Here is a photo from my recent bodypaint shoot. I wanted a strong Japanese theme, with white skin influenced by geisha, acting as a canvas for the Japanese flowers across Alex’s face and body. The fan, flowers and chopsticks enhance the flavour, to create a set of images that I love. The girls were amazing. Annco did the bodypaint and make up on our model Alex Brooks. We had a lot of fun shooting this. We originally intended to shoot outside, but after discussing the timid nature of most Japanese people (even in Tokyo) we decided that it was probably too confronting to photograph a ‘naked’ woman outside. We decided to shoot in Annco’s apartment against a perfect white wall, and the other 3 walls were close enough to act as a soft box with the single Speedlight flash. Thanks to the girls. Read More
Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the kimono shoot I did on Sunday. Naomi, the stylist is a professional kimono dresser in Tokyo. I now understand why you need a license to dress kimonos – the number of layers required, and the skill involved in all the folding and tying is phenomenal. Shoko did a great job assisting Naomi (and me) and Hideyuki did a wonderful job on Aya’s hair and make up. The first theme was sporty, and the styling included wired shoelaces in Aya’s hair and Nike high top sneakers. The second merged Chinese and Japanese traditional styles to create a uniquely classic look. With two sets of make up, hair and kimono, it was a long day but we all had a lot of fun and I’m really happy with the photos we finished with. (Wherever you are in Tokyo, there are always onlookers) Read More
I have been really busy lately shooting for my Japan Fashion photo book, which I am aiming to publish next year. It’s been really exciting, and I’m really happy with the results of all the shoots so far. It’s also given me the opportunity to work with a whole lot of beautiful, talented people. I have been meeting with some amazing fashion designers in Tokyo, planning shoots for the coming weeks, so watch this space for updates. Pic: This is Tsuya, a lovely actress from Tokyo. We had a lot of fun spending a day shooting around Tokyo with her cosplay outfits (Japan has a big sub-culture of girls dressing up as characters from anime – her outfits on the day ranged from a maid to gothic). If anyone has any info or advice on publishing that would be greatly appreciated. I have a fair idea of how to find a publisher, but it is my first book so I’m open to any advice. x Alicia Read More
Yesterday I had an amazing day in Tokyo, meeting a whole lot of interesting young people. They have a lot to say to the world, and they choose to do say it through the way they dress. Many of the teenagers here spend six days a week at school, after school club sports and study classes. Sunday is their only day off and they choose to express their individuality through extreme dress. A lot of the costumes are based on anime characters. Animation is unbelievably popular in Japan, amongst children, teenagers and adults. Kids in Harajuku, Tokyo ‘become’ their characters once a week, and hang around other people doing the same – From cute dolls with pink hair, to gothic-like characters covered in piercings. Anything goes! -Alicia Read More