An unusual birthday present

It was my birthday on Sunday and I had the most wonderful present from a good friend in the shape of the opportunity to shoot an absolutely gorgeous model.  When we were at the National Portrait Gallery to see the BP Portrait Prize exhibition earlier this year we were drawn to a beautiful nude which we were surprised to see that his uncle had collaborated on with the artist Louis Smith.  Fast forward six months and I receive a birthday message from Holly, the model, who has been booked by my friend for a half day shoot.

It's put a smile on my face and goes down as the most creative and thoughtful present of this year.  I can't wait to start planning an extra special shoot with her in the New Year.

Boudoir Shoot

I spent most of Saturday at Pout Studios in London photographing the beautiful Ruth for a boudoir series.  Whilst Ruth is obviously an experienced model, boudoir photography is becoming increasingly popular for pre-wedding shoots for brides-to-be, or as a present for partners or even just for women to have a beautiful keepsake of themselves.  It can be a hugely liberating experience and lots of fun to be pampered by hair and make-up artists before being shot tastefully in a series of gorgeous outfits.  These shots were taken in a studio but shoots can take place in your own home, or a hotel.  If you are interested in booking a session please email me for details.  If you book a session before Christmas (a great stocking filler...) then I am offering a complimentary album filled with your pictures.

Alice Mary Lynch - Dollmaker

Alice and I went to primary school together in Somerset many, many years ago.  As the daughter of two artists (James and Kate Lynch) creativity was in her blood and she was so obviously talented.  It was no surprise that she combined art with fashion and went on to work for John Galliano/Christian Dior followed by designing for Sonia Rykiel.  She bumped into my parents recently which prompted me to get in touch and check out what she has been doing.  It's so utterly gorgeous and unique that I had to share it.

Now living in Paris she takes inspiration from the fashion world combined with travel to create bespoke, personalised hand-made dolls created from the stories of the client commissioning the doll as well as personal keepsakes such as ribbons, fabrics and momentos.  She makes dolls for occasions such as births, marriages or just as a beautiful gift.

Alice says:  "I love imagination and humour, people who have their feet on the ground whilst dreaming, the poetry in everyday life.  I like a certain vulnerability whilst standing strong, 1930's cabaret, dark, shiny and mad, and silen films.  I like the circus, the colours when the lights go down, the trapeze artist making an entrance.  I like it behind the scenes, there are stories there, and toys and childhood, and history on our doorstep."

If you want to commission a doll from Alice, you can find more information at her website, blog or Facebook page.  All photographs taken by Alice or Sakura Fischer.