours I was back in the emergency room ten times worse. I knew this time I had to stay in. Craig and his mum were with me so I didn't feel so bad. I was once again wired to all sorts of machines, taken for a chest x-ray and to the ward where I was given my own room. I got told I was being sent for a lumber puncture which made me freak even more. I wanted my mum, 22 years old and all I wanted was her by my side.
It was now late at night and time for Craig and his mum to go. As they were leaving I was in floods of tears begging them to stay but they couldn't. I was a mess. Every hour during the night I was woken for tests and more blood and in the morning I was happy to wake to find my mum beside me.
My temperature was still sky high, blood pressure really low, heart tracing was all over the place, heart rate was super high and blood tests showed all sorts of abnormalities. Before I knew it I was in am ambulance being sent to Ninewells hospital in Dundee for a scan as I had a blood clot in my lung. Before going in the ambulance I had to have another injection in my stomach to thin my blood and strange stuff injected through my IV prior to the scan to show the blood supply to my lungs.
I'd never been in an ambulance before, it wasn't really that exciting but it was nice to know the blue flashing lights were on! After my scan we had to wait 2 hours before we could get an ambulance back to Perth. Finally we got back and some more tests were carried out. I was eventually allowed home but with orders of strict bed rest and lots of medication.

So...that's why I've taken ages to update things, I've got so much to update you on and I PROMISE I will get it done soon, I just need to take things easy at the moment. Will try and update again today.

Much love,
Kirst xx

Sleepy time for me..

2010-07-23T15:28:00.001-07:00

I'm lying in my bed just now, Craig's watching something rubbish on the tv and I'm super sleepy...well my mind isn't, just my body so thought it would be a perfect time to share another image from John Hewat. This was taken just after our wedding too, at the same beach as the post below.

I felt inspired by the film "Six Days, Seven Nights" and the Destiny's Child song "Survivor". Mixing the two ideas together and bringing the beach into the equation produced this image. I like it because it is so different to my other images. I've been editing a lot of wedding photos recently and like making them feel warm so in contrast I wanted this image to feel cold...hence the blue. I think it works here though.

I'm really getting to grips with using my camera and really enjoying it too. This weekend we have no firm plans so looking to get out and about with my camera and see what I can create. I'm also loving editing images at the moment, I like the whole process from beginning to end, I always feel I have achieved something when I capture an image, process it and look back at it with a smile.

I got some lovely shots (if you an call them that) of the flooding we've had in Perthshire during the week, it was crazy, came and went in 24hours but the following day half of the town was closed due to floods. Our pooch liked it a lot though!

Anyway, it's getting late and I'm getting sleepy,

night readers,

Kirsty xxx

A little post honeymoon edit

2010-07-23T06:48:00.001-07:00

Here is a shot from a recent shoot Craig and I had with our good friend John Hewat. We hadn't been back from our honeymoon long but I was missing the beach badly! The beach here wasn't as luxury as the Maldives but it didn't stop us getting this lovely image.
It's actually an outtake, we were giggling about something but I love the fact John captured it. You can see the chemistry between us and can tell how comfortable and natural we feel around each other, I think this is important in an image, especially a shot of a couple.

I have edited the image, with John's permission. I'm constantly playing around with Photoshop trying new techniques etc but I wanted to go for more of an editorial edit with this shot, which influenced where I placed the text.

Anyway, hope you like it, more edits on their way.

Kirst x

And some more...got thousands to look through...

2010-07-15T06:05:00.001-07:00

but I won't bore you with them all! Here's the last lot for you. Enjoy.

Kirst xxx

More photo's of our special day

2010-07-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

Each of these images bring back so many memories..I just can't believe the wedding was over a month ago now!

Much love,

K xxx

My gorgeous flowergirl hard at work

2010-07-15T05:26:00.001-07:00

Ailie was an absolute star all day and had so much fun copying exactly what I did! Her big brother Aaron was our ring bearer and looked so handsome in his kilt.

I'm so proud at how well the little ones did at the wedding. They stayed almost to the end but when they realised their mum was there to pick them up they both burst into tears which made me cry too!

K x

From Miss Miller to Mrs Lamb

2010-07-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

After coming out the church with my handsome hubby, beautiful bridesmaids, gorgeous flowergirl and lovely groomsmen. I couldn't be happier!

K x

Another wedding photo...

2010-07-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Our Wedding

2010-07-15T03:33:00.001-07:00

I've had trouble recently uploading images on here. The easiest way to do it is to email them over but only thing is I can only do either 1 or 2 at a time depending on file size. Anyway, it will have to do for just now.

The above image is by Gary aka Gazhilla aka GDHphotography. He was invited to the wedding as a guest but I promised him a few shots for his portfolio and I'm so glad I did. I absolutely love the above shot, it reminds me so much of our most special day and brings a tear to my eye every time. Hoping to get this enlarged to go above our fireplace in our house, it's just beautiful.

Kirsty xxx

Introducing Mrs Lamb

2010-06-29T02:04:00.001-07:00

That's it...I'm married now! Our day was absolutey perfect, Craig and I couldn't have asked for anything more. All of our family and closest friends shared out most special day with us and helped make so many memories I will cherish forever.

Usually at weddings there is the odd fallout, someone who drinks too much or someone who decides to cause a scene but none of this happened, everyone had a blast and made our day so special. There are over 1300 photo's of our day I've seen so far and I know there's still more to come, it's insane how many photo's got taken but looking at them all take me back to the day, I wouldn't have it any other way.

After our wedding we left at 6am for the Maldives, I'll do an update on than soon as I've got so many photo's to show you. People told us to expect paradise but it was so much more than that, it was like heaven.

It's taken me a while to get used to my new name, my old sirname is now my middle name as I wanted to keep it in there somewhere but I'm now officially Mrs Kirsty Lamb. I kept saying to everyone I never felt married, never felt like Mrs Lamb but I do now...after getting an Ikea family card with Kirsty Lamb on the front.

Craig and I spent a whole day on Sunday talking about our future and what we'd like to do, where we'd like to stay, family etc etc. I'm usually so organised and plan ahead but with our life together I'm not going to plan, just let things happen the way they want. We know one thing we want to aim for in the next three years though...and I'll be the happiest girl in the world when that happens...but for now it's a secret! ;)

I've also taken a couple of weeks off from shooting to enjoy married life but got a couple of shoots coming up, you can't keep me away for long!

Trying to upload wedding photo's onto here but it just doesn't want to work for me...will try again later.

Lots of love,
Mrs Lamb xxx

Only four more sleeps until I become Mrs Lamb

2010-06-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

That's right folks, four more nights until I get married. I'm so excited but nerves are starting to set in a little, I just hope everything goes well. I can't wait to see everyone on the day though, all dressed up looking pretty...and I'm so so excited about wearing my dress! I had it on again yesterday to see how it fitted and it's perfect!

I've got so much to do at the moment but one thing which has been annoying me for ages is my backlog of images. I've got discs here waiting to be looked at but I'm not getting a chance. Here's another from a shoot with John H a few weeks ago (before the last shoot below) I like this shot a lot, the pose looks awkward and I love that. I enjoyed having messy hair too!

I found this ivy looking thing in John's house, he told me it's Tracey Kane's but she hasn't been back to collect it yet. As soon as I saw it I wanted it to be wrapped round me. There were lots of nice images from this set but I think the above is the best.
Craig also got roped into this shoot too but I'll save those images for another post.

Love you all,
Kirst xxx

The clock is ticking...

2010-06-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

It's only 8 more sleeps until Craig and I get married! I can't believe the time has come round so fast! We're just preparing the last few bits and pieces now then it's all down to luck for everything to go right!

I've just done my last shoot before the wedding then I'm taking 4 weeks off, returning around early/mid July. I went out on a great shoot though, Craig and I shot together with John Hewat who is super lovely. It was a totally fun shoot with lots of gorgeous images which are sitting in my queue for editing at the moment (and yes, John said I'm allowed) as well as lots of candids and outtakes. In some outtakes, like the one below, I love as it shows the chemistry between Craig and I. This is the perfect pre-wedding shot, it sums us up perfectly...good looking and never too serious to have fun! ha ha!

I'm also still working on some images from the last time I shot with John, but with the wedding plans it's taking longer than I'd like to get round to editing them. I'm sure I'll have them done soon but I won't be happy until they're perfect!

8 more sleeps! I can't believe it...I wonder if I have 8 naps today it will come round quicker??

Much love,

Kirst xxx

Modesty

2010-06-01T02:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of images from a recent shoot at the most beautiful abandonned house in Aberdeen. I shot there with Rob a couple of weeks ago and love the images. The location was so inspiring with the most gorgeous wooden detail on the ceilings of the rooms and some stunning rugged stone work on some walls. I think this is the second most inspiring location I've been to, or maybe third...it's definitely on my top five anyway.

Rob and I had fun playing with light and different poses, as well as this one in the window. I've shot similar to this before but I prefer this image, I just love shooting through windows.

Rob also sent me over a contact sheet from our shoot. I've not seen contact sheets very often but it's so helpful to see one, even if you don't receive any of the images, it's just nice to see what worked, what didn't and ways you can improve next time.

I've slowed down a lot of my shooting over the past couple of weeks as the wedding is now only 11 days away and I've got so much to do. It's all the little bits and pieces left now but they seem to take the most time. I've got a shoot tomorrow then that's me until after my honeymoon. I'm taking four weeks off after I get back from the Maldives, I'm totally in need of a rest but after that I'll be shooting lots again and I can't wait. When I'm shooting, particularly when it's art nude, I feel like a free spirit and it's the only time I can completely switch off from the stresses of everyday life. I'm missing my stress relief at the moment but hopefully I'll be able to chill soon. I've got a wedding this Saturday (third in 3 weeks!) then my bridal shower on Sunday and then it's only five more days until the BIG ONE! I'm super excited and no nerves have set in. Let's hope it stays that way!

Will update again soon, got so many images waiting to be showcased.

Much love,

Kirst xxx

Sensuality

2010-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the first of the images from my recent shoot with John Hewat. I'm taking my time uploading them as John allowed me to edit the best images from our shoot. I always love the images John and I create as they are always shot in a completely comfortable environment and the comfort we have with each other comes across in the images.

When I shoot with John it's always different from the other shoots I do as we usually don't plan anything specific. We usually set a date and time then I go through my mood boards and inspiration books, find outfits and accessories and start thinking some ideas. When I ask John what his ideas are his reply is always the same, "have fun and just go for it". I love this about him.

I'm not overly well at the moment, got a nasty cold and M.E pains are back. It's probably my fault though as we had our stag vs hen day on Saturday with a day of inflatable challenges such as the gladiator joust, inflatable boxing, inflatable twister, the bungee run etc followed by a night of partying and silly games including the most competitive game of musical chairs I've ever played in my life. We were scoring the whole day the the girls ended up winning 16-14. The boys were not happy at all, especially when the losing team had to supply drinks to the girls ;) Wedding only three weeks and 3 days away now!

Anyway, I'm off to edit a little more and try and create something a little different. Will update mega soon,

Love Kirst xxx

G'day Mate

2010-05-11T05:29:00.001-07:00

I have no idea why but the above image reminds me of an Australian person...think it may be the hat?! It was shot by the lovely ABZphoto at an abandonned farm I came across on my travels. We shot for a good few hours on Monday afternoon and had great fun exploring every corner of this location...it was huge and included a farm house (which still had a working phone!) and probably about 8 barns with upstairs and some big sheds.

I was utilizing the farm theme in this one again, I've got a thing about checked shirts at the moment...we were going for a more casual look to these and I think we captured it pretty well...apart from me being blinded by Graham's new flash!

It's now only a few weeks until the wedding and stress is getting on top of me as usual and making my nasty M.E flare up again, yuck! I took a little time away from shooting last month to recharge my batteries and ride out the calm before the storm as I'm shooting lots from now until the wedding. I'm loving every minute of it though and having a great time working with so many talented individuals and creating something unique.

I had a great catch up/shoot with John Hewat on Friday evening too, at his home studio. We played around for hours with wigs, ivy and lots of other props. John got his lighting rather spot on and we created some lovely dark images, waiting on some coming through just now but will hopefully be going home to a little CD through the door. Update to come soon.

** Must remember to phone about buttonholes for the men for the wedding **

I'm also shooting again on Thursday with Terry who's coming up from South Yorkshire...we have a few different ideas for our shoot so looking forward to that. I'm also traveling a little further afield (for a weekday shoot) and heading up past Aberdeen on Monday to shoot on location up there. As much as the wedding stress is getting on top of me and I turn into bridezilla a little every now and again, I find modeling is a great excape from the stress, it lets me be free and I can honestly say it's the only time I never think about anything, it's just a shame my health is so up and down just now otherwise I'd be shooting lots more. I have to be sensible and put my health first though.

(^^ Craig showing off his modeling skills!)

Hoping to update again tonight,

Kirsty xxx

Getting the hang of this photography malarky

2010-04-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy recently and a little bit ill so not had much time to model, instead I've been spending time with my camera before my bookings get hectic over the next six weeks or so.

I was babysitting my two week old nephew Lewis yesterday and managed to get this shot while he was sleeping. I've not shown his mum yet as I'm making an album in secret for her with memories of her little boy so when he gets bigger she has these to look at. He's such a content little man just now, quite happy to lie and sleep - I wonder how long this will last?

I'm modeling quite a bit over the next six weeks, trying to fit in as much as possible before my wedding in June. After that I'll be taking a little time off to enjoy being a newlywed and will return to shooting late July. I will however still be taking bookings throughout June/July and still be active on forums etc so don't hesitate to get in touch.

Lots of love,

Kirst xxx

30D

2010-04-16T03:28:00.000-07:00

Recently I shot with Gazhilla as a swap for a camera of his, a lovely Canon EOS 30D. I love it, it's my little baby...all be it a heavy baby at that! I've wanted to pick up a "real" camera for years and finally got my chance.

I've had a few technical gliches with it but mostly I've managed pretty well. I'm out at least three times a week with it at the moment, just shooting everything I can get my hands on until I'm comfortable with it and can get some yummy images! I've been using Cody my big border collie as a model..he loves camera's and regularly appears at my shoots expecting his photo to be taken. I remember one time he sat in front of a photographer and smiled, not moving until he got his photo taken...he's so like me! ha ha.

Anyway, here's a couple of shots I got of Cody the other weekend. I'm just practicing remember, and all very new to this, but I like them. My little man looks so handsome!

That's all for now guys, I'll upload some more of my images as I shoot them, as well as images from my modeling. Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine, Scotland is awesome at the moment.

Much love,

Kirst xxx

Farmer Girl

2010-03-30T11:44:00.001-07:00

Being with soon-to-be wife of a boy who is a farmer at heart means I have access to lots of farms in and around Perthshire. This time, I shot with Desova, I didn't have access and got chased off the farm when I went to explore it before the shoot. In the few minutes I was there I saw a few great pieces of machinery that I was desperate to shoot with.

The morning of the shoot (Mother's Day) I grabbed the photographer and we snuck onto the farm and hid from the farmer while Murray shot and I ran about nude! It was a bitterly cold day but we shot for a good while and used what we could from the location. I'm actually pretty happy with some of these. Got them in colour too but I'm in a black and white mood tonight.

Looking back at these images reminds me how cold it was in the barn in the above image, there was still snow at the entrance and it's almost April. I'm getting a bit fed up of the cold now, bring on the better weather!

Lots of love,

Kirst xxx

On Location with Phil and Gary

2010-03-26T06:25:00.001-07:00

Monday morning was spent shooting on location with Phil and Gary. It was so lovely shooting with them both individually at the weekend then together on the Monday. Phil and Gary have a great relationship and this was their first time shooting at the same time on location. I felt like a star being photographed by more than one photographer at once, it was fab!

The above image is one of Gary's taken at the first location. I love it but wish I had relaxed my neck and head forward slightly, I think my figure looks good in the image though. The image below is again taken by Gary but showing Phil shooting me and a little more of the location. I like these set-up shots, they really make me feel like a model!

The below images are more of Gary's taken at the next location...a fab reed bed Phil found.

I love these so much! Phil got a lovely reed bed image too - although I feel I look a little too curvy in it. I spoke with Gary about my curves, I feel too curvy at the moment but Gary says they look fabulous for art nude work, gives my body a nice feminine shape and gives me something different from the usual stick thin models. I feel proud of my curves now :)

Another two of Gary's...

The last location was fab too, I can't remember the name of it but it was a gorgeous huge quarry with massive rocks, absolutely stunning. Here's some images below from Gary.

I really can't thank Gary enough for a wonderful weekend. Not only am I super proud of the images we created but I had such a good time and also got compensated with my gorgeous baby 30D. I'm already annoying the dog trying to get him to pose for me!

Gary, Phil & Tony - thank you all, you are each a little star in my heart!

Kirst xxx

Lighting group in Lancaster

2010-03-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning I drove up to Lancaster to meet Gazhilla aka Gary as I was the chosen model for his lighting tuition group. Altogether there were eight photographers, the most I've ever modelled infront of. I was really nervous on the drive over but as soon as I met Gary he put me completely at ease, he is such a lovely man. His partner was there too, she was so welcoming and made all my nerves fly out the window.

We never really got a chance to shoot some proper images as he was teaching others how to understand lighting and model etiquette but we sneaked in a few shots. I love the above shot, it's not usual I wear clothes but I guess I don't look that bad in them!

I'm not sure of a lot of the photographers names who were at the lighting course but one I remember is Tony aka toneb75. We seemed to hit it off from the start and I felt completely at ease infront of his camera. I've always struggled to get a decent headshot I like but Tony managed it pretty well...

My favourite is the first headshot, the tones are lovely and my eyes look gorgeous (even if I do say so myself!) Tony should be proud of these! We also managed to sneak in a couple of nudes, my favourite by Tony...

Thanks for these Tony, they truly are lovely, I don't think it will be too long before I'm back down your way!

After leaving Lancaster Craig drove us back to Blackpool to spend the night in our little guest house after dinner at Frankie & Benny's. I almost fell asleep in the restaurant I was so tired, sometimes I think non-models/non-photographers underestimate the effort which gets put into every shoot, it's not easy work.

Will update on the location work next,

Kirst xx

Scotland, England, Wales...in 24 hours

2010-03-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

I decided a few weeks ago I'd like to do a little tour to work with a few photographers I've wanted to work with for a while. The alarm went off at 5am, the car was packed, the dog in the boot and off we went.

First stop was with Phil aka Lifescapes in the Lake District. The weather was against us and it was raining quite a bit. Phil knows the area like the back of his hand so I trusted him to scout out a few locations. We ended up deciding to shoot in a boat house as it was sheltered and had some lovely features (including more swans). Wwe shot for a couple fo hours then hit the road again.
Next stop was another 3 hours drive to Colwyn in north Wales where Craig and I done a treetop assault course 50ft high. I WAS TERRIFIED! My balance isn't great when I'm sleepy and my hands were so sore from holding onto the ropes so tight. I managed it all though and in top time too. I was super proud of myself, especially when Craig got scared of the freefall at the end and almost chickened out!
After Wales we hit the road again and drove up to Blackpool where I'm writing from at the moment. We are staying here for a couple of nights as it's near enough to where I'm shooting tomorrow/Monday and we got a really good deal at a lovely little hotel.
I'm shattered now, we've covered over 500miles in less than 24 hours, I've been bitten by a swan and almost fallen 50ft after getting stuck on a thin rope! I've also dropped my mobile in the dogs water bowl (thankfuly it's ok...no idea how!) and realised I've forgotten to pack underwear! Typical me! Just as well I'm a nude model ;)

This image makes me giggle soooooooo much!

I'm heading off to bed now, I'll update with images when I receive some. I've got a big day tomorrow shooting with Gary all day at one of his tuition sessions, looking forward to it.

I hope I can sleep with the entertainer guy downstairs singing his heart out. It's a £1 bar tonight but I don't drink before shooting, one glass of vino was all I had and I'm now ready to take off my make-up, put on my PJs and catch some sleep!

Lots of love,
Kirsty xxx

Sun is shining

2010-03-12T01:01:00.000-08:00

I LOVE it when the sun is shining, it makes everyone so cheery (me included!). I've taken a break the past couple of weeks from shooting as my M.E has made me quite ill but looking forward to getting back out there on location on Sunday with Desova and then again on Monday with John Smith. I just found out yesterday that the location I was meant to be shooting at with Desova has been demolished so checking out another one tonight, it has BIG potential, I'm excited!
I'm also off down to Lancaster next weekend to visit my good old friend Phil aka Lifescapes and to meet and shoot with Gary aka Gazhilla. Uber excited as I also get my camera, courtesy of Gary! Can't thank him enough!
It's now only 24 days until I become Auntie Kirsty to either Ava or Lewis, whatever they decide to call the bubba and only 12 weeks and 1 day until I officially become a Mrs! I even got a t-shirt printed with Mrs then my new sirname, can you tell I'm excited about the wedding? That also means it's only 12 weeks and 2 days until I fly to the Maldives for the holiday of a lifetime!

Everything has been pretty damn hectic with me recently, I've also decorated the whole house from top to bottom as well as decorate the nursery at my future brother in laws place, it's so cute, makes me just want to steal the baby! Why is it baby stuff is just so cute? I love it, can't stop buying it! I'll get enough of babies today though as I'm doing a massage demo at a breast feeding group for my salon later on today, screaming babies included...wish me luck.

Anyway, I'll post some images up for you once I recveive some more back and get round ot finishing off some edits!

Love and cuddles,
Kirsty xxx

Feeling Blue

2010-02-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

Not sure what it is...the weather, stressful times planning a wedding, the modeling industry, work at the salon, relocating the salon, M.E flaring up again, fallout with the other half...not sure, but I'm feeling pretty blue today.

Is that the right saying? Feeling blue? It sounded right saying it but not sure it looks right after typing it..anyway, I'm having a down day. Everyone gets them every now and again - today in mine. I refused to climb out of bed this morning and curled up under the covers for an extra hour in tears this morning, sometimes everything just gets a little too much and you need a release.

One thing that cheered me up yesterday was seeing KatyT posted a comment on my blog, it's lovely to know someone so inspirational to me is taking her time to read about ME. Unbelievable.

The above image is one from JohnH. Our latest shoot was basically just the two of us playing around for a few hours and seeing what we can come up with. I really like this shot, it captures how I'm feeling today very well. Thanks John.

It's also snowing again up here in Scotland, it's very wet though and I have cold feet...I hate having cold feet. Grrr I'm in such a rubbish mood today, sorry guys.

Here's to a cheerier post next time,
Kirst xxx

Will you be my valentine?

2010-02-16T00:54:00.000-08:00

I always love Valentines Day, as much as it's a totally commericalised occasion it's still nice to receive a card telling you how much someone loves you.

I was woken on Sunday morning by Craig with a big box of yummy chocolates and a card. He also said he had a surprise for me in the afternoon. After swapping cards and sitting on the couch in my PJ's watching Hollyoaks Craig told me to go and get ready because we had to leave the house.
I waas super intrigued but went and had a shower, done my hair, made my self look super gorgeous for him and put on a new day dress I got a while back. We got in the car and hit the road. It was raining when we left but Craig kept driving until we were out of the rain and into the sunshine. We ended up way up North on a little stoney beach by a loch with a picnic basket full of yummy treats and a big blanket to put round us to keep us warm. As soon as we got there the dog jumped out the boot and was straight in the water splashing about as Craig and I sat and cuddled on the beach. It was so romantic, so peaceful and so calm we just forgot everything and spent the afternoon sharing stories and talking about our wishes for our future together. It's moments like this I realise why I'm marrying him in 4 months time.

The above image is by Simon James Hayhow, we shot at Contrast last week. It was only Simon's second studio shoot so I helped out a little with the lighting, well tried to. I really like the above image, it's something different for me and I got to wear the new shirt I bought while I was in Glasgow. I've got a few more lovely images from this shoot, just waiting on them being edited. Simon done really well in the studio and should be proud of the images he created, his confidence is really growing and it's nice to be in the company of someone as they blossom.

I shot with JohnH at Contrast too, just awaiting some edits to post so keep an eye out for them,

Kirsty xxx

Broken Angel

2010-02-04T03:43:00.001-08:00

I received some images back from a shoot I done in August last year with the very talented Natasha DiPasquale. The idea for the shoot was to use the angel wings Natasha had then for the last few sets I put my make-up skills to the test to create a "broken angel". I love the above shot, it's my favourite from the shoot. I feel the image tells a thousand stories and sums up a lot of what I've been through in 2009. This last set of the shoot was very quick but I'm proud I managed to show such emotion, particularly in this shot.

Not exactly sure why but these shots remind me of my dad, who is now my guardian angel up there in the sky. They make me think I am trying to spread my angel wings but not quite managing to get to him. I'm super proud of my dad and I know he'll be proud of me (maybe not the fact I'm nude though!)

Natasha let me know when she sent these images over she is going to try to edit out the staps in due course but everything has just been a little hectic with her at the moment. I know the straps aren't to everyone's taste but I quite like them, I think the images might look a little fake without them.

I remember telling the story in a previous post about how a feather appears in my life from time to time. It's always after I have been thinking about my dad. I always look up to him for guidance and many times over the last few years, after I have been looking up to the sky for answers a feather appears in my path somewhere. It first happened the night my dad was snatched away from this cruel world, a single feather fell from the sky in front of my mum. Since then many feathers have made an appearance in my life. The other day when I was at my salon working away I had something playing on my mind and subconsciously asked my dad to send me a sign if I was doing the right thing, as I turned around there was a huge grey feather at my feet.

Thank you dad.

Kirsty xxx

True Beauty of Nature

2010-01-24T13:50:00.001-08:00

I shot with a lovely gentleman on Saturday afternoon - Ian Paterson. We had to postpone the shoot to this Saturday as last Saturday the weather was rubbish, lighting was pretty flat as the sky was filled with rain clouds and I had a nasty sickness bug.

Ian told me in our communications he had not shot art nude before and asked if I was okay with being his first....I was more than happy. I love shooting with new photographers and experienced photographers who are new to a particular genre. I feel there is so much to learn from eachother and lots of knowledge to share.

I feel as an art nude virgin Ian done exceptionally well, I absolutely love the above image. The rain ended up making an appearance as you can see from the raindrops in the water, it did get rather cold but I feel the true beauty of nature comes across in the images. There's something beautiful about being nude out in natural surroundings when the rain is gently falling from the sky.

Big thanks to Ian for the above image, it's my favourite from what I've seen so far but I'm looking forward to seeing the rest!

Lotsaluv, (something my mum used to write to me when I was little)
Kirsty x

A little bit of lingerie

2010-01-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

I got some lingerie shots back from Russel during the week. I've not shot lingerie in a while, I think it's because sometimes I feel the images can have a slightly "glamour" edge to them, which I'm trying to stay away from. It's amazing how many photographers try to push me into glamour nude work when I say I'm only happy doing up to art nude. I don't know if it's the blonde hair or what...

Anyway, I really like these images from Russel, I think they are classy and elegant. The colour one is my favourite, I'm not keen on my hand in the first but still like the image. I like my facial expression in these and the lighting which was created by using a homemade cardboard thingy.

Much love,
Kirsty x x x

Serenity

2010-01-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting with Han again at Bent Brae Studio. We were accompanied by RusselD who took some lovely images of us. These are only from one of the many sets but I feel the one above really shows how close Han and I have become over the few months we have known eachother. I really am so fond of this beautiful girl and I feel we have captured a unique emotion in our images together which is sometimes difficult to capture if you don't know the other model too well.

It was great fun shooting with Russ again. We shot a few of his ideas first (which involved a sword!) then he let Han and I play around a bit with some ideas and some figure nudes. He also got a stunning lingerie shot of me which I can't wait to see! I just want to say Russ, please don't think about puting your camera down too soon, you have taken some stunning images recently (even if a lot of them have been of me!)

These are just a couple of the results from yesterday, I'm really excited about seeing the rest.

Kirsty x

Weekend At Lochcarron

2010-01-12T03:34:00.001-08:00

I went to visit Alex Ingram at the weekend and we ventured out into the snow to shoot. It has always been an ambition of mine to shoot with Alex, I know I'm not the only one who sees Alex's work as very inspirational. If I'm honest, looking at his work and achievements was one factor which encouraged me to venture into the nude side of modeling. I'd just like to take the time to say thank you to Alex for all that he has done, both with me at the weekend and in the past with other models. In my eyes he is a true Scottish legend!

We kicked off the weekend by venturing out and exploring the area. Craig accompanied me on this trip with our little pooch Cody. Alex took us all out in the car and explained about the history of the area, some locations he would like to shoot at, general logistics of the area etc. We shot in a few areas on the Saturday but the light wasn't ideal and the snow was making me extremely cold so we headed back to chill out at the house and talk about our ideas for the evening.

After some of my home made fajitas and Alex's special way of warming up my frozen tootsies, Craig fell asleep with Cody and Alex and I got down to shooting some bodyscapes. I'd tried this on a few occasions but never managed to get the result I was looking for. With Alex, I found it.

After this image was taken we tried out some bodyscapes with Cody...Alex mentioned he was definitely the hairiest model he had shot! Once I'd woken Craig up (who apologise for sleeping but Alex didn't mind) we headed back to our lovely little guest house next door to Alex. The family run guest house was absolutely stunning, the couple were lovely and their children and dog were adorable! As soon as my head hit the pillow I was in the land of nod for hours!

After a nice hot shower and a lovely breakfast we headed back out into the snow with the intention of visiting Applecross. I had heard of the area and was keen to shoot there but the road was closed due to the snow. Instead we shot the first image on this entry and played around in the snow with some more ideas.

I honestly can't thank Alex enough for having us for the weekend. It was my New Year's resolution to work with him and not only did I manage that, I also produced my best images so far. I'm super proud of all I achieved this weekend and the fact I have the pictures to show my achievement. Alex has inspired me so much, not only to do with my modeling career but also my personal life. I can't wait until I next go up to visit, I promised him a shoot in the sunshine!

How's that for the first post of 2010!

Kirsty xxx

Reflections of 2009

2010-01-01T17:14:00.001-08:00

Where to start...
2009 saw the start of my art nude work, the first shoot I was nervous and it showed in images, the second I was cold, fell in the mud and almost got washed away by the sea but it was productive...the third I felt so humble and natural, so at peace and passionate about what I was doing. From that moment on I have never looked back. Art nude work has turned into a passion of mine, I love the feeling of being stripped of all material belongings, returning to your natural state and looking how God intended originally. I feel so much more comfortable nude than clothed, which is strange when all you want to do is take off all your clothes and go for a brisk walk in the wintery breeze outside!

2009 also saw many new adventures in my personal life. I am currently planning my wedding to my most wonderful and gorgeous fiance Craig, it's now only 6 months to our wedding and I've just booked our honeymoon to the Maldives! I am also going to be a proud auntie on April 2nd (ish) I'm so excited about it! My beauty salon is going from strength to strength which I am also uber happy about and I have also bought a new house and new car.

I have made many new friends in 2009, lots being models and photographers who share similar passions to my own, some not in the industry at all. I have also lost a few friends, if you could call them that. Jealousy is a very nasty thing. Health wise, 2009 has been hell. I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, M.E and a wheat allergy. Every morning I wake up feeling like shit and have to take lots of meds for a year or so more until everything settles down but I don't let it get me down. I have realised this year I am extremely lucky and blessed, I am lucky enough to have a lot of things some people don't and I appreciate this more than anything in the world. I never take anything for granted and I am thankful for everything.

Here's to an ever better 2010 which will see me receiving my new super kingsize bed I ordered the other day, becoming Auntie Kirsty, getting married to the man of my dreams, possibly welcoming a little girl collie into the family and pushing the boundaries of my modeling - looking to make 2010 my year for everything!

Lots of 2010 love for you all,
Kirsty xxxxxxxxxx

You've got a friend

2009-12-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

There is someone in this world very close to my heart but is slightly lost on her life path at the moment. This girl is a complete and utter gem to me, so precious and fragile. I can't explain my adoration for her in words, this song explains it all. I just hope she realises how truly special she is to me and how much I am there for her no matter what happens.

This girl is like a sister to me, Santa couldn't of brought me a better present!

Remember, I love you lots!

Kirsty xxx

5 more sleeps until Santa comes!

2009-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

So excited about Christmas and the fact its snowing! I've been counting down the days since the beginning of the month. No idea why I'm so excited, I guess I just like the family feel of the festive period, the fact everyone is almost always happy and the fact everyone gets lots of exciting gifts to open.

I had planned to do a snow shoot on Saturday but the photographers poor dog had an operation, was poorly and didn't want to leave him. It was only a quick meet and greet anyway, we have planned a whole load of stuff for 2010, really looking forward to working with him.

The above images were taken by the fantastic David Kane aka Joopninja. As I said yesterday, we shot last week in an old tenament building in Glasgow right above Subway (it smelt amazing!) We shot some stuff for a project of mine which will be revealed next year and also some nudes. We also played around with some bodyscapes too, which I really enjoyed. David was such a lovely guy to work with and generally just a nice guy to hang about with, we had a good laugh too.

We only shot for a couple of hours but managed to get some great images, we just seemed to work well together. Got a shoot with him in January at Con's place so looking forward to that, already planned everything out!

I got a bit dirty on the shoot too, David showed me a room with the mechanism to work the old lift in the building...so what did Kirsty do? Take all her clothes off, climb on top of it and rub oil all over me. It took bloody ages to come off but I love the oil images, especially the above one, there's something special about this image.

I feel David is going to go far in 2010, he definitely has the passion and determination and if the above images are anything to go by...I think he should do a lot more nudes.

It's the UKPM Christmas get together tonight in Coatbridge...I was meant to be going but the snow is too bad, wouldn't want to risk getting stuck. From what I've heard so far there are people stuck on the way already and not moved for ages. Maybe it's best I had a little common sense and decided to stay at some, it's not usual I have common sense!

Anyway, I'll go just now, my brother is up for Christmas and him and Craig are watching top gear, saying I'm being anti social on my laptop. Guess I better go and make an effort! Almost only 4 more sleeps to go!!!

Hope Santa is good to you all and you have a fantastic festive period and get everything you wished for!

Love you lots,
Kirsty xxx

I'm sleepy...

2009-12-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

...so just a quick post at the moment, I'll update tomorrow.

Here's a couple of my favourite outtakes of 2009...

Got a little carried away with my drawings! These were taken by the lovely Joopninja aka David Kane - an extremely talented young photographer! We had such a laugh together.

I'll update on the whole shoot tomorrow at some point, I'm just home from a family meal and the panto...need my bed.

Night everyone,

big Christmas kisses

xxxxxxx

Happy Birthday Dad

2009-12-11T01:37:00.000-08:00

On the 11th Dec every year I miss my dad more than anything in the world. Today would've been his birthday. He would've been 51, he never even got to see his 40th.
Sometimes it's so difficult realising he's not here physically. Sometimes after a bad day it would be nice to get a big cuddle from him, just like I used to when I was little, but these days he's not able to fulfil that.

My mum told me earlier on this year that the night she found out about my dads accident, she went out to our balcony and looked up to the sky and asked him to send a sign if he was ok. To this day she still has the single feather that fell from the black sky shortly after.
When my mum told me about this, I was standing in her kitchen, I went to leave and there was a single white feather on the mat at the back door. A sign maybe?
Every now and again I talk to my dad as if he is still here, in spirit, as if he can hear me and is looking over me. I was very much a Daddy's girly when I was little, when he was snatched away from us it was like half of me was missing. To this day I still have an empty feeling in my heart, that will never go away until I am reunited with him on the other side. Each time I have looked up to the sky and asked him if he was there, I have found a feather. Not too long ago I came into work and there was a feather on the mat at the door. I've found feathers in my car, house, everywhere. I'm still waiting on my feather today, I have no doubt it will come.

I know it sounds silly but I still buy him birthday cards. I had one from every year since he passed (1998) but my ex decided to burn them...nice! Anyway, I've started again and I've got them all from 2007, birthday cards, fathers day cards and thinking of you cards. I will need to find an extra special card for him this year, it would've been the last year of us being together until I married Craig..although this would never replace my dad.

I have the above photo beside my bed, every night I look at it and remember the good times. I've got very few photo's of my dad, this is one of the best...only thing that upsets me is that his favourite machine is in the picture, his favourite toy.....the one which took his life 11 years ago.

Glasvegas "How you are my hero, How you're never here though, Remember times when you put me on your shoulders, How I wish it was forever you would hold us"

R.I.P Dad, I love you more than anything in the complete universe. Thank you for constantly looking down on me and giving me strength when I needed it most. I am eternally grateful for all you are doing from up there in the sky. I love you. "Never Is A Long Time"

Your princess,
Thirsty Kirsty xxx

Chin up and standing tall...

2009-12-11T01:23:00.001-08:00

Feeling a lot better after everything the other night. Some people in this world are just not worth wasting time over. Enough said.

Anyway, I was thinking about new years resolutions the other day...I've set myself a few as usual but I'm one of these people that can never stick to them. I managed to stick more or less to last years so set harder ones for next year.

I've already managed to reach one of my goals for next year, to work with a cerain photographer. I am visiting him in early January for the weekend and cannot wait to shoot! It was his work that originally inspired me to give modeling a go, and has continued to inspire me on a pretty much daily basis. I know he is a big inspiration in the industry to models and photographers, I am just so thankful I have the opportunity to collaborate with him. Bring on January!

My weight is also on the way down. After being so ill this year I've found it difficult to stay in shape, when you're aching from head to toe it's difficult to want to go out for a run. With the wedding now only six months away I'm working on a new health and fitness plan so hopefully I'll look fab in my wedding dress.

I got a call from the dress shop yesterday, my dress has arrived! So excited about going through to try it on. I only have two weeks to get through though otherwise the designed recalls the dress. Also means I have to pay the remaining £500 of it...just before Christmas...it sucks!

Can't wait until Santa comes though!

Also, thanks to Russel for the above image...it was bloody freezing and I ended up in that water. Call me mental but it was so worth it!

Kirst xxx

"I wonder what tomorrow will bring?"

2009-12-09T01:11:00.001-08:00

After posting yesterday everything in my life was perfect...give it a few hours and a phonecall or two later and it has taken a huge knock...or more like I have taken a huge knock.

I found out some devastating news last night. I also got told by a very inspirational man last night to stand tall, take what it thrown at me and hold my head up high. He told me I should be very proud of myself right now but I need to stand tall. I completely understand what he is talking about but sometimes it's difficult to stand tall when everyone close to you is knocking you down left, right and centre.

K x

Wish upon a shooting star

2009-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

After my crappy day yesterday Craig told me he had a surprise for me...I hate surprises! After dinner we went out in the car, drove for miles and stopped the car down by an old farm, lake and rowing boats. He turned the lights off and we lay on the bonnet with a blanket round us looking at the stars. It couldn't have been any more perfect. We could both feel the cold chilling wind on our cheeks but the warmth coming from each other.

When I was pointing out some stars to him, we both said we'd love to see a shooting star (Craig saw his first a couple of weeks ago and was amazed by it!) A few seconds later we seen a big glistening star shoot across the black velvet sky. It was at that split moment I realised how content I am just now, how happy I am with everything and how being with Craig doing the most random of things takes all my worries away.

I also had an awesome time shooting with Russell over the weekend. On Sat we shot at a little homeless setup we came across in the woods, then in the water (yep, December and I was in the water). On Sunday we shot at a big loch in Perth (yep, there is one!) and some woods doing some more homeless type stuff and some nudes. Again, I decided to take all my clothes off and get into the loch! It was absolutely freezing but so worth it! I had the ideal building lined up which I've wanted to shoot in for ages. Last time I was up it was easy to get into, if you knew how, but when we drove up there on Sunday, it was all boarded up and there was no way in. Was absolutely gutted, think Russell was too. We got some great images out of the time we had together anyway, but I'm more than overdue a trip to Ayrshire to shoot on his home turf.

Bit cheerier today, yesterday was just a bad day. Sorry for the rant guys,

Kirst xxx

One of those days...

2009-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like everything is getting too much? Ii've got so much pressure on me at the moment, so much is going on/going wrong, daily drama...I don't know how much more I can take.

Spent all afternoon in the solicitors trying to come to an agreement over a "work associate", came home to loads of texts from a friends husband "my car won't start again, can you come round now?" (Been getting pretty much the same text every day for weeks....I'm a beauty therapist, not a mechanic. Craig is...but he is up to his eyeballs in homers...that's what happens when you have a wedding to pay for)...feel like I've let a good friend down...health is going down hill very quickly...got a nasty cold today...hung around at the salon on my day off (today) for a client to be 45mins late...then the next one to not show at all...then for a person who is due me lots of pennies to not show...hence the solicitors in the afternoon. In between all of this I have done a weeks food shopping, dropped some stuff off for the Daily Record, been to pets @ home, done all the housework, replied to emails for shoots, checked out some images from a shoot last week, went to Perth Engineering to pay for a head gasket for a punto (craig's homer), delivered some Christmas shopping guides to clients, collected an order from a warehouse for the salon....

Honestly....today has been a shit day from the moment I woke up until now...and it doesn't look like it will get any better tonight.

Sorry for the rant...I just look at this image and it makes me feel better. I love it, thanks Mike.

Kirst xxx

My Date With Russel

2009-12-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

My buddy RusselD, his lovely wife Margaret, Craig and I all went for a meal last night. Russel has come up for the weekend to shoot with me and explore many of the ideas we have come up with recently. We discussed them over dinner last night as well as many other things such as weird Christmas gifts, tyres on cars, haunted places, my talented pooch, a few models, some photographers, a homemade washboard and how Russel should now be called Scrooge!

We're shooting this afternoon when I finish work, I'm so excited. It's raining at the moment and looking pretty damn cold but it doesn't mean I'm going to be keeping my clothes on for long! I don't mind suffering from my art.

I told my mum about my nude modeling the other day. She's seen some images which weren't too revealing but not seen a lot of recent stuff. Her reply was "But Kirsty, you have no clothes on!" to which I replied "...and...?" She went a slight shade of red but after looking through all my images she said they were veryh nice. I guess she's just happy I'm doing everything artistically rather than sitting with my legs open, which just isn't my thing at all. I hope she's proud...and I know she's reading this now so "Hi mum! Love you xxx"

I received some more images back from Mike the other day. I really enjoyed this shoot and I love the images. I've got quite a few but not going to blog with all of them just now. As you may have noticed I have a lack of headshots on my profiles, basically as I don't like my face! Anyway, Mike was complaining at me about it so he took this one, it was just a quick snap but I really like it (apart from ym hair being a mess)

Anyway folks, I'll write tomorrow and update you on my shoot with big Rusty and my location hunt to Aberdeen ;)

Love you all

xxxxx

I was so scared!

2009-11-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

I had a very productive shoot on Saturday with the lovely Mike (ABZ_Loon) at my farmhouse. I've used the farm buildings over and over and I'm pretty much done with it. Attached to the farm buildings there is a huge 3 storey farmhouse, complete with fittings, fireplaces, windows, doors, cupboards, bathrooms etc. I've wanted to shoot in this house for ages now but it's pitch black since the windows are all boarded up. Finally, after I supplied a generator, I managed to grab a shoot with Mike. We had an absolute blast shooting and just generally hanging out. He's a real fun guy to be around and gave me the opportunity to be a little creative and try some new ideas.

We even decided to start a fire in the fireplace in the main room we were shooting in...although since I'm crap with fire, I couldn't keep it going for very long (hence why it's absent from the above image) but I was successful at creating a lot of smoke! I also had a very interesting "prop" with me, I'll post up images when I receive them. Also managed to get some creepy ones with the pooch, he's another prop which comes in handy a lot (love you Cody x) I don't know what it was about the farmhouse, whether it was the dark, the silence, the derelict feeling...but I was totally scared for the whole shoot, I felt as though something was watching me the whole time. The images we created looked fab on the camera and had a very creepy feel about them, I'm excited to see more!

I'm really looking forward to shooting with Mike again, we had a blast! Also, just wanted to say thanks to Alanm from UKPM who helped me create some beautiful make-up images for my salon. My clients were very happy Alan...hopefully I'll manage to get a shoot with you soon!

Rupert is coming to visit on Friday...well RusselD for everyone else, Rupert for me! (long story) We're going out for a meal with his wifey Margaret and my hubby Craig. We've got lots planned so need to discuss everything, then we're shooting on Sat and lots of new locations I've found. Got a secret theme to this shoot but all will be revealed in due course!

I've just made mince pies and a Christmas cake and I don't even like them...waiting on Craig coming in to scoff the lot!

Night guys,

Kirst xxx

A bit of a difference

2009-11-26T02:36:00.000-08:00

I've admired some of the work Alistair Finlayson has produced recently so I managed to snap him up for a shoot last night. Before I left home the weather was disasterous...the wind was so strong it was making the car sway, the rain was so heavy it was difficult to see...but still, I wanted to shoot outside! Call me crazy!

We played about it the studio for a while, we never had anything in particular planned, just turn up, bounce ideas around a bit and see what we come up with. Here is one of the shots so far ^^, just as a taster. When I suggested the rain Alistair wasn't keen on going out in it then as it got heavier he pulled on his jacket, threw a towel at me, picked up his camera and said "Lets go!" Seen some of the rain images and they look fab!

I also got some images back from Barney from when I was down in East Sussex. I like these, they are a little different...

I really like these images, they are a bit different to my usual nude work...maybe that's why I like them.

Until next time,

Kirst xx

Happiness

2009-11-26T02:33:00.000-08:00

It's sad. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, how determined you are, how much effort you put into every little thing along the way there are always some people who are just not willing to let you be happy.

Sometimes it doesn't involve them, they are just being awkward. Maybe it gives them something to do when they are otherwise bored. Maybe sometimes they should keep thoughts and feelings to themselves.

Sometimes

2009-11-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it takes the most random moments, the most random situations and the most random images to put life in perspective. I've been doing this a lot recently and I've realised that although my life has been hell for years, thankfully I'm past the worst now, I'm grateful for every single thing that has happened, if it was not for these experiences, good, bad and horrid, I would not be me...they have helped shape my life, my personality.

One huge change in my life is the absence of an old family member, still living...but absent, to my soulmate. This "person", which I cannot legally say too much about, told me over and over again as a very young child "You do not deserve to be happy, everyone else does, but you don't." To be told this as a child is not only disturbing, let alone it coming from someone you looked up to. The whole situation made me so scared, so frightened I couldn't talk...I kept everything a secret for 12 long years, until I was 17 years old. Now, with that "person" out of my life I have Craig. He is my absolute world. I still hear the phrase "You do not deserve to be happy" but no longer do I believe it, I now have someone by my side who tells me it is his mission in life to make me smile and keep me smiling.

The above image was taken by me when I was coming home from England. I was just playing around with the camera but I find this image, more than any of the others, inspires me. It makes me happy for what I have, appreciate what I had and remember what I've lost.
It brings a little saying to mind. I live my life by this philosophy, I even have a copy of it beside my bed which I read every single night.

I take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what I've got and remember what I had. I always forgive but I never forget, I've learned from my mistakes and I never regret. People change, things go wrong, I just remember that life does go on.

Just having one of my "deep" moments and thought I'd share it with you,

Kirst xx

Happy Birthday Cody!

2009-11-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

My little man turned 2 today! I can't believe how quick he's grown up! He's still a little $h!t though! When I say "is it your birthday?" he cocks his head to the side and pricks up his ears...he recognises the word but thinks it means he gets a treat before breakfast, a bone for supper and an oversized tennis ball which rolls along the floor making the noise of a rolling boulder crashing into my furniture!

Oh the joys of having a dog!

Kirst xx

Bad Times

2009-11-21T02:46:00.000-08:00

2009 has been such a challenge for me and I'm starting to look forward to new beginnings in 2010. This year, my health has went from bad to worse...first I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, then M.E (which led to chicken pox, 3 lots of tonsilitis and losing my voice) and now after another check up with the doctor and some more tests I am allergic to wheat (which is pretty much all I eat since I don't have a sweet tooth) and I also have mastoiditis which showed up during an MRI scan. Basically, this means the lining of my skull or something like that is all inflammed and infected on my left side causing bad headaches and dizziness. It's the second time this year it's caused me bother and now I may have to get an operation to remove something...let's hope it's not my brain!

I asked my doc about the operation, what happens and when I would be getting it done...he replied early next year hopefully and I would have to get my head cut off...I mean open.

...problem...

(1) I'm terrified of surgery after seeing the film "Awake" about a guy who gets his head (I think)operated on and can still hear and feel everything that's going on, he even hears the doctors planning on killing him.

(2) It means I will have to get part of my head shaved, above my left ear....I love my hair...there's no way I'm getting it shaved.

(3) If needs must and I have to get it shaved...I will have a bald bit for my wedding :( It's not happening, I'm puting my foot down....at least wait until after the wedding!

On a lighter note, I'm going to be an auntie! My future sister-in-law is pregnant, she found out when she was 6 months! She did always say she was the type of person to go to the toilet and come out with a baby...she's not far off it!

Also, I received some more images recently from Phil which I'm in love with! I love the colours of the sky in these. Phil is hopefully going to be my early Christmas present this year! Hoping to shoot again soon! Also, my buddy Rupert and I are going to take on the freezing outdoors in early December!

I'm missing my dad an awful lot at the moment. It's probably due to the fact I'm proud of myself and feel he would be too. Also, I hate Christmas without him...Christmas for me is family time, sometimes it's just difficult when part of your family will be spending Christmas looking down on you from the clouds..

Love you dad,

Kirst xxx

Some more from Phil...

2009-11-14T02:03:00.000-08:00

^^^^ love it!

Got some more great edits through from my buddy Phil (lifescapes). I love these shots and I also loved hearing Phil is coming to visit me soon! So happy! Going to scout out some perfect locations for us to shoot!

Here are some more of our creations:

Thanks so much for these Phil. It was well worth the wait to shoot with you. Already looking forward to our next shoot...

Kirst xx

Some newbies...

2009-11-14T01:21:00.000-08:00

I LOVE receiving new images....almost as much as I love making them. I get so excited when I go home and see a little disc lying on the floor waiting on me! I've received so many recently so thought I should share them all with you!

JohnH

Han and I shot with John in Bent Brae and had a blast together. We all hit it off so much we probably got just as many outtakes!

(the above image is one taken by JohnH)

Digicam - Dave

Dave was the 3rd photographer to shoot Han and I on Monday. We were working on a railway set with a touch of erotic nudity. Really looking forward to seeing the results as it was something different for me. Already got a couple of shots over including one lingerie shot which I really like. I know the perspective is slightly off with the railway platform in the background but this is being edited as we speak. Thanks for a great shoot Dave.

Ruthless Photography - Ruth

Already mentioned about the shoot with Ruth below but here is another couple of images I received from our shoot together...

That's all for now folks, hope you've enjoyed looking at these images as much as I did making them!

Kirst xx

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-11-10T01:35:00.000-08:00

For quite some time now Han (Hanz162) and I have been speaking and arranging to shoot together. We managed to get yesterday and the day before booked up and I've been looking forward to shooting with her for ages!

We started out in Coatbridge on Sunday with Ruth from RuthlessPhotography at her home studio. We all had a good laugh and managed to get the above image...although it looks like I'm strangling Han I actually really like the shot. I always thought Han and I would work well together as we are complete opposites...I'm blonde she's dark, I'm tall she's slightly smaller, I've got some curves and Han is slim, I've got shoulder length hair where Han's is longer...I'm the chalk and she's the cheese...but when working together we are little two peas in a pod!

I had a blast shooting with Han over the past few days. A couple of breaks in shooting allowed us to have big heart-to-hearts and we reaslied physically we may look different but mentally and emotionally we've been through a lot of similar experiences. I really felt I clicked with Han and she is an absolute sweetheart to chat with and to shoot with. Yesterday we spent all day at Bent Brae shooting with JohnH, SFT and digicam. Really looking forward to seeing the results! Thanks guys!

While I was on the train through to meet Han yesterday (at 6am!) I was playing about on my laptop and received this image from NatashaDiPasquale. We shot together a while ago and I've been really looking forward to the results. I absolutely love the above image and I know there are more amazing ones from our shoot. Can't wait to see more!

Anyway, I'm off for now, I'm at work and should really be working but instead I'm updating my blog...as usual! I love my blog!

Will update soon with more images,

Kirst xxx

I'm still alive...

2009-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Not to worry guys, I'm still alive, just been feeling crappy recently. As you may or may not know I suffer quite bad from M.E. It only got diagnosed earlier this year but every now and again when I push myself too far I pay for it! The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a rough patch but I'm getting through it. Got my docs again this week so hopefully he'll wave his magic wand and make me all better!

I've also received all my images back from my tour but not felt up to looking through some yet. I PROMISE I will look through the last few lots tomorrow when I have lots of time after my shoot in Coatbridge with the lovely Hanz. We're shooting again on Monday in Bent Brae...got some good ideas up our little sleeves!

Above image is by the lovely Barney Douglas from Lewes in East Sussex...I like this one!

Other little shot updates...

It's late....I'm sleepy....and I'm shooting early tomorrow so really should be in my bed!

Nite nite my gorgeous readers...

Big kisses,

Kirst xxx

Images from Graham Hickman

2009-10-27T04:42:00.001-07:00

I got a little surprise the other day when I snuck away from work to go home and grab some lunch, a little CD from Graham with some edits for me...along with a lovely note. The above image is my favourite from the shoot, I feel I am using my curves well and not looking out of proportion....(which I'm not by the way). Below are some more, along with my favourite out take!

I really like the results we got! Here's to another good shoot! I'm on a roll...better not speak too soon!

The weather is changing now...it's colder, wetter and hopefully the horrible weather is here to stay. I can't wait to shoot in the miserable weather so if you want me, you know where I am.

Kirsty x

Day 6 of my England Tour - East Sussex

2009-10-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

After my shoot with Clive on Friday night, we drove back up the road slightly to Reading where we stayed in the nicest hotel...and yes, dogs were allowed.

I managed to get full access to the gym, pool, sauna and steam room so I spent ages relaxing. I put myself through a pretty mad workout first and ended up lying on the ground almost unable to breath after going crazy on the treadmill and crosstrainer. Craig was panicing as I was shaking and everything....I will admit, when I have time to go to the gym I do go a little mental!

On Saturday I traveled down to Lewes in East Sussex to shoot with Barney Douglas ^^ . This would be my last shoot before hitting the road to come back to Perth. We had a very productive shoot and tried out lots of ideas and experimented loads. Been sent the draft copies of the images but not had a proper chance to look through them all. Will do it after this. Barney was brilliant when I was with him, an absolute star to work with!

The top image is another I got sent over from Phil (Lifescapes) from our shoot. I think I'm actually in love with it!

Until next time,

K x

Actually before I go, here is a rather cute pic of Cody I took while we were away...

Day 5 of my England Tour - Surrey

2009-10-21T13:03:00.001-07:00

As I said in my last post, Day 5 was spent with Clive at his home in Surrey. We shot art nude but with a slightly glamorous touch. I got some of the images through this morning and I quite like some of them. I had a great laugh with Clive, he was so full of compliments and made me feel completely at ease.

It was a very quick shoot we had as Clive had to zoom away in the afternoon. We played around with a few ideas and got some nice results.

Cheers Clive,

K x

Day 4 of my England Tour - Birmingham

2009-10-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

I know I said I was only going to write one entry today but thought I may as well get some more done as I'm super busy the rest of the week.

Thursday was a day off spent in Birmingham. I met up with an old friend who I met on holiday last year. He is one of the funniest guys I have ever met in my life! He took me out for dinner and was so good to be in his company again. You never realise how much you miss someone until you see them after so long. I don't know what it is about Ian but we just seemed to click straight away. He is such a wicked guy and I miss him already now I'm home. He's coming up to visit me next year though!

We stayed for two nights in Birmingham then off to Surrey to meet Clive for an art nude shoot with a difference.

K x

Day 3 of my England tour - Wales/Telford

2009-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

After my disaster on my last shoot we got in the car and headed over to Calcieth (or something like that) in North Wales. The drive took the three of us about 2 1/2 hours but it was such a wicked drive. To cheer me up a bit Craig decided to try out his best Welsh accent...all he could say was "down in the valley". He made me laugh so much, tears were rolling down my face when I was driving.

When in Wales I wasn't shooting, set aside some "family time". When we checked into the most gorgeous guest house with a huge free standing bath I could've cried. It was stunning! Our bedroom looked out onto an old ruined castle (wish there were some photographers nearby!) and the bathroom looked out onto a little beach. Off we went with the dog to the beach where he was growling at the waves! There was also a dolphin jumping in the water as the sun was going down.

I took a photo of the sunset and even if I say so myself...it's pretty damn good!

An early night after a bath full of bubbles is exactly what I needed. We were woken at 7am by the guest house owner with two huge trays of toast, muffins, tea, coffee, cereal, fruit, yoghurts, croissants...everything. It was so lovely! I just wanted to steal the lady who made it and hide her in my suitcase. We left early after leaving a little memorial stone at a 'spirit house' on a little wooden boat. It was for people to leave messages on stones for loved ones who they had lost. I left one for my dad.

So once again it was in the car and off to Telford where I met with Graham Hickman ^^. He took me away up a hill to an old stone quarry where we had a brilliant shoot. The sun came out and it felt great prancing around nude on the remainder of the buildings. Graham and I had a great laugh while shooting and managed to get some amazing results! Waiting on some more coming through but will post them when I get them.

Feel I have totally rambled on about Wales on this post -sorry Graham- so will leave it at that for tonight an will get images up tomorrow!

Nitey nite xxx

Day 2 of my England tour - Stoke-on-Trent

2009-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Not really sure how to word this entry. I got up nice and early, packed my things for the shoot and jumped in the shower (not necessarily in that order). We were off to Stoke-on-Trent for the afternoon so I could shoot in a theatre. Was really looking forward to it.

On the way down there, Craig and I discovered a fuel tanker had overturned on the M6 between junctions 18 and 19...just where we were heading! Typical...

After a two hour diversion and lots of contact with the photographer I turned up raring to shoot. Craig took Cody to the park and left me to get on with it so I dragged my case inside and got to work. At first impressions the photographer seemed very quiet. I tried to make conversation but no response. Maybe he didn't hear me.

After a while of shooting he came out with lots of unnecessary remarks: you are too tall, you only seem to work with GWC's, why did you come out of Scotland, you are not what I was looking for, you have big hips, you're not very good etc etc etc.

Now that MAJORLY pissed me off! I bit my tongue for the rest of the shoot, kept an eye on the clock and left quickly.

The photographer has been in touch since I posted on a forum about having no chemistry. He offered to talk things through but since I've emailed him back, I've not heard anything.

Some of the images taken were nice though, I hope I receive some soon otherwise the photographer has not lived up to his end of the deal. Will have to PM him soon.

During this shoot was the first time I have ever felt uncomfortable. Even at one stage a woman (who I guess was in charge) came in with her screaming baby in a carry cot. She dumped the baby down while carrying on with her work elsewhere and I was left to work through the screaming of the little one. The photographer didn't bat an eyelid, nor apologise. Also, he told me to keep my clothes on while this lady was around which made me wonder if he even had permission to shoot nude in the theatre.

Not an enjoyable shoot and not a nice experience. Pretty pissed about it to be honest therefore no images on this post!

K x

Day 1 of my England Tour - Lake District & Preston

2009-10-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

FINALLY getting round to updating this! Since I've been back (3 days now) I've been super busy both with checking through images, replying to emails and unpacking my case...still got more to unpack!

It all started on Sunday...before leaving Perth at 1pm I had a shoot in an abandonned railway tunnel with Bruce. It was a great (but freezing) shoot and extremely creepy in a pitch black tunnel. As we were walking we kept bumping into eachother as we couldn't see a thing! Really looking forward to seeing the results!

* Just remembered, recently I had a shoot with Natasha Di Pasquale at Contrast and she made me into an angel! She brough with her a pair of handmade angel wings. I had such a wicked time shooting with her, my first ever female photographer! She even almost cried as she liked an image so much! Just waiting on the images coming through *

After a long drive down to Kendal (should've only taken about 3 1/2 hours but Glasgow road works added 2 hours!) the hubby, pooch and I settled into the cutest little farm cottage. The old woman who owned it even made us a packed lunch for the next day! How sweet! It was a quiet Saturday night with dinner in a little restaurant then back to the room to watch the X-factor...I'm addicted!

5am rise in the morning to make it over to shoot with Phil aka Lifescapes in the Lake District. Phil and I have spoken online for ages, finally managing to put a date to our shoot. When meeting him it was like meeting an old friend. We hit it off big time, even if I did make him fall out of a tree! Ooooops! Also had fun playing with swans in the water (it's now 8days later and I STILL have the cold!)

Can't wait to see the rest of the images. I feel it always helps when you click with the photographer. Thanks so much Phil!

After our shoot Craig, Cody and I got back in the car and took a short drive down to Preston. Well, we stayed in Chorley in a cute little pet friendly lodge but I was shooting in a studio in Preston with the lovely Nige.

The shoot was mainly nude based but managed to squeeze in a few other things. Nige is such a lovely guy and made me feel so at ease. The studio owner Ade was fantastic too, and his pooch Alf. I sooo wanted to steal him but he was about the size of me so think I would've got caught!

I'm really happy with the results I've seen so far. It was different for me to be shooting nude in a studio, over the summer I've shot on location so much. I had a blast though, and Nige even gave me a bottle of wine...what a sweetheart!

Day 1 was exhausting but I bloody loved every minute of it. Bring on day 2! Thanks Phil and Nige!

Kirst xx

I know it's been a while...

2009-10-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

It feels like ages since I last updates this but I've been really busy. I'm in the middle of my English tour at the moment, been to Kendal, Preston, Chorley, Stoke-on-Trent, somewhere in Wales which I can't pronounce, Telford and I'm now in Birmingham. Tomorrow I'm off to Surrey then down to East Sussex and Brighton. Hopefully on Sunday I'll hit the road and be back home in Perth!

It's been such a busy week so far, feels like it's been more like two weeks rather than a few days. I'm off today though so still lying in bed in Birmingham with the dog! Away to explore in a while though, may as well since I'm down here. Meeting a friend for lunch later too, it's been a year since I've seen him. Looking forward to that.

I've been getting images sent through lots over the past few days so when I get home I will do one big update and try and fit everything in! Can't believe I've done so much in four days though!

See you when I'm home,

Kirsty x

A request from the hubby...

2009-10-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Craig has requested I post our little family portraid David Clark so kindly took at the end of our shoot a couple of weeks ago. I love this image and even though Craig says he's not a poser...I beg to differ!
There you go hubby, hope this makes you smile ;)

Wifey x

Been working my butt off...

2009-10-01T00:52:00.001-07:00

Since the last post I have been super busy! As you may know, I have my own beauty salon in Perth. Well, I've just taken on another two members of staff, a nail specialist and a make-up specialist. Both girls are absolutely lovely and the salon is buzzing!

I've also got another year older - I'm now 22. Had a little celebration for my birthday where all my closest friends dressed up in toga's and we had a little toga party at my new house. It was a great night!

Modeling wise...I've done lots and lots! Not even sure if I can remember it all! The day before my birthday, Fri 25th, I went through to Dalgety Bay (I think it was!) for a shoot with Dwayne Mathers from DMPhotography. He was looking for art topless shots so after outfit suggestions and location plans, we set off on our shoot in a little ruined chapel by the water. It was a fab day, brightened up my morning since I had a funeral in the afternoon.

We were bothered by some dog walkers but as soon as they came, I popped on my top and became a fashion model in seconds! Still waiting on some results but here are a couple of my favourites...

My first full day of being 22, RusselD whisked me off to my farm location. Russel and I have become good friends over the past few months. Every time (and I mean EVERY TIME) I upload a new image or two, I have a little PM in my inbox from Russel with his comments on the image, most positive. I've now come to expect it from him...if I don't get one, I'm not sure what I'd do! Also, Russel (Rupert to me) and I have been talking of shooting for ages, about me going over to Ayrshire...well, instead, since I'm so busy at the moment, he kindly took time out of his schedule to visit me in Perth!

I had such a laugh with Rupert and I feel we got some stunning images. Still waiting on some results but here are some for now...

Until next time,

Kirsty x

More images from TomB

2009-09-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Tom kindly sent me more images over from our shoot together a few weeks ago. He produced one of my favourite shots of me so far so BIG well done to him! That's already been featured on here though.

He were experimenting loads on the day of the shoot but got some pretty good results as you can see below. Thanks again Tom.

K x

Been A Busy Bee

2009-09-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

It feels like it's been ages since I last updated this but it's only been four days! So much has happened in those four days so I've got some updating to do. I can't even remember everything that's happened!

Had a nude shoot on Saturday with the lovely Barrie Spence (EntropicTendencies) and his lovely assistant (and wife) Fiona at a secret location. Had a fab time playing around with lighting and the lovely textured walls. Also managed to get some lovely shots infront on a window I've been dying to use. Really excited to see the finished results. Had a great laugh working with Barrie and Fiona, they are both so lovely and so well suited together. Looking forward to our next shoot already!

I had another art nude yesterday at my farm location with David Clark. It was early in the morning, the sun was shining and I couldn't wait to get to work. Ideas just came flooding into my mind, probably as I was so motivated, but I'll tell you why in a moment. The above image is one from the shoot, I love the colours being so vibrant in these.

After a while at the farm using all the amazing doorways and the main courtyard we ventured into the neighbouring field for a few super summery shots with the hay bales. There are hay bales everywhere at the moment and I was really keen to use them. Since David usually shoots portrait work, he managed to get a few action shots of my pooch when he came to collect me then a few of me, my hubby and the dog on the bales. Had a lovely day with David, especially since the sun was out. Will definitely be working with him again soon!

Also, just a little note to say why I've been so motivated recently. There are two people (who I know read this often ...so "hi guys") who aren't keen on my work...or me for that fact. In the beginning it frustrated me slightly but I realised it's just childish. Instead I'm turning frustration into motivation and it's made me more determined than ever, which is probably why I had such a productive shoot yesterday. So instead of adding fuel to the fire I just want to say thank you to you both, all these comments are making me so much more determined and turning out some of my best work yet ;)

Got a very busy few weeks coming up then my tour....super excited...getting all the ideas together now and I just know I'm going to have a blast. Thanks to everyone who got in touch about my tour and thanks for all the good luck messages I've been sent, it's so nice to know people care and are looking forward to seeing the results.

Love Kirsty x

R.I.P Jim

2009-09-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Just a little post to say Rest In Peace to my old neighbour Jim Bremner (he was like a grandad to me). He was such a fit old man, could easily cycle faster than me and often out run me with the dogs. Sadly on Saturday evening after a morning at the bowling and an afternoon dog walking, he was out on his evening walk and collapsed with a fatal heart attack. Was such a shock when I heard...still can't get my head round the fact he was so fit for an 81year old yet passed so suddenly.

At least now he can rest in peace and be reunited with his lovely wife who passed exactly a year ago to the day. You could always tell Jim longed for his wife, he never was quite himself since she passed.

Jim, you will be greatly missed and I will always treasure the memories we have, especially the sight of you on your balcony, soaking up the sunshine with your cigar in one hand and your brandy in the other.

Rest In Peace

Love Kirsty x

TamB

2009-09-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tom came to my place to shoot mainly figure nude stuff but managed to fit in a lot of his ideas too with Indian style scarves and jewels etc.
I had a fab time on this shoot with Tom, he was super friendly and we had such a giggle. Since it was at home, he introduced himself to Craig and Cody (my puppy) and got on great with them. As long as tea was in constant supply he was happy!
In amongst all of our chit chat about the world in general, modeling, photography, traveling, shoot ideas, holidays etc etc we even managed to get some shots in!
The image above is my favourite image from the shoot, hence why it's getting a post all on it's own! I love it and I'm pretty damn proud of it (and so is Tom)!
There are plenty more great images from the shoot but they are currently being edited, some great figure nudes in there as well as a couple of fab headshots.

Tom is a great guy to work with and so funny. Will definitely be working with him again soon. One thing I love about him is that he is willing to experiment with different things and spend time getting the shot absolutely perfect.

Thanks Tom,
Miss Glueface x

September 11th

2009-09-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to put up a little tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks in 2001. I visited the area two years ago and it is so moving, there is a very still sense of emotion in the area. It was very touching to see and I can't imagine the horror that went on in NY on this day and the days/weeks/months following.

So just a little message of thought to all the victims of 9/11 and a huge thank you to all the rescue teams who took part in the day. They truly are the hero's of this world.

Kirsty x

Squeezed Lemon

2009-09-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Got a couple more images back from the other day. One of these is my absolute favourite from the shoot...not going to tell you which one, will keep you guessing!

Loved this shoot...and loved the results even more. Cheers!

K x

Desova aka Murray

2009-09-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Had a shoot with Murray on Sunday at the location mentioned below. It was fab. We decided to go for an art nude shoot as the location was just perfect for it.Murray was a great guy to work with and we had a good laugh on the shoot. I have quite a few favourites from the shoot and look forward to working with him again in the future.

Thanks Murray for a great shoot,

K x

Derelict Farm and 3 storey farm house

2009-08-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

I found the most amazing location in Perth the other day....a huge derelict farm which has barns, wooden floors, stone walls, upstairs bits and a courtyard and a three storey farm house which is very dark on the first two floors but very light on the top floor. There are lots of rooms, fireplaces, interesting windows and doorways, wallpaper peeling off the walls, a stone staircase and interesting wooden floors.

Got a few shoots booked in this secret location over the next few weeks...you could probably do about 6 shoots there, each one being completely different....the place is HUGE!

So just a thank you to everyone who got in touch about this location, I'm super excited to shoot there and writing down ideas for shoots as I type.

Keep an eye on my blog for the images from the shoots, first one is taking place on Sunday. Really looking forward to it!

Love and hugs,
K x

My Inspirations

2009-08-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post on here my four main inspirations, every single one being super dooper special to me. Without these four, I'd be lost.

Firstly, my beautiful mummy (and an ugly me). Everyday I strive to make her happy and make her proud. She has gone through far too much in her years, now it's time for someone else to take the reins.

I love my mum more than anything in the whole wide world...she is my complete and utter universe.

Ha ha I look so silly in this picture!

Next up is my daddy. He sadly passed when I was only 10 years old, I miss him more and more every single day. I was super close with him when I wwas little which made losing him so much more difficult. Every day I look up at the sky and know he is looking down at me, he is now my guardian angel.

These words always remind me of him:

"When I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn, rejoice, everytime you hear the sound of my voice, just know that I'm looking down on you smiling and I didn't feel a thing, so baby don't feel no pain, just smile back."

Up next is my hubby-to-be Craig. He is my soulmate. We have known eachother for around 10years and are getting married in June. I love this guy to bits, he is so understanding, especially with my modeling and is always there for a cuddle when I need one. He completes me (and makes me laugh like a geek in pictures!)

Some photographers have had the pleasure of meeting the hubby....he's always handy to chauffeur me about!

Finally, my little poochy pants Cody. No matter how hard and rubbish your day has been he's always the first to greet you when you walk in the door with a big slobbery kiss. He is the one who cuddles you without saying a word, licks away your tears, can tell how you're feeling just by looking at you.....the one who steals your clothes when you're in the shower, sneaks under your bedcovers when you're not looking...and sticks his tongue in your wine glass! Yummy!

Without all the above...I wouldn't be me. I love you guys!

K x

Little Tour of England

2009-08-22T03:02:00.001-07:00

Since I advanced into nude work I have been getting a lot of offers from photographers down south so I've decided to go on a little tour.
I've got some time off in October so going to be leaving Perth after a shoot on Sunday 11th October, around lunchtime.

Travel plans are as follows:

Sun 11th pm - travel to Lake District
Mon 12th am - shoot in Kendal with Lifescapes
Mon 12th pm - travel to Preston
Tues 13th am - shooting in Preston/Greater Manchester area
Tues 13th pm - shooting in Preston/Greater Manchester area
Wed 14th -
Thur 15th -Birmingham area (tbc)
Fri 16th -
Sat 17th -
Sun 18th -

If you'd like to shoot with me, please get it touch via my purestorm page, UKPM or net-model (all kirsty269 alias)

Locations are pretty much on a first come first served basis. I'm not fussed where I travel to as I'll have the car - anything within reason is suitable.

Happy to shoot anything up to and including nude....just let me know and we'll get something arranged. Looking to take on mostly paid/part paid work as I'll have to cover my travel and accomodation but selected TF* work will be available.

I also have LOADS, and I mean LOADS of ideas for nude shoots.....my little head is bursting with them so hit me with a challenge and watch me while I succeed.

Lots of Love,
K x

Graham aka ABZphoto

2009-08-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

Graham contacted me for a shoot a while ago and we finally managed to fit it in last week. He told me he didn't have any experience of art nude on location but I think he done pretty damn well.

The location we were meant to be using had been partly demolished...so that was a no no. Last minute I found the perfect location...and a hole in the fence to get to it.

I met Graham at the train station then headed to the location. After a short walk we found the most amazing building with huge potential and an old railway track. I had a fab time with Graham and feel I made a good friend. He had loads of ideas and encouraged me with mine which included swinging on chains and being a runaway bride!

Can't wait until we shoot again.

IainG

2009-08-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Iain and I shot the other week at Camperdown Park...it was just a quick fashion shoot as time was once again not on my side.

We had a good laugh and Iain got a chance to learn how to shoot different poses. Got some of the results through the other day. I quite like them actually, I think it's just because the morning was so simple and completely relaxed. We had a good talk too....(probably as I never shut up!)

I really like the reflection in the last. There are a few good ones from this series but I like this one best. It's so peaceful.

Advancing to nude work

2009-08-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

Now this is what I enjoy most of all!

Way back in June I was doing the moonwalk in Edinburgh (26.2mile powerwalk) for breast cancer. At about 18miles I spotted the most gorgeous beach. It was about 4am and the sun was coming up, creating lots of lovely shadows in the sand and water. As soon as I saw it, I wanted to do nude work. The location was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I thought it would look great for a shoot, but something made me think it wouldn't work for a fashion/swimwear shoot....it had to be nude. Not had a chance to shoot there yet...

From that moment on I wanted to persue my long time ambition - as a nude model.

I've done a fair few nude shoots now, I will talk you through some of the best and some of my favourite images. Some are not on here yet as I'm still waiting on getting some back, but I will pop them on when I get the chance.

Robert Purdie

Rob and I have shot twice, once at a studio and one on location at Glen Coe. It was his first time shooting art nude and my first time doing it on location so was a learning curve for us both. Still awaiting edited images so I will post them when I get them.

Rob was a gem to work with and I would recommend him. He also took a liking to my little pooch who joined us on our second shoot.

Simon Hayhow aka SJH

Si and I shot at a lovely location which I'm keeping secret as I loved it so much! It included caves, lots of interesting rock formations, a waterfront, old buildings....it had the works. We could've spent all day there but time and weather was against us...it was freezing and pouring...I loved it! Will definitely be dragging Si back there soon!

At this point Si didn't have much experience at art nude work so again it was a learning curve. He was great at giving direction though and also let me do my own thing....which included nude rock climbing!

I also managed to fall flat on my face in a puddle as we walked over VERY slippery rocks to the waterfront...as usual I did not have the appropriate shoes on....for future reference pumps and seaweed DO NOT go well together.

We also almost got crashed into by a HUGE wave.....so much fun!

Here are some of the results, I love the natural light in the first.

Robin Frowley

Rob and I shot in July (I think) 2009 at his studio in Edinburgh. He is one of the nicest guys I've met in a long time, so genuine and made me feel completely at ease. I pretty much forgot I was running around nude...

Rob had a clear idea of what he wanted and I let him know my ideas too. We spoke about poses, what looks good, what doesn't and got to work.

I had a very bad dose of tonsilitis so Rob was a little star making sure I always had a big mug of ice cold water.

It was a very relaxed and fun atmosphere and I think we got to know eachother pretty well. We got talking about my work, the work he had done, models we love, photographers we admire, weddings, baby photography and how he thinks all babies look the same. Had a real good laugh with him and left feeling so proud, this is one of my best shoots to date. I couldn't stop going on about it the whole journey home and can't wait until our next shoot.

The results:

Thank you for these Rob!

Must go, I'm at work and really should be working!

K x

My Modeling Journey

2009-08-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Since I have just started this blog I am going to back track a little and discuss some of my favourite shoots, what I learned along the way and show you some of my earlier work.

Robert Simpson aka Keltphoto
One of my first shoots was with a lovely man called Bob. We shot on location at Huntingtower Castle in Perth, my first location shoot. Arrangements had been made and permission was granted for us to shoot there but when we turned up on the day the lady didn't recall anything about it...so there we were, shooting in a tourist attraction with tourists milling about and children running around dressed in capes and cloaks!

It was a relaxed shoot, a lovely atmosphere and a good laugh with Bob! Made a good friend and we have kept in touch since, with a couple more shoots along the way.

Some of the results from the day:

I never used to like this headshot but it's growing on me. Back in the day I was really proud of these pictures, I thought I'd done well for a first shoot :)

Donald Parsons aka Donscott
Donald and I shot back in 2007 in Contrast in Glasgow. I had a right giggle with him, he's such a funny little chappy! Again, the atmosphere was very relaxed, we just basically messed around all afternoon. The images were to build my portfolio a bit and include ideas Donald had. He helped me a lot with posing techniques and I still remember some of his pointers to this day. My favourite memory of him is when he showed me what he wanted me to pose like, seeing a photographer being a model for a few minutes made me giggle for ages!

Not got many of these old images on my laptop but here's a couple, including my Contrast goth chair photo...I think every model has one of these...

Colin McLatchie

Colin and I shot in a studio in Paisley for a couple of hours in 2007 I think it was. He was testing out some new equipment so pretty much let me do my own thing. I have a couple of favourites from the shoot but one in particular. It reminds me of Inspector Morse...although I'm not exactly sure who he was....maybe I mean Inspector Gadget...?

I know the lighting isn't great in this, not sure why I like it...I just do. No idea why it reminds me of an Inspector....maybe it's the jacket?!

Robert Simpson #2

In amongst all these other shoots (a few which I've not discussed here), I shot again with Bob. This time I dragged my hubby-to-be in for a couple of Calvin Klein inspired images. Again, I don't have the best ones on my laptop but here is a couple. After these we sprayed ourselves with some baby oil then water for some more intense images....but these are on my other computer.

I never can keep a straight face when he says he doesn't enjoy modeling...!

Dave Hunt aka Highlander

Dave and I shot together in Glasgow on location, outside Celtic Park, for an online clothing company. I would post the images on here but they are very cheesy...not the sort of work I usually do. Dave was a fab guy to work with and I hope to work with him again in the not too distant future.

John Baikie aka Captiv8

John and I have become very good friends since our first shoot together and have planned another, we have lots of ideas....our next shoot will be very interesting if I can grab him for a few hours! I love John to bits, I have admired his work for a very long time and feel priviledged to have shot with him.

I am proud of the work I have done with him, we even got published from our first shoot. Here are some of the results...we were going for a "cinderella in her attic" type of look...

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll talk you through my recent modeling journey in the next post. Hope you don't get bored reading all this because I'm having a great time reminiscing.

Love K x

First Post

2009-08-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!

I'm guessing you already know who I am if you're looking at this but I'll introduce myself anyway and tell you a bit about me...

...I'm Kirsty, I stay in Perth, I'm 21 (my birthday is next month), I run a beauty salon and model part time, I love being busy and I love a challenge, I have a hubby-to-be who is my world, I have a little pooch - a border collie puppy called Cody (he loves modeling too), I have just bought my first property, erm....., I talk....alot, I love my family, I miss my daddy more than anything in the world...he passed when I was 10 :( , I recently got diagnosed with M.E so some days I feel yucky.....doesn't stop me though, I love cheese toasties, I try to cuddle at least one person I love every day, I am an emotional person, I love to smile and laugh and I love my memories....they are the most precious things in the world.

Anyway, this blog is for my modeling. I set it up so everyone can keep track of what I'm doing, where I'm doing it and my progress.

I've been modeling on and off since 2007 but really concentrated on it and done so much more since the beginning of 2009. I am still learning but I feel I am progressing every shoot I take on.

I recently broadened my horizons to nude work and I absolutely love it! I feel more comfortable with my clothes off....

Anyway, I'll leave it there just now and post some images etc up later.

K x