***“…I take off my noodles, I hump my bread, I play with my meatball clit. That sort of thing…”***

Roula Roulette - 2023.

April 29, 2023

Shortly after working with Golden Mystique a few weeks back, Roula Roulette reached out to get something on the books. If you are a long time reader of the blog (or know how to filter posts by key word) you may have seen some various shots of her in action (To be fair I only remembered this while I was making this post because I already had a tag in my system with her name on it…but I digress).

When I asked Roula what ideas she wanted to explore, she said she had a “Spaghetti dress” that needed to be shot for promotional materials. Little did I know what I was in for.

We spent a wonderful morning laughing and cutting up while her partner played DJ and knocked out some side work. I learned the story of how they became a member of the Atlanta burlesque community, and more importantly became a key part in the training and support of the next (and the next, and the next) generation of performers.

So without further ado, take a look at what we made together. And remember, when you’re here in the studio…you’re family. Or something.

***“…This robe makes me feel like I just murdered my husband– Don’t worry, he’s safe at home.”***

Golden Mystique - 2023.

February 19, 2023

I like to keep things humble around here (even if this is my Blog and all) but this shoot was proof that when you know your craft, stay professional, and above all do good work– Good things happen.

Golden Mystique (AKA The Gilded Gams of Burlesque) found me in part through a list of Photographers put together by blog favorite, Titan Moon, and through the recommendation of someone who even though we have never worked together was impressed enough with what they had seen to send someone my way.

I’m happy that she could find me, and that we could get something scheduled (even if her weekend had been a wild one of little sleep and family responsibilities). Priding herself on being a queen of body positivity and a proud BIPOC performer, you shouldn’t miss out on seeing her perform if you have the chance.

I’m still figuring out what I’m doing with this black wall, but for the first thing I’ve done as part of studio V2 I’m certainly not mad at it.

*“…that better make the blog..”*

(Ruby, after learning that she was the first “stranger” I’ve shot with that my cat has allowed to be touched by)

Ruby - 2022.

July 03, 2022

(Damn that new photo setting can look pretty cool, going to have to play with that a little more on future posts)

I think the last time Ruby and I worked together it was for some graduation photos back in 2020, but certainly this is the first time she’s been in the new studio. She reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to shoot some content for a magazine submission and although I was slightly apprehensive because of some bad tastes in my mouth from years ago, I decided we should move forward and give it a go.

(Spoiler alert, we almost immediately got accepted for publication, and I hope to be able to share those images soon).

Although those images were the main goal, Ruby did bring along a couple of other looks that I can show you now.

Be sure to give Ruby a follow on Instagram, and if you are in the Atlanta area, find some time to see her live and in person.

Gideon Hodge - 2020.

March 08, 2020

The Clown Prince of Cabaret, Gideon Hodge, has been terrorizing stages around the country for nearly 20 years. Known for his boisterous, zany characters and his dynamic movement and acrobatic style, Gideon brings his circus and theatrical background to the stage in his various personas and creative endeavors.

Gideon and I last worked together in June of last year when he commissioned me for some new headshots for what I thought would be a book jacket photo. I thought we got some very usable images, but unfortunately, they weren’t quite what was needed for the job.

I wanted the chance to make things right, and Gid wanted to capture something more closely resembling the work I’ve been doing in my home studio. So, of course, I invited him right over, and with the help of Courtney from Courtney Walters Makeup, it was off to the races.

Bonus outtake GIF!

Gideon also pursues his own writing with sitcom Pros and Cons, web series 20 Something, novel Lilith’s Redemption and other projects. For updates, please follow up on Instagram @gidjinn or at gideonhodge.com He can also be found at his podcast A Strange, Strange World on Spotify, Anchor and other platforms.

He profusely thanks all of you for putting up with him for all these years, and looks forward to many adventures to come. He is available for contact for bookings and appearances at gideonhodge@gmail.com

Ruby Marx - 2020.

February 28, 2020

“Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Ruby escaped prison to take to the road. Committing herself to a life of sin, attempting to be a Vegas showgirl, and taking up with Marxist ideals, Ruby found burlesque as her new trade of tricks. Having traveled far across the country, she now finds herself in the old South, embracing her sexuality and her education under her new, assumed name. Part kitty cat, part devil, she is a tease here to please”

Coming up on a year ago now, Ruby Marx invited me into her home with one thing in mind. Self Promotion. We had a wonderful time creating a few different looks in a small space.

While in NYC shooting with Nina La Voix a few weeks back, I was reminded how good it feels to strip things back and just shoot. So I was extremely happy when I booked two shoots on the same day.

Ruby and I set out with the same idea in mind (even if neither of us told the other what it was) to create something that invokes the feel of vintage Hollywood.

Be sure to follow Ruby and see where you can see her in person. You are sure in for a treat.