garazi photography - blog

Gorgeous Ellie!

2012-02-20T18:15:00.004Z

I love this girl's face!! That is it.

Model: Ellie Fox
MUA: Ami Streets
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

Ellie BTS

2012-02-16T18:01:00.028Z

Hello! This is me at a shoot:

I like lime green (and matching colours!):

I even managed to match the backdrop to the sky on this shoot:

The studio is pretty cold in the winter, but I try to keep my models warm (and some leopard print never goes amiss!). I even let Ami the make-up artist swipe my coat for the day:

Ami always does an amazing job (and I always tell her to do her amazing Ami brows..)!

I also tend to flap around while the make-up is being done. Don't want to feel like I have nothing to do! So I hide and take pictures of what is going on:

This is Ellie. She has a gorgeous face!

And this is what we shot with her (final images will be shown soon!):

Model: Ellie Fox
MUA: Ami Streets
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

Asian bridal beauty with Ganga

2012-02-13T18:47:00.000Z

And here are the final images that I produced with MUA Ganga Bhambra. All nicely blinged up and with the awesome airbrushing skills that Ganga has!

Models: Jivan Mann and Aneka
MUA: Ganga Bhambra
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

Azzy

2012-02-09T20:12:00.000Z

I thought I'd post all the final images from Azzy's shoot. I have a load of work I want to post now.. Soon, soon!

By the way, the first one is my fave!

Model: Azzy
MUA and Hair: Ami Streets
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

The G team does it again!

2012-02-02T18:04:00.067Z

The G team (Ganga and Garazi :D) got together once more this January to shoot some asian bridal beauty. These are some shots of the day.

Models: Jivan Mann and Aneka
MUA: Ganga Bhambra
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

Stunning Jivan waiting around while Ganga sorted out all the finishing touches!

Setting up the lighting...

My new bags go together so nicely! The blue one is my camera bag!! Such an amazing find, it was the best present I had on my birthday last year. It's from Kelly Moore, and I managed to buy in the UK through everleaf (they were amazing, they managed to get me the blue bag I wanted even when they didn't have it in stock). The yellow one is my new favourite purchase.. I seem to be drawn to yellow! I can't wait to receive my Damian Marquez jacket, it's the same colour as the bag, so need some more bags now!

Some of the outfits for the day..

I don't know how, but my computer always knows when Ganga is arriving to the studio. Michael Jackson every time!

Hello! That's me hiding in the blur :D

Blinging it up!

I really want a jumper with my name on it.. Already planning it, new craft project!!!

Having fun!

1st shoot of the year BTS

2012-01-30T17:51:00.037Z

I've started 2012 with a load of new bookings and a first shoot with a model I've worked with before. Azzy first came to the studio when we had just moved in and not even the walls were painted! A lot has changed since then...

Model: Azzy
MUA and Hair: Ami Streets
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2012

Luckily Azzy has the same amazing skin as last time, a pleasure to retouch!

This has to be my favourite lens to shoot beauty with... Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 Just lush! No distortion, works as a macro and just yummy all over! Plus it looks good on my pink trolly, which is a bonus :D

The set-up for one of the shots. I love this backdrop so much! I keep thinking I need some new colours.. Might have to ask Creativity Backdrops nicely!

I also noticed that the studio is looking more and more like a gym lately... Maybe it's because it's January.. But I did try some pull-ups before shooting (not sure about using the punch bag though!).

Lifestyle shoot

2012-01-26T17:49:00.000Z

This shoot was slightly different to my usual, but enjoyed it soooo much! It's more commercial, more lifestyle based than my usual.. AND we were on location with 8 people running around trying to get it all perfect. Actually, 9 if you count Deb Laurent, who lent us some stunning jewellery from Stella & Dot.

Thanks so much to PCPT Architects for letting me shoot in this most amazing of penthouses (I was there in the new year again, and it definitely is a stunning place!).

The story was published in STYLE etc. magazine next to a lovely article (you can see it HERE).

Styling: Lizzy Gardner
Make-up and Grooming: Ami Streets
Hair: Sally Thomas @ Sally Scissorhands
Models: Abi Houghton @ Adage, Charlotte and Ollie @ Alan Sharman
Photographer's Assistant: Mark Kiszely
© garazi photography 2011

Joanna Briggs BTS part 2

2012-01-23T17:39:00.031Z

I was just going through some edits and I found a couple more behind the scenes images from Joanna's shoot. I really like them so here you go! Plus I've included the first of the final images too :D

The behind the scenes images are from the second part of the shoot, that happened at the Rose Villa Tavern in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. Thanks so much for letting us use the venue! (we also had a lovely team dinner after the shoot and some gorgeous mulled wine... well, it was December!)

I also bumped into Hannah Fewtrell-Bolton at the Rose Villa, who lent her amazing jewellery for Joannas previous shoot (as seen HERE). Can't wait to collaborate with her!

The one thing I have to say about this shoot is that I LOVE MY CAMERA!! It dealt with the low-light situation at the pub so well (the ambient light was stunning, and there wasn't much room for lighting), I'm very impressed with the results! <3 NIKON

Talent: Joanna Briggs @ LoveRock Records
Stylist: Coline Bach
Hair: Nicole Kahlani @ BLEACH
Nails/Art Direction: Jenny Longworth @ CLM
Make-up: Lucy Bridge @ Jed Root

@ Rose Villa Tavern and park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Kerrie (a little NSFW)

2012-01-19T17:42:00.008Z

One of the first shoots I did with one of my new Creativity Backdrops. Kerrie's amazing face was a pleasure to photograph.. Hope I can work with her again soon! <3

Model: Kerrie @ Adage
Make-up: Rachael Davies
Hair: Martin Bland
Stylist: Sarah Nickolds
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Dagmara in BC

2012-01-16T17:47:00.022Z

First published work of the year! (though the images were taken in 2011).

This was the first shoot Dagmara had done for a couple years, after taking some time out from modelling to take care of her son (sweeeeeet!).

MUA Ami wrote an article for the magazine.

Model: Dagmara Kojda
Make-up, hair and text: Ami Streets
@ Park Studios, Birmingham
© garazi photography 2011

2011 in 12 pictures (plus one for good luck!)

2012-01-12T17:35:00.007Z

The new year has started and and new work will be appearing soon, but I thought a round-up of 2011 would be a good start. These are just some of my favourite images of the year, in no particular order...

[preview]

Model: Skye Victoria
MUA and Hair: Sian Faulkner
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Model: Jenny G @ Profile

MUA: Kenny Leung
Stylist: Sylvester Yiu
© garazi photography 2011

Damian Marquez S/S 2012 campaign

Styling - Krishan Parmar
Grooming - Ami Streets
Model - Jordan Wrightt
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

[preview]

Styling - Krishan Parmar

Grooming - Ami Streets
Model - Jake Hold @ Elite

Model: Jodie @ Bookings

MUA and Hair: Elizabeth Rita
© garazi photography 2011

[preview]

Models: Abi Houghton @ Adage, Charlotte and Ollie @ Alan Sharman

Stylist: Lizzy Gardner

MUA/Grooming: Ami Streets

Hair Stylist: Sally Thomas @ Sally Scissorhands

Photographer's asst: Mark Kiszely

HUF magazine July 2011

Model: Jessica Williams @ MOT
MUA: Ruth Hancox
MUA's assistant: Sasha
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

[preview]

Model: Nicola Wright

MUA and Hair: Roseanna Velin

Photographer's asst: Stacie Walker

@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Milliner: Maggie Bainbridge

Model: Milla Basma
MUA and Hair: Lucy Ridley
Stylist: Sarah Nickolds using Gavin Douglas and Sulaimi Brookman
Photographer's assistant: Stacie Walker
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Kismet Magazine (Oct 2011)

Model: Nicola Wright

MUA and Hair: Becky Hunting
Stylist: Sarah Nickolds using Epoque, Disorder Boutique and Gavin Douglas
© garazi photography 2011

Bahrain Confidential (Sept 2011)

Stylist: Lizzy Gardner

Make-up artist: Laura Cotterill
Hair stylist: Suk Ram
Stylist's asst: Sian Griffiths
Model: Ellie @ Adage
© garazi photography 2011

Model: Ruby @ nevs

MUA and Hair: Roseanna Velin
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Damian Marquez A/W 2011 campaign

Creative Director - Krishan Parmar
Grooming - Ami Streets
Stylists - Victoria Jinks and Rosie Nguyen
Models - Ollie Roddy @ Alan Sharman and Jordan Wrightt
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Liz

2012-01-05T17:30:00.009Z

Here are the three final images that I did for Liz. Her hair is just amazing!

Model / MUA and Hair: Elizabeth Scott @ Adage / Elizabeth Rita
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Joanna Briggs BTS

2011-12-19T17:30:00.000Z

I've shot Joanna before, but this was on a much grander scale. These were promo images and maybe some for her forthcoming album (you can find Joanna's current EP in all major online retailers, including iTunes).

You'll be able to see much more in the actual shots, but I'll leave you with a little taster for now.. I'm in loooove with ALL the clothes!!!

Talent: Joanna Briggs @ LoveRock Records
Stylist: Coline Bach
Hair: Nicole Kahlani @ BLEACH
Nails/Art Direction: Jenny Longworth @ CLM
Make-up: Lucy Bridge @ Jed Root

@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Liz BTS

2011-12-15T17:30:00.003Z

I've worked with Liz many times. She is an awesome make-up artist! And what makes her even more special is that she is also a great model. So when she asked for a couple images for her book, I straight away said yes!

It was very weird to have just one more person in the studio, as Liz did her own make-up. But we had a great time and got some lovely images so I'm really happy!!

Model / MUA and Hair: Elizabeth Scott @ Adage / Elizabeth Rita
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

In the mirror again..

Liz has amazing hair <3

Packing up...

We have hot water in the kitchenette now!!!

Lifestyle fashion BTS

2011-12-12T17:30:00.031Z

This was a big fun shoot! We got access to this beautiful penthouse in the Jewellery Quarter and shot a lifestyle fashion story with 3 great models. Final images will come soon, but here are a few behind the scenes shots (taken by myself and by Mark Kiszely).

Styling: Lizzy Gardner
Make-up and Grooming: Ami Streets
Hair: Sally Thomas @ Sally Scissorhands
Models: Abi Houghton @ Adage, Charlotte and Ollie @ Alan Sharman
Photographer's Assistant: Mark Kiszely
© garazi photography 2011

Lizzy in the lounge before it started pouring with rain!

Charlotte having her hair done.. it was huuuuuuge!

Prep...

Lizzy finalising all the details:

The most amazing kitchen!

Ami having her hair done after the shoot:

Sublime

2011-12-08T17:53:00.002Z

Just a quick post this time.

I've just seen the interview with Elijah Choo, founder of Bodhi, that Sublime magazine have published this issue (my image). It was such a fun shoot, running around at really high temperatures and humidity at the botanical gardens (my camera and lenses didn't really like it though!).

We also shot some of the products (images at the end) which now take pride of place in my bathroom. Beautiful smell!!

Nell

2011-12-05T17:27:00.000Z

These just got published! Been holding on to these images for what seems an eternity, but here they are now.

The incredibly sexy Nell showed off her curves to perfection. Published by Candid Online on their second issue, there are a couple of NSFW shots at the very end of this post (you were warned!).

Model - Nell Nabarro
Make-up and hair - Roseanna Velin
Styling - Marta Szalinska
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Damian Marquez SS12 BTS

2011-12-01T17:32:00.008Z

I just found these in my second camera!! Taken by Kim Jobson while shooting Damian Marquez's SS12 look book.

Designer: Damian Marquez
Creative Director/Stylist: Krishan Parmar
Grooming: Ami Streets
Model: Jordan Wrightt
Photographer's Assistant: Kim Jobson
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Alice and Jodie

2011-11-28T17:30:00.015Z

This was such a lovely shoot!! Both models are stunning and although it was raining we got some amazing shots :D
(some natural shots at the end)

Models: Alice and Jodie @ Bookings
MUA and Hair: Elizabeth Rita
© garazi photography 2011

A little bit of bridal

2011-11-24T17:30:00.024Z

I forgot to post these!

This started as an asian bridal shoot.. But ended looking slightly more subdued in the eye make-up department. I love how Claire looked like a beautiful doll!
The headpieces are from Simply Silver by Heena.

Just a selection..

Model: Claire @ Alan Sharman, Kelly Schembri
Hair and Make-up: Ganga Bhambra
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

BTS Alice and Jodie @ Bookings

2011-11-21T17:33:00.020Z

I've been trying to shoot more on location lately. Since setting up the studio I've been shooting there non-stop, so it's nice to go back to natural lighting!
We had a stunning selection of vintage hats to shoot with, and two beautiful models.. We went for a vintage feel with a bit of a quirky twist. Shame it rained all the way through.. I sympathised with the models and shot in a strappy dress (they had strapless tops on) and now I have an awful cough.. ooooops!!

Models: Alice and Jodie @ Bookings
MUA and Hair: Elizabeth Rita
© garazi photography 2011

Damian Marquez SS12 Look Book

2011-11-16T16:27:00.001Z

This is the lookbook for Damian Marquez's amazing SS12 collection. I'm in love with all the prints!

These aren't on sale yet, but you can buy his AW11 collection HERE. (The mustard jacket is AMAZING and everyone needs one!)

Designer: Damian Marquez
Creative Director/Stylist: Krishan Parmar
Grooming: Ami Streets
Model: Jordan Wrightt
Photographer's Assistant: Kim Jobson
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Luci

2011-11-09T17:11:00.000Z

As a young photographer I started off taking a lot of images of alternative girls with tattoos and bright coloured hair. My style has since changed an awful lot, but I've always wanted to find a commercial looking model with tattoos to do a clean beauty shoot with.

And then I found Luci at a fashion show! She has a stunning face and half a sleeve :D

Model: Luci
Make-up and hair: Becky Hunting
@ Park Studios, Birmingham
© garazi photography 2011

And a few natural shots too! x

Male beauty BTS

2011-11-03T15:40:00.000Z

Sooooo... I've been retouching these lately so I thought I'd post some behind the scenes shots/outtakes.
So much fun with Krishan Parmar, Ami Streets, Jake @ Elite and Toby @ Premier!

Krishan playing Buckaroo with accessories:

Hello?!

Don't ask... Krishan took this one

Boys will be boys..

Chilling..

?!?!?!?

Ami will kill me for posting this one.. :D

Krishan describing 'something'...

Multi-toned conjoined twins..

Team shot (minus Ami).. I managed to nearly disappear!

Damian Marquez SS12 Campaign

2011-10-25T19:05:00.001+01:00

I'm really enjoying shooting men lately. These were taken for Damian Marquez's SS12 campaign at my studio.
Such a fun day!!

Designer: Damian Marquez
Creative Director/Stylist: Krishan Parmar
Grooming: Ami Streets
Model: Jordan Wrightt
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

G team rocks!

2011-10-22T17:15:00.001+01:00

So.... awesome make-up artist Ganga Bhambra (blog HERE) and I spent two days shooting some (supposedly) Asian bridal images this week (the ideas kept changing, ooops!) with lovely models Claire @ Alan Sharman and Kelly Schembri. I'm now spending plenty a sleepless night retouching the images but they are nearly done :D By the way, the lovely headpieces were from Simply Silver by Heena.

We had loads of cinnamon, Michael Jackson and leopard print.. happy faces all around! So I've attached a couple behind the scene images to spread the love..

Model: Claire @ Alan Sharman, Kelly Schembri
MUA: Ganga Bhambra
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Ruby - dark

2011-10-19T15:41:00.000+01:00

Shiny and spangly!
Published in Bahrain Confidential

Model: Ruby @ Nevs
Make-up and hair: Roseanna Velin
@ Park Studios, Birmingham
© garazi photography 2011

Ruby - light

2011-10-16T19:31:00.000+01:00

All shot with lovely natural light!
howcool.it picked it up

Model: Ruby @ Nevs
Make-up and hair: Roseanna Velin
@ Park Studios, Birmingham
© garazi photography 2011

Probably my favourite.... water is fun!

Boys on pink

2011-10-09T19:12:00.001+01:00

It's so much fun shooting boys!

Stylist: Krishan Parmar using clothes by Damian Marquez and Tamara Joseph, and accessories by Hope Rosemary.
Grooming: Ami Streets and Becky Hunting
Photographer's assistant: Stacie Walker
Models: Max (Boss), Charlie (D1) and Callum
@ Park Studios, Birmingham
© garazi photography 2011

Autumnal Nicola

2011-10-03T21:29:00.001+01:00

It seems like these images were shot an aeon ago! But they have just appeared in the International edition of the latest Kismet magazine so it's time to share, share, share!

These were shot in the graveyard next to the studio (though I wanted it to look like a park) and I got an awful lot of mozzie bites on my legs, but the pain (read itch) was worth it! It was my first autumn/winter editorial of the year and it started with a haircut (just the fringe!) for model Nicola by the great MUA and hair lady that is Becky Hunting. Most of the clothes were from Midlands designers including Epoque, Disorder Boutique and Gavin Douglas, and the looks were put together by the lovely Sarah Nickolds.

Ellie

2011-09-06T20:14:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I posted anything... I've been sitting on so many images waiting for publication (are there are so many more to come!!).

These were the first A/W shots I did this year. And it was such a hot day poor Ellie was sweating in all the thick tights!

The images were shot for Bahrain Confidential, and they appear in their September issue. And I also played around with my old film camera to get a couple extra shots (I do love the tone on these!):

This is how they were featured in the magazine:

And these are all the shots:

Stylist: Lizzy Gardner
Make-up artist: Laura Cotterill
Hair stylist: Suk Ram
Stylist's asst: Sian Griffiths
Model: Ellie @ Adage
© garazi photography 2011

Jenny

2011-08-15T15:12:00.000+01:00

At last I have some new images I can release. I'm sitting on so many shoots I feel like the princess from Princess and the Pea; there are millions of mattresses (images) under me!

Anyway, this is the lovely Jenny @ Profile. All the images were shot outdoors with the amazing light and breeze that we were lucky enough to get. The make-up and hair genius is Kenny Leung and the superb stylist was Sylvester Yiu.. With all day entertainment by Kiki, the funniest pug chihuahua cross ever!

I've been gagging to shoot outdoor beauty shots lately, something much more relaxed than the usual studio based glossy images. And I think we managed to capture it perfectly in these images!

Model: Jenny@ Profile

Hair and Make-up: Kenny Leung

Styling: Sylvester Yiu

Damian Marquez aw11 Campaign

2011-07-14T16:28:00.009+01:00

I LOVE how these images came out!!

I'm still working on the lookbook, but these are the campaign shots for amazing menswear designer Damian Marquez's AW11 Collection. It always helps to have a great team, and the whole thing really came together this time.

I really really really want the mustard ponyskin jacket in a girl size (the shoulders are way too big on me)... Might have to get one!!

The images have also been featured in an ever expanding list of blogs.. (I've listed them so I can remember them all!)

Elle China
The Fashionisto
XXO Digital
The Glam Parade
A La Male
Clothes Before Hoes
Bello Mag
Shine
Diary of a Clotheshorse
How Cool
Male Model Scene
Before You Kill Us All
All About Male Photography
art8amby
Modern Destiny
MixMag
The Chronicle Mag
The Best Fashion Blog
Let's Raise Hell In The Streets
Guy-Style
The Pinstripe Prince
The Essentialist

Designer: Damian Marquez
Creative Director: Krishan Parmar
Stylists: Rosie Nguyen and Victoria Jinks
Grooming: Ami Streets
Models: Jordan Wrightt and Ollie Roddy
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

HUF magazine

2011-07-11T15:51:00.000+01:00

Just found out I got another cover this month for online magazine HUF. The images accompany an interview with the amazing make-up artist Ruth Hancox, who I'll be working with again quite soon.

This shoot was soo much fun! We had a paddling pool in the studio to which we had to lower the models into very carefully so that the water wouldn't spill anywhere (I'll just note that the only water spilled all day went all over my foot/fabric pumps.. squelchy!!) and I was standing over them on a stepladder (not keen on heights + water +camera!).

The fabrics and outfits really worked together and the scrumptious cupcakes Ruth made kept my sugar levels buzzing. Thanks to the whole team for this one!!

Faybi and Jess were the loveliest mermaids in town :D

Models: Jessica Williams @ MOT and Faybi Samuda
MUA: Ruth Hancox
MUA's assistant: Sasha
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Damian Marquez aw11 BTS

2011-07-06T23:17:00.000+01:00

This was the most amazing shoot today.. Can't wait to post the finished images :D

Designer: Damian Marquez
Creative Director: Krishan Parmar
Stylists: Rosie Nguyen and Victoria Jinks
Grooming: Ami Streets
Models: Jordan Wrightt and Ollie Roddy
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Front Cover Cosmetics

2011-06-20T12:30:00.001+01:00

This month I got hold of an image I shot for FrontCover Cosmetics, it's available to buy at Boots nationwide. It's on the packaging for their ShadowBase eye primer, which by the way is absolutely lovely (I've been after a decent primer for a while, and this one is perfect for me!). It's easy to apply and all my eyeshadows look gorgeous now!

The stunning model in the image is Nicola Wright and the make up was done by Leanne Shaw. (The product comes on top of the image, but I had to take it off to scan it.. might have to get an image of it sorted soon)

This is the last image I took at the old studio.. around a year ago already! I remember it was on the same day as one of England's games at the World Cup. I took Nicola to the pub after shooting to kick-start her birthday celebrations and it was loud there! But very sunny too!!

Bahrain Confidential June

2011-06-17T16:47:00.000+01:00

Just got back from my holiday to find a surprise new cover shot! I was expecting my beauty story to be printed in the June issue of Bahrain Confidential and then the cover popped up! Woop! (just a little squeal of excitement) I can't wait to receive the printed copies now.

Congrats to the whole team though! Make-up artist Sian Faulkner, hair stylist Martin Bland, stylist Natalie Armin and model Chloe Farnworth @ RMG..

By the way, I think I am hugely jealous of model Chloe's lips.. they are incredible!

Website building

2011-06-02T23:03:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update..
I've had another publication this month, T&M Magazine, a beauty magazine from Canada in their Summer 2011 edition. Two images were published with a How To article on summer looks by make-up artist Sian Faulkner, with models Chloe @ Boss Model Management and Anthea @ RMG.. Can't wait to get the print version!

As a complete computer geek (or something like that), I've been spending some of my spare time making websites for friends and family. Nothing too fancy, but functional and cute enough!

Just this week, make-up artist Becky Hunting's site was launched, as seen HERE. It's a simple and practical design showcasing her work. Hope everyone likes it! And go give her some love!!

xx

Loving the hats!!

2011-05-25T21:20:00.001+01:00

I've been dying to show these images!!

I shot these images about a month ago for milliner Maggie Bainbridge's first collection. I'll post a link to her website once it's done, she needed the images first! Unfortunately for me Maggie moved to Canada about a week after the shoot; I would love to have her around to shoot her stunning headwear!

Sarah Nickolds provided the rest of the clothing, by local designers Gavin Douglas and Sulaimi Brookman, which suited the hats perfectly! I've been working with Sarah quite a lot lately, and her work is great.

I also met make-up artist Lucy Ridley on the shoot and stunning redhead model Milla Basma. Plus Stacie Walker assisted me and took all the behind the scenes images. They all did a lovely job! So happy about everything about this shoot!!

Hats: Maggie Bainbridge
Model: Milla Basma
MUA and Hair: Lucy Ridley
Stylist: Sarah Nickolds using Gavin Douglas and Sulaimi Brookman
Photographer's assistant: Stacie Walker
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

BOYSSS!!! bts

2011-05-18T19:57:00.001+01:00

I forgot to post these a couple weeks ago after shooting these three lovely boys! Quick little preview before the rest are published:

Stylist Krishan Parmar got in touch to shoot Max (Boss), Charlie (D1) and Callum and I couldn't say no! The clothes came from Damian Marquez and Tamara Joseph, with exquisite accessories by Hope Rosemary. Ami Streets and Becky Hunting were in charge of grooming, and Stacie Walker assisted me and took most of the shots behind the scenes.

The final images should be up soon, this is just a little sneak preview!

(hmmm.. I think I look like cousin it after a crop.. I can't seeeeeee!!)

Emily

2011-05-18T15:41:00.000+01:00

This shoot is slightly more commercial than I usually shoot, but it was a fun day so can't complain! The final images aren't as smiley as some I took, but Emily looks stunning in them. And we even used on of the vintage prom/wedding dresses that live in the studio..

The images were shot for the lovely make-up artist Ganga Bhambra. It was great to meet her at long last! And just pure coincidence that when she walked in to the studio Michael Jackson was playing on the old school iMac (I think Ganga 'slightly' likes Michael Jackson.. I spied a banner in her car!). You can follow her blog HERE!

Model: Emily @ Adage
MUA: Ganga Bhambra
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Millinery shoot BTS

2011-05-05T19:55:00.000+01:00

This is one of my favourite shoots ever! The hats that Maggie Bainbridge makes (link to come) are stunning!! I cannot wait till these are retouched and shown to the world.. In the meantime some behind the scenes shots, taken by my lovely assistant Stacie and myself (kept stealing the camera off her, oops!)

My desk

2011-04-26T18:17:00.000+01:00

I was just prepping my bag for the shoot tomorrow and I started playing with my second camera body.. Might have to start taking it along with me on days out.. I missed it!

I ended up taking a couple pics of my desk. No one ever sees it, but it's where I spend a lot of my time! (Plus a little preview on the screen! and a few magazines I've had my work published in).

Holly and Jess

2011-04-14T19:50:00.000+01:00

I'm so proud of this shoot! It just feels scrumptious :D

This was a test shoot with models Holly Subritzky and Jessica Lara from Boss Model Management. The girls were stunning and lovely (and so polite they both arrived early.. maybe too early!).

The super talented Sian Faulkner did the make-up and hair miracles (I wish I could keep her in my cupboard so she could do my make-up every day!). And stylist Sarah Nickolds completed the team (she used loads of Gavin Douglas' vintage collections). This basically meant loads of girly chat all throughout the shoot..

I used my new(ish) beauty dish, which I can't seem to stop using.. It just creates stunning light! And one of the new backdrops that I got from the lovely people at Creativity Backgrounds (really well priced high quality paper drops).

We did go slightly early 80s on the feel of the shoot, but the stunning blouses just screamed power dressing to me.. And we also slipped in a couple of natural shots! I adore the one of both the girls together.. hope you like it too!

Models: Jessica Lara and Holly Subritzky @ Boss Model Management
MUA and Hair: Sian Faulkner
Stylist: Sarah Nickolds using Gavin Douglas
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

Francesca

2011-04-08T21:10:00.000+01:00

I've been dying to show these photos!! But had to wait until they were published..
They can now be seen in FaceON magazine, Issue 6 (that can be purchased here).

These were shot last year, with make-up artist Sian Faulkner and stunning model Francesca from Boss Model Management (who also provided the stunning lips that I showed in February). I loved going in this close, but retouching took a while..

And an extra natural shot too!

Behind the scenes for Joanna

2011-03-31T16:42:00.001+01:00

A couple weeks ago I shot with new artist Joanna Briggs, who has just signed to LoveRock Records. The shoot was to get a main image for the album cover, which is going to be designed by artist Joe Buck. But we also squeezed in a load of promo images, which will be out soon.

The studio became a gypsy/Cath Kidston style house for Joanna to live in (which I want to recreate for myself now!) with loads of prints and floaty fabrics.. Also managed to use my pink dresser in the shots! Can't wait to retouch these! (plus my orange hair looks awesome in the sunshine :D)

Work goes on at the studio while we shoot.. the curtains were up just as we finished :D

Prepping for the shoot..

Joanna on set..

Best fabric ever!

I got the dresser in a load of shots!!

Behind the scenes with Kerrie

2011-03-17T16:09:00.000Z

Tuesday was the first of a load of tests I'm doing in the next few weeks. I'm so happy with the photos, I can't wait to show them!

And I've carried on using a lot of colour (which I keep doing this year!).. which was pretty easy with my lovely new Mandarin backdrop from Creativity Backgrounds.

We had a full team for this one.. Kerrie from Adage was the model, Rachael Davies did the make up, Martin Bland the hair and Sarah Nickolds styled (btw a big well done to Sarah, as this was her first full on shoot and she did amazingly well!).

Here are the behind the scenes images and the final shots will come soon! (sorry for the awful quality phone images.....)

Unfinished side of the studio.. the kitchenette should be finished soon though!

Wardobe:

Martin defies gravity..

Rachael works her magic..

My lovely bright backdrop..

Look no.4 with leopard print snuggie and coffee to warm Kerrie up :D

And a little preview from the back of the camera! xx

L'Oréal Colour Trophy

2011-03-12T15:53:00.001Z

Just a quick post to congratulate Andrea Beers Hair Salon in Kidderminster and Diva Hair Salon in Warwick for getting through to the regional finals of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2011. Hope they both do well there!

The shoots for both the salons were great and here are the final images:

Andrea Beers:

Diva Hair:

Celine

2011-03-10T17:29:00.001Z

I was so so excited when Celine (who I shot last year in Cape Town) got in touch to say she was coming to the UK for a couple days. Her trip was cut short by work in the end, but we still managed to squeeze in half a day of shooting at the studio.

She was unsure about all the images at the beginning, but I then realised that she was underconfident about her newly shaved head! So I sat on the pictures for a little while before retouching to let her grow accustomed to it. She is now keeping her hair even shorter and lighter!

And here they are, a couple fashion shots, a couple beauty ones:

Model: Celine @ Faith (Cape Town)

LFW, Model Mayhem and more..

2011-02-22T20:28:00.000Z

Sooo.... I went to LFW for the first time this weekend and I loved it!! I hope I organise myself better in September and get to go for longer and to more shows. Didn't help that I got lost and that I missed the jazzkatze show that the lovely Krishan Parmar got me into.. But a lovely bouncer let me in to the next show! :D

I also watched a show where Claudia Polo's hats were showcased.. She's a lovely girl that I met last week who makes fair-trade accessories. She's in Ecuador at the minute getting her next collection ready.. looking forward to seeing it!

I managed to squeeze a night out with one of my best friends and also spent a lovely day with make-up artist and beauty writer Ami Streets (including some beautiful mandarin sorbet at Patisserie Valerie).. It was awesome to catch up with her, it's been a while since we last saw each other and we definitely need to shoot together again!

I found an amazing jewellery designer too.. I really really want to shoot her pieces. Email sent, so fingers crossed now!

I didn't take my camera this time, so I only have extremely blurry phone images of the whole weekend, so I'll spare everyone's eyes and keep them safely locked away..

I've also decided to give ModelMayhem one more chance.. It's definitely not what it used to be, and some of the messages I've received on there have been preposterous.. But I've also found some hidden gems in the past.

So I uploaded a load of new images, got rid of old ones and taking the messages with a pinch of salt!
Here is the new page: http://www.modelmayhem.com/357031

And one little image to brighten the post:

Garazi xx

Nicola - Behind the scenes and new studio shots

2011-02-15T17:14:00.001Z

This is probably one of my favourite shoots of this year so far. I love shooting with Nikki, her face is a delight!!

I really want to do more hair photography this year, so this was a great starting point. I also want to use my white backdrop a little less and start making sets etc. This was a little experiment.. I made three different colourful translucent backdrops that worked in conjunction with one another. I'm really awful at crafts but was extremely pleased at the results!!

Here are the final shots:

Model: Nicola W
MUA: Katy Smart
Hair: Martin Bland
@ park studios
© garazi photography 2011

And here are some of the behind the scene shots including the set-up and everyone at work:

Plus a couple sneaky shots of how the studio is coming along (with my overly pink dresser!):

Nicola - pure skin

2011-01-31T17:50:00.001Z

Just realised I never put this story up!

I shot these images in September, it was the first shoot in the new studio.. I wanted to try the new space out, as all studios are different and I wanted to get to grips with this new one!

Nicola got in touch a couple weeks previous to that, wanting to collaborate. Nicola is a photographer so I thought she wanted a photography collaboration, but she's done modelling in the past and this is what she was after! I couldn't say no to her lovely lips!

I decided I really wanted to do some close-up beauty and as I was going through a brown and beige phase we went for an extreme natural look, using just foundation colours and light nude pinks and browns. Becky did all the make-up with her airbrush.. which was a fun experience.. I ended up with a blush leopard print patch on my arm!

Model: Nicola White
MUA: Becky Hunting

@ (new) park studios

Vivienne

2011-01-18T16:40:00.000Z

I got an email from Vivienne about a month ago. She's a gorgeous girl from Cape Town who is signed to Grace Models. Last year I shot Onya from Grace Models while I was in South Africa.. A familiar face from Birmingham that I bumped into on my first night out in Cape Town!

Vivienne told me she was going to visit Europe for a month and wanted to book a little portfolio refresher shoot. It turned out to be my first 2011 shoot in a very chilly studio! All I wanted throughout the shoot was to go back to Cape Town to sunbathe and shoot amazing models in amazing locations.. Oh well! At least we injected some colour into the shoot to make up for the grey Brummie skies!

We shot some natural beauty shots and then went OTT with colour to show off Vivienne's tan.. Enjoy!

Camilla pt.2

2011-01-13T16:55:00.001Z

So... I've been itching to show these images, but had to wait until they were published! And can't wait to get the printed version :D

These were the main part of the beauty shoot with Camilla from Boss Model Management. I'd been wanting to do a nail shoot for a while and these deep colours were perfect for winter. They have been published in Bahrain Confidential (who has the loveliest editor!) which in the UK can be found at Harrods.

I also found out today that an image I took for Diva Hair for last year's L'Oreal Colour Trophy is being published in a couple mags this month and next month. Need to get hold of them now! And it's also got me itching to do more hair shoots this year.. Hair is a nightmare to retouch, but I do love shooting it!!

As for the studio, I'm going on a massive shopping trip to get bits and pieces soon, and I'm hoping I'll have stunning piccies of it in a month or two. It is a little chilly here in the winter, but most studios are! The great big windows are worth it too :D

Garazi xx

Make-up artist: Sian Faulkner

Hair stylist: Martin Bland

Model: Camilla @ Boss Model Management

Photography: Garazi

@ park studios, Birmingham

Camilla pt. 1

2010-12-08T17:07:00.002Z

Camilla is a lovely model, a complete pleasure to work with! And I had a lovely team for the beauty shoot with her. Sian Faulkner did the make-up and Martin Bland sorted out all hair issues!

This is pt. 1 of Camilla's shoot, a nice natural shot and Sian Faulkner's article for Lifestyle Monthly (December).

Make-up artist: Sian Faulkner

Hair stylist: Martin Bland

Model: Camilla @ Boss Model Management

Photography: Garazi

@ park studios, Birmingham

And a couple of behind the scenes shots.......

On another note... studio is slowly coming along! Today I put the clothes rail together, but need more clothes on the hangers!! And there are now plans for a changing room.. And I'm hoping to finish painting my dresser soon, so all my mags can live nicely together :D

Garazi xx

Ellie and Olivia @ Adage

2010-10-17T18:54:00.001+01:00

I am trying to post as much as possible but life seems to get in the way all the time. Today's images are over a month old now!!
I had a mad week shooting when I moved to the new studio to test the new space and the amazing natural light available with the huuuge sexy windows. These images are not a set, rather a collection of images that helped me find what I wanted from the studio.

The models were the lovely Ellie and Olivia from Adage (thanks to Tracie and Leah). Such sweet girls! Since shooting the TWINS story I was looking forward to doing another double beauty shoot.
Liv and Ellie look very young and fresh, so make-up artist Becky got the airbrush out and did the most incredible natural make up with light eye colour.. and we just set the fan free on the girls hair.

I used a lot of available light and these were the results:

Kismet magazine

2010-10-01T22:45:00.000+01:00

I've been itching to post these images online!!!
I've had to wait till Kismet (a lovely online magazine) published them though, in their Netherlands edition. Waiting is the part of having images published which I hate the most!

Anyway.. I'm hoping that now I've started posting again I'll make it a regular thing.

As mentioned in a post a while back I got a stupendous team together for a black and white themed shoot, and although we had to shoot in my living room (just to remind myself of old times!) the images were even better than I'd hope for. Thanks soooo much to Sonara Parker, Martin Bland, Nicola and Sophie!!

And I'm working with Sonara and Martin again next week so can't wait for that to happen!

You can find the magazine at www.kismetmagazine.nl (our story is near the end)

And here are the images:

Damian Marquez SS11 lookbook

2010-09-25T17:52:00.000+01:00

It's been a long time since I've written anything but it's all been a little bit mad this summer. The building our original studio was at closed down at the end of June, so it was a mad scramble to find a new place! But we are now in a bigger, nicer building, with the most amazing windows ever! There's still a little bit of work to do till the room is perfect, but the stress of the move was definitely worth it!!

The room has inspired me to shoot a little differently now. I used to mainly work with white backdrops and flash heads, but the lovely windows in this new Park Studios mean that I'm shooting much more with natural light.

I've done a few tests in these first few weeks to get familiarised with the space and I'll be posting the images here soon (retouch retouch retouch at the moment!).

But for now here are the images I shot for designer Damian Marquez's SS11 look book. I loved the stripy jackets! (and this shoot has made me want to shoot men again :D)

Damian Marquez S/S 2011

Model - Andrew Palmer
Grooming - Becky Hunting
Wardrobe - George Hill & Holly Smith
Creative Director - Krishan Parmar
@ (new) park studios
© garazi photography 2010

Nikki and Sohui

2010-07-20T18:49:00.000+01:00

Last week was exciting as a I shoot I had planned with MUA Sonara Parker last year finally came to fruition!

We both appeared to have the same black and white vintage looking swimming cap so we decided to do a black and white themed double beauty shoot. We had loads of trouble looking for models but finally we settled on Sohui and Nicola. Which was a perfect pairing for me.. they have the same skin tone! Plus I love working with Nicola and I couldn't wait to work with Sohui (who now has amazing bleached eyebrows <3).

The team was completed by hair stylist Martin Bland.

Unfortunately I was unable to shoot this in my studio so it was a cramped lounge to remember old times! I can't believe I haven't shot at home since last December! It was weird but exciting at the same time..

The images turned out great, and I'm retouching them as we speak, but I have plenty of backstage images to share.. Including some wig shots (btw they are dodgy phone shots!) xx

WIIIIIIGGGSSSS:

FREAKY HANDS!!

CAPS:

And a tiny little preview.. only small until they are published!

Portfolio shoot with the lovely Pru

2010-06-28T19:29:00.000+01:00

I've been very busy this last week, but none the shoots can be posted.. For a while at least!!

And I've been going crosseyed with retouching lately.. I think I'll post some before/after images in next week's post (any techniques you'd like to discuss??).

A couple weeks back I shot some images for Pru's Portfolio with MUA Becky Hunting. It was a lovely hot day and we did a few looks, including some striking beauty shots! And Pru showed how easy jumping shots can be :D

Leila

2010-06-08T16:59:00.000+01:00

Last week I did a shoot for the lovely Leila, who wanted a few headshots and beauty shots to complete her portfolio.

We did four different looks with MUA Ami Streets.

A natural look:

Pink lips (my fave, I love the shiny cheekbones!):

Blue eyes:

And a tribal look:

Leila was lovely to work with!

And she told me she's also looking forward to shooting with Team Binkertson this year.

Just finishing the retouch on another client shoot.. they'll be up soon!

In the meantime, I've just updated my website with a few new fashion, beauty and hair images.

Lime Crime

2010-05-04T17:58:00.001+01:00

A while back I emailed Doe Deere from NY cosmetics company Lime Crime. They make some amazing coloured lipsticks and eye dusts! I'm converted :D

She was lovely enough to send me and MUA Becky Hunting some products to shoot. I also got stylist Rachael Sadler involved and after a long search for a redhead model (which I really wanted for this shoot) I found Daisy Pettinger!

It was a nightmare to get a date sorted for this shoot.. Coordinating four busy people and getting a date that suited us all meant about 100 emails! (OK, not quite that many! But it was close) And in the end a stye meant we had to reschedule..

I made a neckpiece out of vintage sherry/port glasses and Rachael brought all the other jewellery. The shoot went amazingly well and here are the four final images:

Please check out my website!

26 is a good age to start a blog

2010-05-02T16:12:00.000+01:00

For some reason last week I decided it was a good idea to start writing a blog. I'm not the kind of person that likes writing on the computer too much and I'm also one of those people that start things and never finishes them, but I decided that 26 is a good age to start a blog.

Hi! I'm Garazi and I'm a female photographer based in Birmingham, UK. This year has been very exciting so far, including the opening of the new studio (more posts on that to come!), shooting in Cape Town (South Africa) and waiting for the first book with my image on the cover to be released later this month.

Last week included a client shoot with the lovely Lucy (which I'll finish retouching later) and an amazing beauty shoot with make-up artist Sian Davies, model Alison from Adage, hair stylist Sally Thomas and stunning flowers from Solitaire Flowers in Harborne (Birmingham). Previews will be posted soon.. as I'm catching up with retouching a load of shoots I did in London the week before, before my computer decided to through a complete wobbly!

So more images will be on the way as I start completing all the shoots! This seems like a very image lacking first post from a photographer, but it's a start! :D