Exactly one week left until Christmas and I don’t feel bad talking about it now.

It will be Jessica-Leigh’s first Christmas which makes it even more exciting for us here. She won’t have a clue what it’s all about but I plan on taking lots of pictures for her to look back on when she’s older and I hope that she will have a very distant memory of something fun this year. But, it’s highly likely she will just try and eat the wrapping paper.

Jessica-Leigh is six months now. Time has flown and it feels like only yesterday I introduced you all to her! She’s now weaning and almost crawling. Her hair is finally growing and her sense of humour is as vibrant as her first week with us.

Remember horsie from the moses basket? He was big and taking up all of the room in her first week.

Well I think he’s got his commupense as Jessica-Leigh eats him. She’s been planning it for months.

Our tree is up and she loves to look at the twinkly lights. The cats however see it as a new thing to attack and want to pull all the baubles off. Glen and Beth eat the Lindt chocolates. Everyone is happy in their own way.

In the light of the Christmas tree, Jessica-Leigh sleeps like her daddy.

Winding down the year with my usual tradition, I’m in the process of compiling all my favourite pictures of 2011 in the next week or so. I’m also taking on bookings and planning fun projects for 2012. Drop me a line at marie@mariegc.com or fill in the contact form if you’ve got something in mind you’d like to work with me on.

Have a super Christmas every one!

Mx

A little perturbed by the title of my post? Fear not, I will explain.

I shot Godsized at their final show of 2011 and the debut show with their new drummer – Dan.

Arriving at The Borderline, London (after resisting the awesome Crobar next door for a sneaky drink) Eye for an Eye were just wrapping up their set.

The guys were in good spirits in the dressing room

I went to say hey to Dan and introduce myself. He’s a complete dude, and has the coolest story to tell about James Hetfield that I’ve ever heard.

It then got a bit manic backstage and it was time to get ready. They all have their own ways to prepare for a show.

Even guys take care of their hair y’know!

Glen – “Dude, that’s the most amount of drumsticks i’ve ever seen! aaand what’s that you’ve got there?”

Dan – “Sex Wax. I rub it on my drumsticks”

I’m sure there was a reason why, but I can’t remember. So if you know, enlighten me please!

Dan continues to rub his drum sticks with the Sex Wax and Glen drinks a lot of water. Don’t be fooled, these guys can drink a venue dry, but when it comes to Glen looking after his voice and them keeping hydrated, they drink a lot of water. Except Neil maybe. I can’t say I’ve seen him drink much water at all!

Super Nige makes sure they all have water on stage. He’s not called Super Nige for nothing! Nigel is generally helping with shifting gear, helping backstage and is a great laugh and fun to be around.

Almost time for stage. Rich, longtime friend and guitarist from DogState pops in to say a quick hi and have a drink.

A big mass of busyness, then all is quiet for Dan to warm up on his practice pads before stage.

Show time!!

You can check out the show pics here

Mx

I’m still buzzing from the show last night!

The last time I saw Godsized play was the 2nd week into their 6 week UK and Europe Tour with Black Label Society. Super stoked to be celebrating the end of year show with them and also shoot pics with drummer – Dan – on his debut show. They’ve picked up quite a fair few fans on their way around Europe, including a guy who traveled from Kazakhstan to see them here in London. I was honoured to meet him.

Playing on the same night as Steel Panther, Motley Crue and Def Leppard; Godsized still managed to pack the Borderline and ensure it would be a sweat-fest, with fans singing and shouting along, along with plenty of opportunities to eat your neighbours’ hair as it was being whipped around!

Let’s get down to the pics…

(click to view bigger)

The guys did me proud.

Sorry, what was that? Motley who?

Set list for the night was:

—

Soul Taker

Phoney Tough

Fight & Survive

No Reprieve

Last Goodbye

So I’m Told

Still Waiting

Heavy Load

Brothers in Arms

Walking Away

Head Heavy

Encore – Bleed on the Inside

—

Godsized will be on tour with My Ruin in January. Be sure to catch them won’t you! I will be at a couple of the shows.

Mx

Last weekend was my first show back in the photo pit since maternity leave. What a great return to live show photography it was too!

I was shooting for Terrorizer at Wembley Arena, London, for the ‘Eighth Plague Tour’ – Darkest Hour, Devil Driver, Bring me the Horizon and then Machine Head to headline.
Obviously I can’t show you all the pics but here’s a few sneaky ones. The rest will be in the coming issue of Terrorizer Magazine.

It was a blast!

A little into December but definitely worth the wait!

Simone Simons is the hottie this month and a great way to end the year on the Dolls ‘n’ Divas Calendar.

My inspiration for this shoot was Jessica Rabbit from the movie ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, with Simone’s striking red hair it was perfect!

Using a still from the movie, we created a scene for the shoot too

Simone wore a red satin halter dress from Vivien of Holloway and her was hair styled by Marino Lambrix.

Along with singing and writing for her band Epica, Simone loves all things photography, fashion and makeup related too – she did her own makeup for the calendar shoot. You can check out her personal blog here.

To celebrate the end of the year I’m having a giveaway!

You can win an A2 poster print (measures 420mm x 594mm) signed by Simone – it will be the image of Simone sitting on the green sofa mentioned in the above post.

To enter:

Answer the following question: Who did the speaking voice of Jessica Rabbit in ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’?

Please send your answers to dollsndivas@mariegc.com with ‘Simone Giveaway‘ in your subject header.

Entries must be in before Friday 9th December at 12.00midnight GMT. The winner will be chosen at random from the correct answers and will be contacted. Worldwide entries welcome. 1 entry per person.

GOOD LUCK!

Mx

Hello! Last week was a busy week for me so there will be a few posts coming.

To start with, I shot with Tristen. More of a fashion style shoot moving away from the alternative and retro style that we have done before. I love trying out different styles especially as we have worked together quite a few times now and am very happy with how the shoot went.

Here’s a teaser, you can click on it to view bigger.

Mx