Working on the 2011 Calendar was great; I was fortunate to have such a  great team, awesome clothing companies and locations involved. There were stressful moments, but I found them to bring out the best in situations (maybe I’m just a bit of an adrenaline junkie )

Since then, I’ve heard from so many of you asking whether there would be a release this year. I had to take some time out to be a mum to a newborn, but, once again the creative juices are flowing and I am starting to think about and plan another project. So watch this space!

To celebrate the return of Dolls ‘n’ Divas I’m releasing a Limited Edition Collection of prints – featuring the girls from the 2011 Calendar. If you didn’t manage to buy a Calendar in 2011, are a new fan, or maybe you bought a Calendar and wished that the girl of June would have featured on every month, fear not!

There are 5 prints of each of the 12 girls available only. Each print is A3 size (420 x 297 mm // 16.5 x 11.7 in) and printed on FujiFilm Crystal Archive Digital photographic paper. Individually numbered and embossed with the Dolls ‘n’ Divas seal subtly in the bottom corner. Each print is wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a Vintage ‘Dolls ‘n’ Divas’ ribbon and individually numbered swing tag.

You can purchase the prints in my Online Store, just select the girl you would like from the drop-down menu. My store checkout links you to PayPal, but please don’t worry if you don’t have an account with them, there is an option to click and purchase with a credit/debit card.

The Girls are back in town!

To refresh your memory on these talented ladies from the Alternative Music, Media & Fashion Industry – they are as follows:

Sophie Kostrowski – Total Rock Radio DJ

Miss Maleficent Martini – Ballet Dancer & Singer for Maleficent

Isobel von Hell – Model

Fanny Maurer – Model and Makeup artist from France

Lora Jayne – Solo Singer from London

Laura Saggers – Model/Actress and Singer from Los Angeles USA

Ceri Cushen – Hair Artist from Snarl Hair/Cericushen.com

Tristen Lee – Radio DJ and Founder of Bonkers Entertainment

Bella Simonsen – Makeup Artist from New Zealand

Miss Bruise Violet – Model and Burlesque Dancer

Amber Erlandsson – Singer for Nemhain

Simone Simons – Singer for Epica

My hair and makeup team in these images were – Marino Lambrix, Julie Cooper, Bella Simonsen, Sherri Sue Liberatori, Fanny Maurer, Amber Erlandsson, Simone Simons and Ceri Cushen.

All of these wonderful people I met while working in the Music Industry and on photo shoots. I look forward to working with these and more ladies very soon!

Thank you for your support

Mx

A quick update, I’ve been working away and have a new section launch – Limited Edition by Marie GC. Comprising of prints and other collections. The first of the Limited Edition Collection will be launched this weekend and a blog post to accompany it so check back over the next couple of days.

So exciting!

Mx

I’ve had a couple of portrait photo shoots and work published.

Live photography can become a bit monotonous at times. You have to make the dullest visuals look interesting and tell a story – I’m not afraid to admit that sometimes it’s difficult. That’s until you are booked to shoot a band that goes to town with their performance. ‘Fire pictures’ were ones that I ticked off my mental “wish list” last time I shot German Industrial Metallers – Rammstein. Needless to say, I was more than excited to be shooting them again at the O2 Arena! Deathstars supported them on the ‘Made in Germany Tour’ and I had a shoot and some backstage pics with them (they will appear at a later date).

I shot this bit of footage on my iPhone at the start of the show. If you haven’t seen Rammstein live, it gives you just a tiny taster of the work they put into the show. You can check out their Official music videos to see what they get up to on stage. It’s a feast for the eyes!

That walkway lowered down and the band appeared on it, walking over the audience during the first song. It was loud, entertaining and mesmerizing!

Here’s the published page that appeared in Terrorizer Magazine, Issue 221, pg 90.

I also had a great shoot with Ju Jitsu Sensei – Sally-Anne – who also studies Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Sally-Anne brought some beautiful Samurai and other swords with her. My first shoot with ‘live’ weapons. (yes another tick off my “wish list”)

Here’s a pic taken with Instagram of the swords at the studio. You can find me on Instagram by searching for mariegcphoto.

Sally-Anne is practised in “Short Form”, “Long Form”, “Short Swords” and “Straight Swords”. It was so great working with her in the studio, the movements were so graceful and creative with a weapon so sharp and dangerous! You can check her out in action at Total Self Defence Ltd.

Last, and by no means least, I shot with this stunning singer – Alice. With hair and looks that could stop traffic, she was a joy to shoot with

The shoot for was Alice’s forthcoming album. I had a sneaky listen while we were at the studio. It’s very diverse! She has an attitude like Debbie Harry meets Lady Gaga. Can’t be a bad thing can it?

Here’s a picture in colour also, so you can see what I mean about the hair. So good, you could eat it!

Alice? Who the f*ck is Alice? THIS is Alice! You better watch out.

Mx

Having been a regular customer at Rockbottom for a number of years and obviously knowing bands, friends and family members that have shopped there for many years, it was devastating to watch news stories on TV with rioters smashing other stores up with guitars taken from the local music shop, and watch the flames and smoke rise from the rehearsal rooms and adjacent buildings.

 
Carl Nielsen – the store owner – still running on empty from everything that’s happened, said “If there were eight days in the week, I would still be working”.  Carl recounted the events of last year as we looked around. He was in the store when rioters were breaking in, trying to defend it with a microphone stand while his son was in the basement. Looters weren’t interested in fighting him, they just grabbed all the instruments, smashed up the store and ran.

I walked around the newly refurbished store with a smile on my face. It wasn’t defeated, in fact the store is back and better than ever. Here’s the brand spanking new store in all of it’s glory. There are still some deliveries to be made, so the store will be more full as time goes on.

And a Drum dedicated section upstairs

Whitesnake drummer Brian Tichy, bassist Michael Devin and gutarist Doug Aldrich arrived at the West Croydon music store to be greeted by a great number of people – old and young – clutching Whitesnake tour booklets, musical instruments, CDs and memorabilia to be signed.

Carl (pictured 2nd from right) met them outside the store on the lovely sunny day.

They walked in and Brian Tichy greeted everyone, announcing the re-opening of the store and encouraging people to “buy stuff”. People formed a nice orderly and polite queue while the guys started signing their pictures and having some friendly banter.

There was a cute little girl there with her family. She got to pose for the local newspaper and the guys decided to pull a funny face with her.

After a while, the signing got a bit too much for Brian and Michael

Doug, however, was still going strong!

The atmosphere was that of fun, laughter and a sense of relief and community. Something I don’t think Croydon has felt for a while.

After the signing, the guys played a 2 hour set of Whitesnake songs and others from over the years at the Fairfield Halls. The event was a joint promotion put on by Rockbottom Music, Fairfield Halls and Frantic South London in association with Marshall Amplifiers and Natal Drums.

That’s the good stuff that happens when people pull together.

(Rockbottom officially re-opens this Saturday March 31st)

Mx

Here’s the poster advert for it.

I have a great team on hair and makeup. Hair artist, Ceri Cushen and Amber Erlandsson on makeup. Both lovely ladies featured in my Dolls ‘n’ Divas Calendar and are super cool, hard working and great fun to be around. Ceri is super creative with hair it’s not even funny! Not to mention she created the dreadlocks for Keith Richards in the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 movie. You can view her work here.

The shoot day will take place at my favourite London based photo studio – Murder Mile. Easily accessed by a 10 minute train from Liverpool Street Station. You can see all the studio settings available on their website along with travel information.

You can choose whatever style shoot you like – it can be a Pin Up style shoot, high fashion, Gothic, simple portrait or something else you like! You can bring props with you, or an animal (OK, I may have to check that one with the studio!).

The £140 fee includes: pre-shoot consultation with me to make sure you get the shoot, style and look that you’re after. Studio time in the setting of your choice, glass of red or white wine as you arrive at the studio, your hair styled by Ceri and makeup applied by Amber, half hour shooting time with me for which you can change your outfit twice if you wish and finally 4 fully edited images of your choice on CD for you to get printed.

You will be required to pay a 50% deposit to secure your place on the day. The remaining balance needs to be paid a week before the shoot date. There are 6 places on the Makeover + Shoot Day. They are on a first come, first served basis. To ensure you don’t miss out, please pay your deposit.

If you are interested, or have any further questions, please email marie@mariegc.com. To pay your deposit and read the Shoot Day info, please visit my store. If you don’t have PayPal, don’t worry, there’s an option to pay by credit/debit card when it takes you to the checkout section at PayPal.

I’m so excited about this day, I can’t wait to shoot with you!

Mx

Update: April 4th 2012

Further to some email enquiries, I will be shooting lots of different styles (not just the alternative and tattooed) at the studio using their different settings. Here’s a few of the shoots I’ve recently done at Murder Mile. They have a wide range of new furniture and wallpapered rooms along with plain settings. You can choose what style you would like to be photographed in. These are some of the more simple shoots for various people and companies.

Along with shooting promos and stills, I got to watch and learn from Tim Fox – Motion Designer, Director and Illustrator, whose client list varies from Lady Gaga and Ms Dynamite to Skindred and Alice Cooper. What a treat!

I arrived when they were on the last couple of full live band takes and got straight to work

People don’t always realise the work that goes into music videos, and how many takes of the same thing – over and over again. To still keep a performance “fresh” as if it was the first time I would imagine is really difficult. They were so energetic on every take! It’s no wonder that shortly after, they took a break for lunch having been hard at work since 8:30am, and we had a look around for some cool spots to do pictures with what light was there.

Tobi liked the look of this area, as did I, so we gathered the others for the pics.

Bari found a hole and they all wondered where it lead to. There were many funny moments like this – I love it when people have a sense of fun as well as getting the job done.

Tim and his crew discuss the next part of the shooting. I think it all got a bit too much for the guys (and Laura), so they decided to tie Tobi up.

In the story part of the filming, Tim checks the lighting. This setting reminded me so much of the Saw movies mixed a little with Fight Club. Very dramatic. Actor Hugo was incredible. He’s pictured on the right hiding behind a banana skin. He deserved that banana after being tied up, screaming and shouting, being attached to and pulling on a large rope for well over an hour, maybe two!

- A sneaky peek of Hugo in action on the video camera screen. I don’t want to ruin it for you, so that’s all you’re getting!

Oh ok, and maybe one of the promo images, taken in that section with the funny ceiling hole

But that’s your lot until around June I’ve been told. I will be sure let you know on the release details, also keep your eyes open on the music channels for it too.

Here’s one of their other videos featuring live footage from their European Tour with Marilyn Manson to keep you going until then

Mx

Not only do I love the era, designs and quality of fabric they use, but also their attention to every detail – which is evident when you visit their cute boutique in Portabello Road, London UK

On arrival, I was greeted by these adorable little cupcakes, surrounded by vintage crockery (see what I mean about detail?)

Then there was this little girl playing hostess serving cocktails (she had the non-alcoholic pitcher in case you were wondering)

The boutique started filling up with people in anticipation of the new collection, it was a lovely atmosphere. While waiting, I snapped a picture of their signature padded bullet bras, in vintage peach – one of my favourite styles in the shop and, to me, it sums up everything about underwear in the 50′s era.

Miss Maleficent Martini wears the new ‘Deco’ design, inspired by Art Deco in pink satin with an icy silver sunburst design.

Everyone gathers outside to watch the girls parade around the shop and the gorgeous Miss Miranda do her strip tease in the shop window

Miss Miranda wears  ‘Marlene’ underwear set in black and vintage peach. This set is rumoured to be the one to watch this spring/summer!

Here’s a few close ups of the girls in some of the new collection

All the girls together with Maz who organised the event

Job well done ladies, Pip Pip!

The girls behind the till were so busy and commented to me that they would sleep very well that night!

The new design tote that you get with your purchase(s)

A happy and successful day for What Katie Did!

Mx

Not only did the guys get to entertain a great crowd, but also have a delicious American dinner AND a tour of the F15 aircraft. A real honour!

Due to the restricted nature of military aircraft, we were only allowed small cameras and phones in to take pictures. I couldn’t be pedantic about my iPhone photos – not with an opportunity like this to share with you all, so they aren’t the best quality.

Gav sits in the Pilots seat & Glen was the only one to brave the internal steps to the aircraft.

Chuck, Aaron & J. Scott gave us the tour and talked about different scenarios that they face in the air force, the missiles and bombs that were on display in the hangar and parts of the aircraft.

Beautiful isn’t it?!

Kav summed the tour up perfectly. It was so serene and still while we were there – with just the low buzzing of the lights in the hangar, but then you imagine the complete carnage that comes from everything in that building when it’s in full use. Incredible.

Here we all are, happy and ready for dinner and the show. Thank you guys for the awesome time and your hospitality!

Mx

Sorry to keep you all waiting for this blog post, I have lots of things I’m working on at the moment and I can’t wait to share them with you.

When Simone came to the UK for all the press bits and also IMATS – my previous blog post, we also had a bit of fun at mine doing a photo shoot.

Jessica-Leigh has a tea pot toy that sings various songs, talks and makes noises, it’s one of her favourites. Simone liked this as much as a real good English cup of tea. She also met one of my cats – Gibson, who is a bit of a camera lover and poses on cue. He loves fusses, especially from ladies.

MegaBeth joined in too, and swapped jackets for a silly picture.

A Slipknot fan in disguise? haha.

We did some serious fashion style pics as well as being silly. This is my favourite.

It was a good time until the snow came and Simone’s flight got cancelled. So we ended up having a movie marathon and cooking a roast dinner.

I guess it could have been worse

Mx

We both were very excited – like kids in a candy store!

It wasn’t just every day make-up. Also on show were some really great pieces from movies including Leonardo DiCaprio’s bald cap, face pieces and false teeth from his latest movie J. Edgar.

And these two dudes – The Godfather and General Zod from Superman II

Exhibitions were happening all day along with people being made up and painted – a plethora of talent in the building!

Who knew that eyelashes could be so creative?!

The guy on the right took 2 hours on his own make-up, he couldn’t see out of his left eye at all with that contact lens piece – scary!

It was a really interesting day out, so much to look at and we both made a great amount of purchases.

The building was also beautiful – Alexandra Palace.

Simone and I also did a fashion style shoot on her stay here. My next post will be on this!

Until next time, have a great day.

Mx