CT Creative Talent Magazine
Meet our Cover Star Combat Games Playing with a Full Deck
issue 21 SEP 14
The Fashion Magazine with Creative Flare
1 2 e
u s Is
Welcome to the MOVEMENT issue of Creative Talent Magazine Creative Talent, or CT Magazine, is the brain child of North Yorkshire based fashion, advertising and pinup photographer Sean J Connolly.
Wecome to the 21st issue and sadly the end of Summer. But don't If you would like to have your work featured in a future issue worry! We have some great features get in touch, we are always looking for photographers, to cheer you up, including the great models, make up artsts, stylists, designers, writers, bloggers, well you get the idea. So if you want to showcase your work to work of fashion photographer Alex Moldovan, who as this month's the world, get in touch. cover star has some fantastic active shots for his feature.
How Do I Get Involved? EASY!
And if you like mud you are going to love the photo editorial by 1. Like us www.facebook.com/CTFashionMagazine Phoenix Storm: 'Combat Games'.
2. Follow us www.twitter.com/CT_FashionMag
I personally love the editorial by Taz Photo entitled 'Playing with a Full 3. Email us your work getinvolved@CTMagazine.co.uk Deck' � showing such an imagination that has produced a Also don't forget to share our website result we have not seen before..
www.ctmagazine.co.uk
Sean J Connolly, Editor www.seanjconnollyphotography.co.uk www.twitter.com/SeanJC Becky Magson, Copy Editor BeckysBoudoir.com
COVER CREDIT
Model: Hannah Michael Photographer: Alex Moldovan Photography
Please remember to show your support of all the featured creatives and spread the Creative Talent word by following and sharing our social channels!
FEATURES
IN THIS ISSUE
4 - COVER STAR
Alex Moldovan - Fashion Photographer
20 - LONDON FASHION MODEL Nadia Achha
26 - COMBAT GAMES
Photo Editorial by Phoenix Storm
32 - PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK Photo Editorial by Taz Photo
36 - ANGELS OF DREAMS
Photo Editorial by Phyllis Wong
ON THE COVER
4 Meet our Cover Star
20 Combat Games
32 Playing With A Full Deck
ALEX MOLDOVA
When I heard the theme of this issue was movement I was jumping round for joy. I’d been meaning to do a photoshoot with dancers for months and finally everything was in place. Movement covers a very broad range within photography, everything from sports and general people getting on with their lives to things like moving landscapes. To me, capturing movement has always been the framing of something chaotic in a calm environment. With my editorial I tried to portray a sense of calm within every photo, whilst asking the talented Hannah Michael to do massive jumps and mind boggling moves (I am honestly jealous of anyone that can dance so well). Shooting on the streets of Manchester allowed a setting of familiarity with the cityscape behind Hannah, giving the idea that a dancer could be walking down the street next to you and you wouldn’t know what they are capable of. As a final note I would like to thank CT Magazine for choosing to feature my work in this wonderful issue, it’s these sorts of opportunities that encourage me to push my photography further with each shot. I also look forward to flicking through the magazine to see everyone else’s work. Photography Alex Moldovan Photography Model Hannah Michael
AN - FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
Facebook/Alex.A.M.Photography
Photography Alex Moldovan Photography Model Hannah Michael
Photography Alex Moldovan Photography Model Hannah Michael
Summers
Photography Alan A Lockha
Gone By
art
Model Rebecca Taylor
Model Alex Grey Photographer Jody Wright MUA Rebekah Deponeo
Summertim
Photography Evelyn M. Woz Models Claire Gaskin
me Travels
zny (Kaitlyn Alice Photography) ng, Daniel David Willis
Model Bethany (Elixir Tattoos) Photography Foto Couture Dress Polka Dot Polly
Photographer Shane Reynolds (Angelic Smiles) Model Jade Colcombe
Photographer LeLe photography www.facebook.com/lelephotos Model Danielle Fiore www.facebook.com/daniellefiorefotomodella
Models Danny Dobson (Mr Supernational 2014) Miranda Wright-Murray Photography Nigel Harvey (NPH Studios Beccles) Location Beccles Airfield
Model Sir Boi (Aesthetic Calirty Ltd) Photography Toya Harvey (Oxyte Photo)
Photographer Colin Webster (Zaki) Model Pinklilith
Photography Trev Wordley www.facebook.com/trev.wordley Model Freespirit purpleport.com/portfolio/freespirit
Model Kailey Finch Photography TJ du Plessis
Nadia Achha - Fashion Model - London / Bristol
Nadia_saraphenia_achha@hotmail.com 足 purpleport.com/portfolio/nadiaachha/
Model / MUA Nadia Achha Photography Rodney Pedroza www.facebook.com/rodneypedrozaphotography How did you get into modelling and how long have you been doing it? I entered a modelling competition at the age of 14 reaching the international semi- finals but couldn't attend as I had a planned trip around France. Then got asked to attend 'Miss Universe GB' at 19 but was again unable as I was set for Southeast Asia for two months! I freelance model beauty or commercial type shoots usually, but I really enjoy doing shoots that hold a real artistic value where everyone involved can experiment and create new concepts.
Do you prefer working on location or in a studio? Location work is fantastic because essentially you're creating your own unique backdrops that will be different in every shot. Also every photographer won't take the same shot. Location shoots allow for both you and the photographer to explore a city with more of an artistic eye; you're looking for things that you wouldn’t usually be keen to stare at for 10 minutes otherwise, and therefore you shift perspective many times - which is beautiful! Another positive attribute to working outside is the natural light which can be absolutely wonderful, plus editing can be kept at a minimum, if needed at all! The image here (left) was taken in a tucked away building where the light shined through one end and allowed for the subject matter (me) to be completely lit up so my eyes are penetrating. What is the furthest place you have travelled for a shoot? When I lived in Bristol permanently I travelled to London which at the time was a big thing, but now I travel all over the place! What preparations do you do before a shoot? No one wants to photograph a model that looks unkempt - un-shaved legs, armpits, three day old hair - unless that benefits the concept of course! And no photographer wants to spend extra time on Photoshop trying to remove them, so I always make sure I am tidy and the best 'canvas' I can be. What do you think makes a good model? Confidence and a willingness to move around and explore just as much as the photographer does, and a good attitude doesn't go amiss. What's been your most favourite shoot? Definitely my shoot with Rodney, the photographer of this picture displayed. We shifted around Liverpool Street in London for about 3 hours and found some of the best locations all within 30 seconds of each other. It was fun and enjoyable and everything I expect from Art. I discovered places that I didn't even know existed. Plus, the natural light that day was perfect so I knew the images would be wonderful. Who is your favourite fashion designer and why? My fascination with surrealist art started as a child and continues into the present day, and inevitably my favourite designers all focus their work around the surrealist movement. I enjoy the fashion brought to the catwalk by Viktor & Rolf, the way in which they explore fashion, manipulate material and create clothing is brilliant, and their whacky, new designs successfully show the power of the imagination whilst simultaneously allowing my imagination to spark off into different ways of thinking - a designer that enables me to experience that shift in perspective is key. Art is my passion, and modelling is another way in which I can explore and expand that passion, so I am always looking to participate and help in creating new ideas or bringing to life new concepts.
Model Samantha Fisher Photography Birmingham Fotography
Samantha Fisher - Fashion Model - West Midlands UK How did your modelling begin? It was something I wanted to do in my final year at school, but I got mocked horrendously for it. I was later asked to model in my photography course at college and thoroughly enjoyed it. I discovered a few modelling networks and have been modelling on and off for six years now. What are your modelling interests? My main and favourite type of modelling is tasteful glamour, but I enjoy lingerie and fashion modelling too. I have also worked as a promo model and am happy to try different styles, up to my top level of implied topless. Do you prefer working on location or in a studio? I prefer location, weather depending, such as the beach, but as long as there's tea, I'm happy! What do your friends and family think of you being a model? My family are proud of what I've achieved by myself and enjoy seeing my new photos. I think some of my friends get as excited as I do when I get the photos back from a shoot, which is really nice. What is the furthest place you have travelled for a shoot? Wales, in search of various lakes and also the coast for beach shoots. What preparations do you do before a shoot? I pack all my gear the night before to make sure I have everything ready. I put oil or serum on my hair to give it more shine and exfoliate my hands and face. I also play my favourite songs really loud whilst I put my make-up on and style my hair. What do you think makes a good model? I think someone who is natural in front of the camera, not awkward; fun and confident, with good expressions and ideas. I'm not keen on fake tan. What's been your favourite shoot? Anything at the beach! I've worked with great photographers so couldn't choose a favourite. Who is your favourite fashion designer and why? I really like the outfits made by Wicked Lester Clothing, not a top designer but the edgy stuff is my favourite style. As well as a model, I'm also a HGV driver for a food company, which I love just as much as modelling. I spend the rest of my time either with my gorgeous horses, out in my American sports car (a Pontiac Trans Am) or riding my 750cc Virago motorbike. I also have a keen interest in photography and an obsession with make-up.
www.facebook.com/Samanthajf.xx
Photographer Laura J Photography Model Kirsty Whitelegg MUA Rach Sherratt Outfit Lovechild Boudoir
Margo R Photography "I came to England from Poland in 2007 which was a huge challenge. I needed to leave my family, friends and the comfort of my well know life behind, but my passion and excitement pushed me and I went for it. I have overcome barriers such as difficulties in language, environment and culture. Since living in this country my interest in photography, fashion and art has developed as my work features the cultural and environmental differences between the UK and my home country, which I find fascinating. That's why I'm inspired by people who are confident and never give up on achieving their goals: people who are not afraid to be different and colourful, and those people are usually my models. From a young age I have been fascinated by the worlds of fashion and photography. My first camera at 13 years old turned into my passion as I grew up. I believe that photography is not about having a nice camera and a perfect model to take a photo of. It's more about ability to capture beauty, express emotions and create a magical break from the every day form. Photography is a live form of art and behind the images are hidden stories, moments of ours lives with thousands of meanings for each of us. As a life-loving woman of uncommon sensitivity I try to produce photos that encourage people to discover the beauty of life itself and bring more joy into the word."
Model Kasia Photography Margo R Photography
s e m a G t a b m Co
Female Squaddie and Original Concept Phoenix Storm Lead Male Matt Warren Medic Dan Smith Squaddies Sean Kerry, James Howe, Chris Walton Special Thanks Combat Action Games (Felthorpe) https://www.facebook.com/combatactiongames?fref=ts Enola Gaye for providing the smoke bombs David Cook (www.facebook.com/david.cook.92754?fref=ts) John ‘Gunny’ Bloomfield for advice and guidance with all the kit
Phoenix Storm The idea for this Combat Shoot came about in December. As a model I was struggling with inspiration for different concepts which would grab peoples’ attention. Following much thought and deliberation, hours of research online, and input from my partner, I decided I wanted to do a combat shoot. I did not want to project a pro-war or anti-war view on the subject, instead depict a love story within a military situation. Originally this was only going to be a small project, with just myself, a male model and a photographer, but it turned out much bigger than we anticipated.
Good friend, John 'Gunny' Bloomfield, used to be in the Territorial Army so I figured he would be the go-to guy to get a realistic look on the project, and to gain as much information as possible. He was amazingly helpful, even as far as helping us develop the kit and the scenario, and has been invaluable to this project. It was decided we would need more men and somewhere convincing to shoot. John suggested we try an airsoft base as they would have all the bases set out and they would also have men who may be interested in being a part of the project, so that's what we did. I found an Airsoft local to myself: Combat Action Games, in Felthorpe. I contacted them and the owners, Sean and Sonya Kerry, were extremely kind and could not help us enough.
After I had been down to view the site it was clear that this would be an amazing setting for our shoot. The owners even spread the word with the men that go to shoot there, and had an overwhelming response. We arranged the day and developed a story for the whole set, which you can see here: an emotional, thought provoking, somewhat challenging story to watch, done in a realistic and sympathetic way. We even had the help of an amazing local videographer, Daniel Cotton, to help us make a short video to better illustrate the photos. This will be available on my Facebook page and also Daniel's Facebook page in the next couple of weeks. We hope you love the pictures as a great deal of love, time and great effort from everyone went in them, and I can only thank everyone involved from the bottom of my heart!
See more of my work at
www.phoenixstorm.co.uk or www.facebook.com/phoenixxstorm
Dark Queen
Model Claire Roberts Photography Sonia Nicholson MUA SJB Makeup Hair Stylist AMP Hair
Snow White
Photo Editorial by Daniel Moore - www.facebook.com/dndvisuals Models Rianna Lee and Chelsey Marie
Playing with a Full Deck! Photo Project by Taz Photo
Year One
The idea first came to me while shooting a fashion show in Italy where I saw the clothes on the rails that had attached little photos of each of the girls to show who was to wear what clothes. At the end of each rail was an A4 print out of the profile photos and I thought to myself that they looked like playing cards. I realised a deck of playing cards with models would be an interesting and novel idea that I hadn’t seen done before and so the project was born. I decided that it would be a pretty simple shoot individually, though the project itself quite large, and as such I thought it might be the perfect opportunity for both established and new models to the scene to get a taste of how everything worked and to interact with others in a fairly easy going environment. I created a webpage for people to sign up for the project (I needed 54 models including the jokers) and got a huge response of well over 100 applications from all levels of models. Once that was sorted out I sent out the emails to everyone and got them to pick the cards they wanted, again from a webpage I wrote specifically for this, which showed the unpicked cards left in the deck, and once everyone was sorted out I organised a day for the shoot and set the times for each of the models.
I got requests from makeup artists wanting to help out on the project which I was delighted about. After everything was organised the project pretty much went smoothly. We had a system going where the makeup artists worked together as the models arrived and they were able to see the shoot from where they worked which added to the overall atmosphere. For the first card shoot - the Queens - I was loaned outfits from the amazing designer Claire Garvey which looked fantastic. The makeup artists worked exceptionally hard non-stop over 2 days and I have to give credit to them as without the crew - Joanne Collins, Joanne Fitzgerald, Erika Matuskova, Eilis Downey and Aoife Edgewood - and hair styled by Ioana Filip, I'd have been lost. I made sure to credit whoever worked on each card on the actual deck of cards and also all makeup artists names and numbers were printed on the back of the cards so that any models needing a makeup or hair person had a few contacts. As I neared the end of the first shoot a friend of mine, Stephen Saleh, who is fantastic with graphic design, sent me a design for the backs of the cards which really added to the whole look of the decks.
Year Two
The project was so popular in year one that I decided to do it again this year,having only just finished it all and now waiting on the decks to be delivered. This year the demand for sign-ups was just as many but I discovered that I had more males wanting in which helped to get the Jacks and Kings. I decided to spread the shoot over 3-4 days as the workload was a little more than anticipated last year so I had learned that lesson well. Again this year, I asked any black card models to come in a black outfit and any red cards to come in a red outfit. The models looked after their own wardrobe and glanced over last year’s decks for ideas on how to pose, although I found they were a little more imaginative this time around with more varied poses and looks on the cards. There is a lot of anticipation from everyone looking for the decks to arrive. This year’s makeup team was: Joanne Collins, Amy Hutch, Julie Corp-Heffernan and Michelle Linnane. The shoot was set out to be just for fun with no profits made from it, although I did charge the models cost price for the decks of cards as it was quite an expensive project.
Angels of Dreams by Phyllis Wong www.phyllisphotography.com
Phyllis Wong is a photographer and retoucher based in Sydney and Hong Kong. Her work in commercial photography specialises in fashion, performing arts, architecture and portraiture. Phyllis has built a portfolio of work that explores functionality and aesthetic details in different visual styles, and a wide variety of subject matter. Phyllis began her career in urban design and planning, where she developed an artistic sensitivity for the interactive relationship between people, nature and the constructed urban environment. She creates images using the aesthetic of her subjects to tell stories about them. Her style is distinctive and her retouching skills take the visual qualities of her subjects to a new height. Phyllis is enthusiastic about her evolving skills, and is eager to embrace different aspects and genres of photography. In her various studies Phyllis explores her fascination with fashion, design, gender and representation. Her philosophy is to examine the concurrent concealment and exposure of clothing design in order to dissect the body and its relationship with people’s perspectives on power relations in society. In Phyllis’s portfolio you will see her interpretations of gender, environment, and traditions.
Phyllis’ Projects highlights:
Published in Seekme Magazine 2014, Freque Magazine Vol 3, 2013 Promotional shots for Márquez Laundry Theatre Company’s April 2013 production Macondo’s Clothesline Published and featured in LivStyle Magazine Autumn issue 2013 Photographing runway shows at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013 and 2014, Fashion Palette 2013, Australian Graduate Fashion Week (agfw) 2012 and Whitehouse Design Institute 2012 Photographic artwork exhibited at Global Gallery, Paddington NSW Actors headshots and promotional shots for Actors College of Theatre and Television (ACTT) Lookbook for online store stylekick.com.au Assisting celebrity photographer Fabrizio Maltese at Sydney Film Festival 2012 Lookbook and models’ portfolio for Ikon Fashion Agency Listed artist at Archetype Gallery
Credits
Photography Phyllis Wong MUAH Jessica Figueiredo Models Courtney, Emily, Hanna, Telika (Ikon Model, Australia) Stylists Malgosia Szczerbicki and Anna Szczerbicki
How did you get into modelling? I was brought up in a modelling family so the industry has also been around me. Ever since I was young I wanted to model and with the support of my family members and friends I went into discover the modelling world for myself. I have modelled for two years with great determination and succeeded with becoming a published model. I work internationally, now being agency represented. I model commercial, fashion and editorial with the occasional beauty shoot and vintage pin up, being lucky enough to model for some great people such as the RAF Benevolent Fund (Pin up girl calendar), a commercial shoot for Mio Destino (http://www.miodestino.com) as well as hair shows for Salon International, Wella and Fellowship Magazine. Do you prefer Working on location or in a studio? Both sets carry their own unique qualities. Location is less controlled with an ever changing background so there's always lots to work with, and who doesn’t love natural light! But the studio is more controlled with what you want to achieve and some amazing things are created with good lighting set ups. What do your friends and family think of you being a model? Friends and family have been the support that make me want to strive and become the best I can. My modelling makes my parents very proud and my boyfriend loves a good brag of the title of 'my girlfriend's a model' - haha. Where is the furthest your modelling has taken you? The furthest I’ve travelled for a shoot was Switzerland and what an incredible place it was! Though I must say, the drive to Newcastle for a shoot felt further away from home. What preparations do you do before a shoot? There's so much preparation to do before a shoot, some to be done just before and others that you have to do all the time. Being a model you have to be in good shape so keepihg fit is always key as is looking after your skin. The sort of day before preparations depends on the type of shoot, if a test shoot I’ve organised with a team of just me and the photographer I have to sort out outfits having them washed and ironed and ready to go as well as make up and hair preparations. What do you think makes a good model? The three Cs: communication is key; being able to have a good relationship with the team and also being comfortable speaking to and meeting new people. Commitment, including looking after yourself and updating social media. Always putting yourself out there and into peoples minds and being confident in everything, especially poses, knowing which is the best angle that works for you and having a continuous change in expression. Do you have a favourite shoot? I enjoy every one of my shoots, never to this day had a bad shoot, although I think the Switzerland shoot was maybe the best as I was treated like royalty for three days in an amazing house with amazing food and the experience of a new place and new people! Who is your favourite fashion designer and why? Chanel of course! The clothes are always such an inspiration to me and the catwalk set just gone - walls made up of white flowers! - Chanel is always out there to impress.
www.facebook.com/charlottemaymodel
Charlotte May Godfrey - Fashion Model - Guildford
Photography Mark B
Model Charlotte Raven Photographer Basia Pawlik MUAH Farzana MUA
Photographer Phil D Model Porcelain Raven Location Paris, France
Photographer Rog Smith Photography Model Millie-Jo Stone Model used with permission by Stacey Stone (parent)
Body Paint / MUA / Photography Ann Hutton Photography Mentors Kev Richardson, Lindsay Robson Model Katy Baker