Spring has finally arrived, which means I can finally shoot outdoors without the models being so cold that they want to kill me. So thank you Essex, for finally seeing some sunshine. 

So on Monday evening, I decided to head out in Chelmsford with my camera, and model Katie Doran and head to a beautiful field in Writtle. I love shooting around my local town, photography allows me to see everything in a whole new light and appreciate the things I see on a daily basis on an entirely different level. 

So I was looking for a flowery field to shoot in, which oddly is scarce at the moment, I managed to find a gorgeous flowery field on my road! It was essential to shoot in the evening. I wanted the sun to be low, close to sun set, to create that golden warm and beautiful flare across the imagery. This time of year, I would say between 7-8 is the perfect time to shoot. As long as there are no ugly clouds blocking the sunlight! The only issue is the time limit, as the sun does not wait for you to capture that perfect image. Unfortunately. :/

So, myself and Katie waded into the flowers, amidst some fairly curious bees, and I snapped away. Shooting into the sunlight is so simple, all I needed was my camera and the natural golden glare of the sun. You may find it easier placing the sun on the far left or far right of the image, otherwise it can be very difficult to see what you are shooting without a filter. However, if you wish to place the sun in the centre of the image closer to the subject, it may take a few attempts to get it right. The difficult part is getting the subject in focus through the suns glare and at the same time allowing the right amount of light to shine around the model, without entirely over exposing the subject. Just keep practicing, and you will find the right balance. After all it is really down to personal preference!

The shoot lasted no more than half an hour, it may well of been even quicker had we not had to duck down and hide from a farmer half way through... 

I brought in my classic fairy wings, simply because I seem to have a slight obsession with fairies and angels at the moment. 

I hope you like this piece. Be sure to head over to my official Facebook Page to see the whole collection. (Just click the F on the left side of this screen!)

Linda Blacker ALUK

So, on Monday I headed into London, and made my way to The Rag Factory just off Brick Lane.

A few months back a small clothing line called Fashion Is My Father contacted me to organise a shoot for their new range. From the start I could see the potential in their clothing, and I really believe in what they are creating.

They had clear idea of style already set in their minds from the beginning, a minimalistic black and white approach. Love it.

So, rather than shooting in a bog standard studio, I decided to approach The Rag Factory, a unique location with very unique bold white space to offer. It was a big hit with Fashion Is My Father, and so the location was set. We cast for our models, and immediately recognised Chalotte Geraghty as the perfect candidate! With her strong versatile look, we new she could easily pull off the bold image we were after.

On arrival of the location, we headed into a side room, where lots of props were jumbled about, available to those who hire the venue. Immediately I noticed a cast iron bath, and simply had to use it in the shots, along with the wooden ladder. The Make Up Artist, Chloe Smith, who is also one of the two ladies running Fashion Is My Father, alongside Tengna Mary Yarde, got straight to work creating the desired look. Strong bold eyebrows and a simple complexion, with full powerful lips. The hair stylist, Lucy MC Elligot, created a stunning slick back creation, which jelled perfectly with the overall image. 

The shoot just came together so easily from then, the clothing framed the mode flawlessly and the whole set just oozed a classic fashion feel. 

We also had Inline Film documenting the shoot and creating a short behind the scenes fashion film. I will release the short film here as soon as it is complete, so you can get more of an insight into the shoot!

I hope you like preview image above, you can see more on my Official Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Blacker-ALUK/204086599603164

 Be sure to head over to Fashion Is My Fathers Official Facebook Page to see more! http://www.facebook.com/FashionIsMyFatherltd

Hello!

I know it's been a little while since I last updated this, sorry guys! The website was being updated, so I thought I would wait for the big release to continue blogging! Anyway, I promise to be much more dedicated, and so, here is my latest project!

It is a little different from my usual work, but I am really happy with the results and it was very well received on my Official Facebook Page! So here is a little info on the shoot.

I ordered in a large piece of velvet cloth, because I had an idea to do an Art Attack inspired shoot. Basically, to create a simple seen on the ground. I wasn;t sure if it would work, but I tried it anyway!

So, I contacted two models that I knew would be more than interested in a very different kind of photograph, and wouldn't mind casually laying in my garden, acting as though they were on their feet. So Deecy Tsh & Brittany Attkins made their way to my house, and the fun began!

The blue cloth became the night sky, and my gardens grass was logically, perfect for the ground in the shot. I used a step ladder to get the height... Just a note, I do not recommend using a step ladder on grass, it was wobbly to say the least! And as it was just me and two models, there was no one to hold the ladder!

It was important for the models to be over the top with their expressions and poses, to fit with the wackiness of the idea. It was good fun laying out their clothing, to portray the idea of the model running into the wind too! Without that, it may of looked a tad lifeless.

I had to work on the angle, a slaying completely flat just did not work, unless of course I was directly above them, which I couldn't achieve  unless I levitated. So with a little patience we managed to pull it off! I then edited the post production stage, but that secret, stays with me. ;)

First off apologies for the delay... It has been a busy few weeks with photography, I have been zooming all over Essex and London, even Kent!

However, I now have a story of images to show you... Inspired by the Walking Dead - An amazing TV Series, you need to check it out if you havn't already. Amazing shoe, gripping story line and some truly terrifying moments! 

So here behingst he countdown to Halloween! I shot this on Sunday 21st October, in Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex! This is not your typical fashion shoot... This is a crazy theatrical photography explosion! Stay tuned for the follow up everyday this week!

I shot this on Sunday, with a team of 3 make up artists, a hair stylist, 2 surviviors, and 30 zombies! My assistant Grahame Green also starred as a survivior! All are credited below!

If you like this please like my page at Linda Blacker ALUK to find out how the story unfolds throughout this week! I will upload a new image each night! Follow me on twitter @LindaALUK!

And the countdown to Halloween begins... Basically I have an obsession with zombies... So I decided to organise a HUUUUUGE zombie shoot!

This is the first installment of my Halloween story shoot!

A virus has hit the world hard... a flesh eating, human brain munching virus... Few humans remain... These two survivors are fleeing for their lives... To find a place of safety & security... But the Zombies pursue them.........

First off - MASSIVE thank you to the amazing make up artists on this shoot. They are fantastic and I can not recommend them enough!

Prosthetic Make Up Artists -

Michelle Blacker - Andy Fordham - Ashleigh Bunce (All Amazing!)

The ONLY Hair Stylist (skills) - Louise Plumb

Lighting Assistant and awesome car owner - Grahame Green

Survivors - Nikola Trifunovic & Chloe Baker

FLESH EATING ZOMBIES

Anna Sawyer, Katie Jane Gisby, Ebs Jade Goodwin, Toby Wells, Abi May, Sarah Storm, Stephanie Humphries, Cameron Beames, Gemma May, George Bennett, Louise Marie Newman, Ed Scott, Jordan James, Kellie Jones, Ashleigh Bunce, Kara Cass, Chris North, Rabin Beeloo, Takudzwa Mlambo, Samuel Cheetham, Aaron Dituylux, Beth Chaipand, Thanda Mutero, Corey Robinson, Jon Hammond