It’s anawesome experience to not only click with someone online, but to then get to meet in person and work together to make the most amazing images. So was the case with renowned photographer and digital artist Jamie Mahon.
Jamie has been on my radar for several years, even before I launched myself as a Pro-Domme, I had seen Jamie’s work featured in many of the lingerie and fetish clothing brands and models I followed on social media. His work always took my breath away, so when, one day as I bemoaned on twitter how I was struggling to learn photoshop, he tweeted back offering some help, I was astounded. That was the start of something quite beautiful.
What followed were several months of whatsapping, an amazingly in-depth Skype where he taught me some great tips and tricks, and overall, and sense that we really needed to come together in person. Alas, we were still in the height of lockdowns, so that would have to wait till May 2022, but happen it did! Jamie now has a new home studio he wanted to do some test runs in, and I was one of the lucky models he picked.
We discussed the shoot in some detail beforehand, deciding that we wanted to try two sets – one more ethereal, goddess like, and one darker, more akin to creating a portrait of my inner demon. Then it was down to me to try and put together some outfits to create these fantasy creatures. Luckily, I’m a crafty bitch (in more ways than one), and was able to DIY some EVA foam armour, horns, and crown, and match these with some existing items of clothing I had, bundle them up in a huge suitcase, and make my merry way up to Kidderminster.
Jamie collected me from the station and we had a good old natter before he showed me to his specially made dressing room, for just this purpose. There was plenty of space to hang my voluminous skirts, wigs, and headpieces. I was left to do my make up and dress whilst Jamie set up the studio downstairs, and after only a few dressing mishaps, we began.
I felt super awkward at first. Jamie is a pro-photographer used to working with pro models. I wasn’t sure how to pose, what to do with my face, where to look, and my anxiety was through the roof, I just didn’t want to let Jamie down. All credit to him however, he took all of this in his stride and within minutes had me laughing, posing comfortably and having ideas on what to do next, and just when I thought we were coming to the end, he produced a sword for me to play with. A risky choice given I have a track record of enjoying hitting people with long things…
We finished off the day with a delicious Chinese meal and some netflix, before he very kindly dropped me back at the train so I could make my way back to Cardiff. Of course, for me, the hard work was over. For Jamie however, it had only just begun. I believe he took over 800 images of me that day, and initially we agreed upon 6 finished images… that was quickly revised the more and more he went through them and found new things he wanted to do. The shoot was merely a tool to find the right canvas, then he got his digital paints out and began to work his magic.
It took him a few weeks, and each time he sent a proof over to my Whatsapp for my feedback, I would rush around my entire household showing them and gushing about how amazing they were, and look, that’s Me in the photo! I’d never looked more magical. And yes, it needs to be acknowledged that Jamie did do quite a lot of body and skin work. He refined the shape of my armour, boosted my hair thickness, smoothed my skin, gave me fangs… these are fantasy images of other worldly beings and I love that they look like an elevated version of human me.
It was an absolute privilege to work with Jamie, and I really hope we get to work together again. I cannot recommend him enough. You don’t need to be a pro model, you don’t need to be able to get to Kidderminster (he travels!), and you certainly don’t need to be a goth. Jamie is charming, he’s talented, completely professional and as an extra icing on the cake, ginger. You couldn’t ask for more.
Jamies packages start from an extremely reasoanble £300 for a half day’s shoot. If I had my way he’d be charging a lot more to reflect how insanely talented and skilled he is, so best get in touch to book before I manage to convince him to up his prices!
Check out his website, instagram and twitter!
