Behind the Scenes on our Autumn/Winter Shoot

I found the location of our Autumn/Winter shoot when attending the Bovey Tracey Contemporary Craft Fair a couple of years ago. Next door to the fair I stumbled upon the most amazing photoshoot location – The Jolly Roger!

Here they supply 3D models to shops, restaurants and other commercial premises and they have a fab range of dinosaurs outside, which I absolutely adore!

I always try to find interesting locations for our photoshoots, which suit and reflect the fun attitude of Silly Old Sea Dog and I though the location was perfect! Although studio shots often work well and you don’t have to rely on the weather, I always find them a bit boring and samey, location is certainly more fun! And we are lucky in Devon and Cornwall to have some great photoshoot locations.

I enlisted the help of Lisa Parkinson from Kernow Dream Photography  to take the photo’s. Lisa and I have worked together on a few previous occasions and have formed a great friendship alongside working together for shoots. Although Lisa mainly photographs weddings, she enjoys the fun challenge of fashion shoots as well and we always have a great time on our shoots.

I had met Laura Elston from Laura Elston Freelance  at Crikey its Vintage events in Exeter earlier in the year, as Laura often prepares the models for the Crikey catwalk shows as well as offering make overs at the events. Laura also really wanted to be involved with the shoot and on the day did a great job with the girls hair and make up – so much so that I have now purchased some heated rollers for my own hair after witnessing the wonders they can help to create (admittedly my attempts are no where near as good as Laura’s professional work).

Finally I enlisted the help of models Jodie, Poppy and Sharron. I always try to get a selection of models with different looks and of different dress sizes as I think it is always better to buy when you can relate to the model wearing the outfit – personally I always find this hard when buying from major High Street retailers as they often just use size 6/8 models and as a size 12/14 I always think I like something but never have any idea how its going to look on me!

I try my best to have a range of girls between the sizes I stock of 6 – 28 to model as this is more realistic to you buying the product.

On the day we had a lovely welcome from the team at the Jolly Roger, who helped to make us all feel very welcome, and we had a little help from their two doggy residents! The Labrador who clearly befriended us as we had Custard Creams with our tea!

We went with a glamorous look for the make up and a vintage inspired look for the hair. The dresses are always a mixture of prints and colour, but we had no problem at The Jolly Roger matching each dress to a location within the building as they have everything from animals to Christmas to under the sea models.

The dresses with 3/4 length sleeves are a new look for this season, I have added them to the collection as I have had many requests from all of you to have dresses with sleeves, so I hope you like them!

Here are some images from behind the scenes, all of the dresses and skirts seen will be available to buy on here by the end of October, I have included some silly photos and out-takes from the day – check out the one of Jodie with the poodle, this made me giggle!

Now my only decision is which dress to keep for myself!!! The problem is I like them all!

Alison x