benjiwa

Its strange but Ive been feeling so creative this month. Every time I look at my surroundings I'm draw in by the shape of the city sky line, the textures of the walls, the clothing and posture of people on the street. I've also finished organizing my next project shoot: Color Swim. We have two swim wear designers on board for this shoot too!

Part one features the talents of Amy Pankhurst (Model), Holly Walker's Makeup Artistry and swimwear by Carlia Harris from Complicated Spoon Clothing.

Part two features my absolute favorite Rachel MacKenzie (Model) she's the one previously featured via my instagram in the fluffy white coat and black studded bra. Makeup for the shoot is being done by the brilliant Stacee Beale (Rachel and Stacee tend to come as a package deal because they know each other so well, but Stacee is ultra talented as well so its simply a bonus). Sakura from Sakii Swimwear is being an absolute doll and setting aside her usual preference for black and white bikinis to design some color pieces from scratch specifically for the shoot!.

I feel so over joyed and supported by the number of awesome creatives who have taken a look at my shoot outline and been so keen to be apart. This feeling is exactly what I think should be felt whenever creating something brilliant.

Apart from Color Swim i have a number of other shoots coming up in the next few weeks including some underwear and bridal work. I think part of my feeling so inspired is that I am shooting quite a bit of different styles and looks all at once so I never get the feeling im simply shooting the same shit on different days.

I also got to shoot one of my favorite local clubs again recently and despite a run in with the hardly-ever-present-and-oh-so-self-important promoter, who promptly got put in her place and told to sod off by the venue manager, I got some wonderful snaps and had a great time doing some different work while having a night off from working at the bar.

I've also had a few bookings for my July Studio Deal which enabled me to pay back a few TFP favors and help some of the younger makeup artists I work (who are no less talented than their longer serving colleagues) with make some money as well.

While I am thoroughly enjoying working at the studio, due to staffing problems its quickly becoming a case of myself doing a weeks worth of maintenance (unpaid) every time its my day in the office as none of the paid staff can be bothered. To the point where I am coming in for my shift on a day where every floor of the studio has been less messy as hell from the day before and with the studio booked solid not even having the opportunity to do even basic cleaning for the days clients.

Most are pretty understanding as our regulars know i only do the one day a week in the office and dont get much chance if its left messy from the day before.

Considering going on a road trip most of next year so looking for road trip buddies, you're welcome to come along for the ride either the whole way or part journeys. I'm thinking Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. SO if you know and love me I'm looking for couches to sleep on, drive ways to park in, local guides and car buddies, happy to pay people back with photographs, hugs, love and mild sexual favors if i get desperate for help :P If car buddies are keen I'd love to stop at picturesque locations along the road for spontaneous photo-shoots and portraits. Lets adventure and make something awesome!

I'll also be making an appearance as part of the Melbourne Shootfest in October! I'm in Melbourne from the 2nd to the 6th for any additional hopefuls or SG's who want to book a shoot with me! I've already got a couple of bookings but I'd love to do as much shooting as possible to help pay off the trip and swanky suite i've booked for anyone wanting to do bedroom sets!

Sets are $100 upfront to pay for the time and equipment involved (SG's shoot free) and I'll be at the Mecure Welcome Melbourne so right in the heart of Melbourne and onlya few blocks away from the Ball Venue.

Anyone who needs a character reference by all means contact @sunflower who i've previously photographed for the site or @exkyu who is part of organising the shootfest.