Photoshoot with Tess Beatty

I'm a funny looking thing, I think. At least I was in high school, one of the reasons I wasn't very popular. It sounds shallow but I'm always trying to make myself look better, whether it's by buying the latest Max Factor foundation, wearing a corset that takes my waist down to 22 inches, or dieting like a maniac in time for summer.

So I jumped at the chance to model for a photographer whose pictures seemed flawless and dreamy. I came across Tess's Photography on Facebook, as you do, and I was impressed by what I saw. She works in colour, but converts to black and white and mixes in small elements of colour for some striking portrait photos. I love the smokey edging effect she uses, and the way she is able to express so much about her models through the poses, outfits and environments they are in. So I got in touch with her about working with me on a mini-project for my parent's wedding anniversary (shh! It's a secret!)

When she advertised for models to help with her university work I was only too happy to help her out, secretly hoping for a confidence boost too.

Well, for obvious copyright reasons I can't reproduce the photos, but you can see the results for yourself here.

For the shoot I was told to just be myself and bring a few items of clothing I would feel comfortable it. Of course, I had to wear my Iron Fist hoodie and mermaid vest because they just scream "I'm a struggling, dopey art student dammit!"

But I also decided I wanted to try out a more elegant, sexy look, so I took along a silver top I'd just bought from USC. It's very tight-fitting and pirate-esque, but with a pair of heels it made me look sophisticated as well as saucy.

We did the shoot at St. Giles' Church in Wrexham at my suggestion.


I love that place. Beautiful, gothic and most of all, peaceful. It was my sanctuary during college (I know, sounds emo doesn't it?)

When I saw the photos I was so pleased, found them very flattering and felt my self-esteem jump up a few notches. She's made me look, dare I say, very pretty. Whether that's a filter on the camera, airbrushing or just the way we worked together, it doesn't matter to me. I bought £42-worth and will be working with her again.

Seriously, check out her stuff. Very friendly, funny and open to suggestions. She brought along her partner, Matt, to help, also a photographer and fellow Glyndwr student. Both of them were just so nice and they made me feel very calm and good about myself during the shoot.

So thanks guys!