My first ever prize was a bottle of cheap woman's perfume won for framing and composition! I shot the Paris town hall through a glass...I guess I wanted to show the world in a different way.
I started professionally like many others by painting photographic studios for very little money... any way will do to put a foot in the door. Between painting and cleaning the studio I collected Polaroids from the various photographers and with a mental photograph of their set–up, I used to stay late behind and try to re-create their lighting. You learn a great deal that way. I also went to college to learn the more technical approach to photography; it allowed me to understand studio work and the importance of other creative people, the make up artists, stylists, models etc.
Chiffon emerald dress by Wallis
Vintage beads by Vintage Selfridges