#shes a gig photographer and has shot some really big artists

[rustyelias]

there is a guest speaker coming to talk to my class in a few weeks and I'm so SO excited THERE WORK IS SO SO COOL!!!!!

[ratedbangtann]

Picture Perfect || KTH

As a plus size model, you're used to your fair share of ignorance and shaming. By now, it's water off a duck's back; you're a strong woman, hardened to it. But then there were those on the other end of the scale, who simply adored you and your body. Much like photographer, Kim Taehyung...

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Plus Size Reader (but please feel free to enjoy if you aren’t!) Word count: 7.8k Warnings: Fatphobia, derogatory terms, rude assholes, shy Tae (at first), slight manipulation (but opportunity to back out), taeconda, oral sex (m receiving), light spanking, BBW fetishizing, vaginal fingering, unprotected sex

A/N: Welcome to another plus size reader fic! If you don’t consider yourself to be plus size, don’t worry - feel free to enjoy it anyway! 

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“You’re joking, right?” the ignorant voice of the photographer bellowed through the studio. You stood with your arms folded over your chest, pissed off at the vile and sleazy guy in front of you. Your agent beside you positively seething too. She had got you this gig, and the brand owners were more than happy to have you involved. And yet this prick…

“Problem, Mr. Carter?” she asked, eyebrow raised.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. This is a lingerie shoot,” he said, incredulous as if his point were obvious.

“Yes, it is,” she stated, clearly impatient.

“I’m not photographing… her in lingerie,” he looked toward you in disgust, nose scrunched and forehead creasing all the way up to his non-existent hairline.

“Got a problem with me, have you?” you piped up. Already today you had had your hair and make-up done, and you were in your first set under your bathrobe ready for the shoot. And now, this asshole was refusing to photograph you as if it were his shoot?

“Yeah, as a matter of fact. Don’t particularly wanna see some fat chick in a thong.”

Oh, how your blood boiled.

“Mr. Carter, is something the matter?” A gentleman you recognised to be the lingerie company’s co-CEO wandered over, with his business partner in tow. From what you could gather, they were a married couple; Cynthia designed the lines whilst Carlisle handled the business. They were a great team, and rapidly becoming some of the biggest names in the lingerie business.

“Sir, I’m sorry but I’m not photographing this. You must have a more attractive model…”

You’d dealt with pricks like this through your entire career; assholes who wrinkled their nose in disgust at your curves, your beautiful jiggly bits, your stretch marks, cellulite… You’d had to deal with being photoshopped to within an inch of your life and cut out of group shots completely. You’d been turned down for editorial spreads and commercials alike since day one. You’d grown a thick skin to it but it still pissed you off when someone was just as rude to you as this dickhead.

You loved your body, were proud of it. Sure, you were plus size. You weren’t skinny and slim or even simply just “thicc” but you were beautiful, and you’d made quite the name for yourself in the modelling world.

“I don’t see anything unattractive about Ms. _____,” Carlisle looked you up and down, turning back to Mr. Carter; Robert, you thought you heard someone say.

“I’m not photographing a fat girl!” he almost yelled, his fragile masculinity in tatters confronted by three women and a very in-tune and open minded man. You half expected him to stomp his foot like a child having a tantrum.

“Well then we’ll just have to find somebody who will, won’t we?” Carlisle smiled a sickly sweet smile at Robert. The kind that could rot your teeth.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his face turning red with rage.

“You’re fired, Mr. Carter. I suggest an attitude adjustment if you’d ever like to work in this town again,” Carlisle remained calm, gesturing to the door. The livid little man stormed out of the room, grabbing his kit along the way and slamming the door to the studio behind him, the few members of staff scattered around watching on in silence. “I’m so sorry about him. Ms. _____,” he turned to you, apologetic smile on his handsome face.

“That’s quite alright, he’s not my first ignorant asshole,” you smiled back.

“Shit, where the hell are we going to find a photographer at such short notice? _____ is already made up, we only rented the studio for the day and we could-“ Cynthia was panicking, rambling with her hands flinging about through the air as she paced back and forth.

“Honey, honey, relax… Let me make some calls. I know this guy, an old friend of mine. I’m sure he’s in town. Give me ten minutes,” he steadied her movements with his large hand on her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her forehead as she took a deep breath. How cute.

Carlisle left the room, phone pressed to his ear as he tried to get hold of whoever he knew. Cynthia turned to you, then.

“I really am sorry for that guy… If I’d have known he was like that I wouldn’t have hired him,” she scratched the back of her neck.

“Don’t worry about it, Cynthia, I’ve had a lot worse. Right, Mia?” Your agent beside you nodded with an unsatisfactory grimace on her face, recalling the amount of times she’d had to find you other shoots after being cast aside.

“90 percent the male specimen, of course,” she grumbled. Ah, Mia; her opinions were nothing if not colourful. Cynthia chuckled though, nodding in understanding.

“Well we’re honoured to have you model for us, ____. The new line is inclusive of all sizes and shapes, some to accentuate parts of the body whilst others to help discourage insecurities. We could think of no one better to showcase our hard work,” she smiled so brightly, genuinely excited to have you on board.

“Thank you, it’s a pleasure! The sets are stunning, I’ve been a fan of your brand for a long time now.” The three of you stood chatting away for a little while, now with nothing to do until a photographer could be found.

“Honey, he’s on his way,” Carlisle stepped into the room with a smirk on his face. “I told you I could handle it.”

“And this is why I married you,” she laughs, pecking his lips as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Oh, how sweet… If only you had the time to find yourself a kind and affectionate man like that. Alas, your career didn’t allow time for much of a social life.

“He’s the other side of town so it could still be a little while, but what do you say we get some drinks from the Starbucks across the street and some lunch in the meantime?” Carlisle suggested. Well, that was one way to kill some time…

*****

“Ah, Taehyung! How are you, man?” Carlisle’s voice was loud and boisterous as he chewed on his muffin, standing up to greet whoever had just walked into the studio. You turned to look, but Carlisle was a tall and broad man, covering most of the photographer’s frame.

“Doing well, Carl, how are you?” He sounded excited, like he was happy to see his friend once again.

“Yeah, pretty good! Have you met the wife yet?”

“Can’t say I have…”

“Ah, you must. Come on over… Cynthia!” he called to her, her head perking up from the table and chairs you were sat at covered in Starbucks wrappers. “Taehyung, this is my wonderful wife and designer of all our products; Cynthia Blake.”

Carlisle had shown the young photographer over to your table, now standing at the head and looking down at Cynthia, who stood up to shake Taehyung’s hand. He seemed a relatively shy looking man, camera bag slung over his back, black beret in place on his head. His hair curled out from underneath it in wild tendrils, framing his golden face.

He looked more like he’d be interested in artistic photography of scenery and still-life objects, judging by his clothing. Wide-leg cream pants, a black plain t-shirt and a brown suede waistcoat didn’t quite scream fashion photography, but you’d learned not to judge someone so soon in your years in modelling.

“Kim Taehyung, miss. Pleased to meet you, finally. Carlisle has told me a lot about you,” he bowed his head as he shook her hand. And then he was being introduced to Mia and yourself.

“…and this is ____, our model for the day,” Cynthia proudly showed you off to him, still sat in your bathrobe with full hair and make-up.

Your eyes met, and suddenly you could see his face so much clearer. Those beautiful big round eyes, that’s you could now see were slightly different in shape; one double lid, one mono-lid. His jawline that curved delicately and sharpened at his chin, 5 o’clock shadow evident. The freckles that landed on the end of his nose and in the waterline of his eyes; gentle little beauty marks…

You hadn’t noticed his eyes widen. It was almost like recognition, like he knew you from a past life. But he kept his composure and mumbled a shy hello, quieter than when he’d greeted Cynthia.

“Hi, Taehyung was it?” you shook his hand, noting the long fingers adorned in many rings and just how soft his palm was in yours. You tried to shake the feeling of attraction that was bubbling away inside you but it was difficult; you weren’t sure you had ever seen a man so devastatingly handsome.

“Y-yeah… pleasure to meet you. You look… stunning,” he chuckled nervously and turned back to Carlisle. “I’ll just need a few minutes to set up and we can get started.”

“Yeah, take your time, Tae,” he grinned, showing him over to the backdrops and light fixtures.

“He likes you,” Mia nudged your side, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Oh, shut up, he’s just shy…”

“______, he basically undressed you with his eyes! You saw it too, right Cynthia?” she turned for backup. Cynthia sat back down with a smile on her face.

“Oh, I saw it.”

“How professional of you both,” you teased, shaking your head with laughter. “I’m going to ask make up to do a touch up. I think lunch may have ruined my lips.”

Ignoring their little jeers and smug comments, you headed off to the little room to the left, filled with the garments you would be modelling throughout the day and a little dresser for the make-up artist to work her magic on you.

*****

“Alright, _____ if I could have you sat on the stool in the middle there… perfect. Cynthia, what are we achieving with this set?” Taehyung asked, wanting to know how he should ask you to convey the white lingerie with pretty white fluffy parts dangling from various places.

“Innocence and purity. The set itself is called ‘purity’, so something like that?” she gave her directions, and you worked your magic.

Now that you had taken off your robe and were parading around in the flattering white set, you felt your confidence sky-rocketing as it always did during a shoot. Nothing made you feel more powerful than having all eyes on you; especially in some of the prettiest and most body-friendly lingerie you had ever seen.

“Beautiful,” Taehyung commented, crouching down to get the perfect shots and play around with the lighting a little. Cynthia and Carlisle stood to the side, watching each photo pop up on the laptop set up. “It’s nice to work with a professional, you seem to need very little direction,” he complimented.

“She’s been in this game long enough,” Mia answered for you, you staying completely composed as he snapped away, flash dazzling.

“If you could just stand up for me, we’ll get rid of the stool there to get a few more shots of the lingerie itself.” Taehyung fiddled with some settings on his camera, while a staff member removed the stool from the shot. “Fantastic, if you could face the camera for a few, and then turn, we’ll get every angle.”

It was amazing, really; Taehyung staying as professional as composed as he was. Because Mia and Cynthia had been right. He was into you, very much so. The second he saw you, he thought you were the most beautiful creature on God’s green earth. Watching you pose so innocently and with absolute picturesque tranquillity in the most beautiful underwear he could imagine was affecting him more than the artist inside him would like to admit.

He’d done hundreds of shoots over the years, including nude and lingerie shoots and never, ever had he had such a problem focussing as he did today. But then, none of those shoots were of you.

“Tae, I think that’s plenty for Purity. _____, would you mind getting changed again for me, love? The deep green set will look beautiful with your skin tone, I suggest that one next,” Cynthia called to you.

“Ah, Evergreen?” you asked.

“That’s the one!” she clapped excitedly, filled with utter glee seeing her collection finally being tried out on a model. It was all becoming real for her; her second line of lingerie would be hitting the shelves very soon.

You headed back into the little room to change, Evergreen being a little more revealing and sultrier than Purity had been. The bra was a stunning forest green lace with almost a half-corset attached – fantastic support and helped to smooth out insecurities in the back. The briefs were high waisted and made in the same lace, with suspender clips dangling from them. And of course, to match; a stunning set of black suspenders, heels and a mesh black robe to go over the top. Modest, but not modest enough.

When you walked back out, Taehyung audibly gasped. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, the blood travelling south. He averted his gaze, willing himself to calm down. Mia giggled to herself; aw, bless him, she thought.

“I knew it would look beautiful against your skin tone!” Cynthia clapped.

“Um, okay… can we have the stool back please, backdrop change, the ivy to drape over the back. _____, if you wouldn’t mind heading back over to the set and taking a seat,” Taehyung didn’t properly look up at you, giving you general directions and pretending to fiddle with his camera. And now you started to see it…

He was nervous.

The staff draped the ivy artistically over the backdrop, letting it hang down behind you to fit in with the evergreen vibe. You sat back down, getting into a slightly different position than before.

“What kind of look are we going for this time, Cyn?” you asked. This wasn’t going to be another innocent look.

“Um, more like a wood nymph, at one with nature, a little temptress perhaps?” she asked, whilst a hair stylist faffed with fitting little daisies into your hair.

Again, you did as instructed; dark, sultry eyes stared into the camera, as if tempting a human into the forest. You looked absolutely delectable, and it was causing huge issues for poor Taehyung. Well, one particularly huge issue. Thankfully for him, the way he crouched to take your photo hid it well. But it made life so much more difficult.

Mentally, he was cursing himself. What the hell was wrong with him? He’d worked with hundreds of models. Why were you the only one he’d ever…

In fact, for the rest of the shoot, the poor guy struggled. Each new set of lingerie posed new challenges, showing off your gorgeous body in new and different ways with different expressions and stories to accompany each one.

“Beautiful, truly! Wow. These photos will look stunning on the website!” Cynthia was positively beaming by the end. “That’s a wrap!”

Taehyung breathed a sigh of relief as he knelt down to start taking his camera apart, slotting the bits and pieces into each compartment of his bag. You simply stepped off the set, heading over to the laptop to flick through the photos.

Mia, however, was being her devious self. She had seen the photos, knew they were stunning. But she had also seen Taehyung’s reactions to each set, each pose. She knew about his big problem, and found it oh, so amusing to meddle.

“Taehyung, may I have a moment of your time?” she asked him, standing over him with a large smile on her face. Taehyung swallowed hard and nodded, standing upright to follow her over to the table at the back of the room where you’d earlier been sat drinking your Starbucks.

“I wondered if I may ask what kind of work you usually do? I know this was a favour for a friend of ours, but what is your style?” she asked him, pulling a chair for him to sit opposite her.

“Usually editorial fashion shoots, a lot of scenery and travel in my spare time though,” he smiled sweetly, a little more comfortable now that he no longer had his problem nor did he have to focus on you and your beautiful curves, the stunning lingerie, thinking of what he would do given the chance…

No, Tae. You’re drifting again. Focus, he told himself.

“I see, it’s just… _____ has been looking for just the right photographer to do some nude shots. Tasteful of course, we’re not talking playboy but…”

Tae’s blood ran cold. The flush in his cheeks must have drained, skin paling at the thought. Mia was still talking, but he could barely listen.

“I mean she’s been wanting to focus on a body positivity campaign for a while, but she hasn’t quite figured out who to trust to photograph her in just the right way, do you know what I mean?”

Tae cleared his throat, bringing himself back down to reality. “Uh yeah, sure…”

“Your shots today were stunning and I’m sure she agrees. I was thinking perhaps you could give those photos a go? You can be as artistic or as simple as you like with them, but I trust your judgement. Googled you to check out your other work too. Impressive, truly.” Mia was rambling on, but Tae could hardly take in a word of what she was saying.

“Th-thank you…” he mumbled, forcing a smile.

“So... are you interested?” she asked, “we can draw up a contract quite easily, _____ is very easy to work with.”

“S-sure… Yeah, okay. Sounds great,” he agreed, all whilst his head was screaming at him for being a moron. If he couldn’t control his damn hard on today, how on earth would he cope with full nudity? You were utterly bewitching. This couldn’t end well, surely?

“Fantastic! I’ve got some calls to make, would you mind letting her know you’re up for it?” she asked, pulling her phone from her back pocket and already standing up and sauntering out of the door to make her calls in the hall. Tae didn’t have a chance to object.

So instead, he got up to find you. You were no longer working your way through the photos, and the majority of the set had been cleared away. You were nowhere to be seen.

“Carlisle, where did _____ go?” he asked the couple who were packing things into cases.

“Oh, she’s in the back room, probably packing her things away, changing. Do you need something?” he asked.

“Her agent said she wanted another shoot with me, I just wanted a word about it,” he nodded with a tight lipped smile.

“Oh, well just go knock, honey. I’m sure she’d be happy to chat,” Cynthia smiled motioning toward the door you’d walked through only moments ago. With that, she slung a satchel over her shoulder and picked up a case of props and set pieces. “We’re off, we have so much to do. Really thought, Taehyung, thank you so, so much for helping out today.”

“Yeah, thanks man. Such short notice too, you really did us a favour. The photos are beautiful. I’ll drop your cheque over to wherever you’re staying, just text me the address. I’m sorry we can’t hang out this evening. You free Thursday?” Carlisle was busy picking up cases and trunks and bags to leave with as he spoke, but Tae knew just how genuine he was about meeting.

“Yeah, Thursday evening would be great, perhaps dinner if you’re both available?” he smiled sweetly.

“Absolutely, we’ll be in touch! Thanks so much, Tae! Bloody life saver,” Carlisle patted his back, scurrying out of the studio along with his wife and the rest of the staff that were left behind.

For a moment, Tae stood in the silence, letting himself breathe deep. He was readying himself to talk to you, to approach you after he’d spent nearly four hours photographing you in skimpy and gorgeous outfits. Christ, how was he ever going to do a nude photoshoot for you?

Professionalism. That’s all it took.

He sauntered over to the door you were hidden behind and knocked perhaps a little heavier than intended. He heard something clatter inside and a quiet “shit” as if you’d dropped something.

“Yep, come in!” you called when you’d picked the rail up. Thankfully you’d already packed the lingerie into a small case on the floor – freebies from Cynthia as extra payment – so it was just the empty rail that had tipped. The door clicked open and shut again and you turned, expecting to see Mia.

“Oh, sorry… I assumed you were dressed. I’ll come back,” Taehyung’s deep voice sounded so shocked to see you still in the lingerie set from the last photos; a pretty deep purple set; high waisted purple mesh thong with white daisies dotted all over and a pretty bralette with surprising support to match. Cynthia had called it Asters, a type of purple daisy to combine the two elements together.

“Wait, it’s fine. I mean, I’ve been wearing… not much else all afternoon,” you chuckled, unashamed. Tae couldn’t really argue with that. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no, just… well your agent was talking to me, about a shoot you wanted to do. She said I should ask you about it?” he averted his gaze but stayed in the doorway. You were a little too close for his own comfort; the room you were in was no bigger than an average closet, and the dressing table took up most of it, let alone the rail.

“Oh, she did?” you asked, taking a seat on the stool in front of the table. “What shoot?”

He really couldn’t look you in the eye, let alone anywhere else. If his problem arose again, there was no way of hiding it. He did his best to direct his through process to professionalism once again.

“Yeah, some kind of artsy nude shoot, for a body positivity campaign?”

You watched in amusement as he looked everywhere in the tiny room other than at you. This is exactly what Mia had been talking about earlier. Halfway through the shoot, she’d handed you a bottle of water and told you to watch him; he couldn’t look you in the eye. He really was attracted to you. How cute.

The more you looked, the more you had noticed it. He blushed at the slightest eye contact, willing himself to calm the hell down with some deep breaths. And each time sent a tiny little thrill through you, so you played up to you, practically ‘making love to the camera’ as the old industry professionals used to say.

“Oh, that? Hmm, yeah. I don’t know about that anymore…” you lied. You knew exactly what you were doing, leading the horse to water but… would he drink?

“Oh… She said you were really excited about it, I just thought-“

“Yeah I don’t think people would like it. No one wants to see me naked,” you scoffed. Another lie. You had a huge online following who would love the positivity it spread, congratulate you on it, call you a queen and a goddess.

“I-I’m sure that’s not true,” he stuttered, eyes flicking up to meet yours just for a second. He blushed again and you had to do your very best not to giggle.

“I guess I just don’t feel too sexy, lately. Despite this,” you gestured to your attire, his gaze following your hand. Honestly, like a moth to a flame…

He realised what he’d done as his gaze reached your ample thighs and quickly readjusted his view, back up to a very interesting spot on the wall above your head.

“Well, um… I’m sorry you feel like that, you really are sexy,” he mumbled. Bingo.

“Do you think so?” you asked innocently, feigning disbelief.

“Y-yeah… I mean, your photos today came out really, um… beautiful.”

“Well, you’re just a good photographer,” you laughed softly, watching him so carefully.

“Photographers are only as good as their subjects, Miss _____,” he smiled at you then, sweet and unmenacing. This guy was too pure for his own good, surely. “Truthfully, you’re a beautiful woman. You had so much confidence on set today, I had no idea you weren’t feeling it…”

You smiled down at your hands in your lap, purposefully twiddling them before placing your palms flat on your thighs, rubbing them up and down slowly. His eyes followed them, his jaw hanging open just a little as he lost himself in thought.

Thoughts of how soft your thighs might feel under his touch, how goosebumps might raise at the feeling of his rings on the warm flesh. Thoughts of how soft and supple you would feel, how pretty and puffy you might be between them…

“D-do you think I should do the campaign?” you interrupted his train of thought.

“Definitely,” he said with such conviction. He hadn’t meant to; not really. But… here he was. And he stood his ground.

“And you’d be okay with that?” you asked, innocently.

“Of course, I’m interested in making art.” He tried to sound firm, confident but the little quiver of his bottom lip gave him away.

“Making art… with me?” Oh, you were really pushing him now. Was that a hint of seduction he heard in your tone? Or was he imagining things?

“S-sure…” he wavered. “I’d be honoured.” Why did he say that?! He mentally cursed himself.

“Honoured?” you giggled to yourself, “that’s sweet. I’m sure you’re quite the artist.” He shrugged, starting to feel a little claustrophobic in the small room with you, being so close and so pathetically entranced by the smallest things you did.

When you stood up, he practically tumbled backwards, back hitting the door with a thump.

“Oh, shoot… are you okay?” you asked, rushing forward to help him as he groaned at the sudden contact. But that didn’t help the situation at all, sending him into further panic at the now close proximity.

“F-fine, sorry…”

“Taehyung, you look nervous…” you softened your voice, stepping towards him with mostly concern on your face, but just a hint of playfulness. He dare not believe that’s what he saw though.

“I-I…” he stuttered, not knowing what to say and oh god, you were so close to him now. So close he could smell your perfume; something expensive, perhaps Chanel?

“What is it?” you pressed, but he was starting to lose his resolve. He had to say something, surely. Anything… Right now, he just looked like a bumbling moron.

“I-I just, um…”

“Tell me, maybe I can help…”

“Fuck, you just… you turn me on, okay? Fuck,” he cursed, looking away from you to stare into the top corner of the room, feeling ashamed of himself. He was better than this. A professional. What had you reduced him to?

You simply smirked, stepping even closer to him, until your chests were almost touching.

“I can see that…” you whispered, eyes drifting down. Low and behold, there was the outline of a rather big problem. Tae couldn’t even look, knowing exactly what you were referring to and feeling nothing but shame.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry I swear I’m more professional than this, I just-“ You pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him and his eyes went wide, looking down at the digit with surprise.

“You turn me on too,” you smirk, biting down on your bottom lip, still painted from the shoot.

“I-I… I do?”

“Oh yes… Wanna know how much?” you asked cheekily, wrapping your fingers around his wrist, slowly guiding his hand but giving him plenty of opportunity to pull away should he want to. But he didn’t want to. Not at all.

You coaxed his fingertips to grade over the mesh of the lingerie, pressing them to your mound where a tiny little patch of wetness had seeped through the cotton lining inside and stained the material in a dewy wetness.

“Oh, shit…” he breathed, finally looking down at where his hand just barely touched you.

“And that’s just the outside,” you taunted, bottom lip pressed between your teeth. He looked down into your eyes for a moment, wondering if he should… But you answered the question for him, before he’d even had a chance to think it.

Hurriedly, you pressed your lips to his, noting immediately how soft they felt against your own and how hesitant they were in that first split second. But in the end his reaction was visceral, softened lips pushing against yours with all the pent up sexual tension he’d been harbouring for hours.

The hand you barely had a grasp on snaked around your waist, pulling you to him and colliding your full and soft body into his. He wanted to feel every inch of you, every part he’d been photographing all day. And you were going to let him.

When you didn’t immediately shove him away from you, he conceded to his own desires, letting himself become completely hazed with lust. He ran his tongue along your bottom lip, testing the waters before he went in to totally devour your mouth. Pressed against him this way, you could feel his body responding. Of course, he was already stiff beneath those cream trousers, but pushing against your thigh you could feel the size of him, mouth watering. You wondered if perhaps he might like to feel just what your mouth could do for him.

Wasting no more time, you pushed the suede waistcoat from his shoulders, slipping it off and throwing it haphazardly over the rail to your left. And not forgetting that adorable beret too, his hair flopping freely in beautiful curls that fell into his hooded eyes. His assault on your lips never faltered, his grip on your waist only loosening to remove the waistcoat.

You pulled barely millimetres away from his lips, hands gripping at his shirt to at least keep his chest pressed to yours as they both heaved with breathlessness.

“Wanna taste you…” you whispered, hot breath fanning over his lips. Your filthy words sent a thrill down his spine, and before he could utter another syllable your hands were dropping to his zipper, pulling it down and popping the button on his trousers. The loose fit fell down high thighs unaided, pooling at his feet to reveal a pair of light grey boxers, his cock straining marvellously against them.

Gently you ghosted your fingertips over his length, earning a shudder and a sharp intake of breath. “Shit,” he whispered, chasing your lips again with a frantic kiss, large hands holding onto your cheeks to stop you from evading him.

You pushed your hand into the waistband, wrapping your fingers around the base of his cock and feeling just how thick he was; your fingers couldn’t meet no matter how much you stretched them.

“_____, are you sure you want this?” he asked, doing his very best not to rut his hips into your hand.

“I’ve never slept with someone I worked with before, but absolutely. You’ve been driving me crazy, Taehyung…” you whined, slowly pumping your hand along his shaft, neglecting his tip. “Do you want me?” As silly question really, given your current state.

“So much,” he groaned, the pleasure of your fist starting to affect him. You giggled mischievously and dropped to your knees, leaving him staring down at you as you pulled his underwear down, freeing his dick with a triumphant bounce. He really was above average, and the idea of swallowing what you could was making you drool.

In no mood to waste time teasing, you enveloped the first few inches in warm wetness, suckling as if he were the sweetest lollipop despite the salty tang of pre-cum. Your tongue swirled around him a few times before lying flat under his shaft so you could lean further forward to take more of his length.

Above you, Tae was stunned into silence, heavy breaths all that wold pass his lips. He watched you like a hawk, terrified that should he look away, you and your wonderful mouth would disappear. His hands braced himself on the door behind him, keeping him upright as pleasure ripped through his body.

You took what you could into his throat before your gag reflex started to show itself, having to still use an entire fist around his base to completely envelope him. Your first twisted and pumped in rhythm with the way your head bobbed on his cock, every so often hollowing your cheeks to create a harsher drag that had him hissing between clenched teeth.

“A-ah, shit…” he cried, his head throwing back against the door with a thud and squeezing his eyes shut. “How are you this, good? Jesus…”

The giggle that his cock muffled sent a new wave of desire flooding through him. He didn’t even know that were possible, but somehow the more time you spent sucking, pumping and sheathing his cock in your mouth and throat, the more his grip on reality loosened and he found himself swimming in arousal.

It didn’t seem fair that he was getting such incredible head whilst you were sat before him, already soaking your panties and being devoid of any stimulation; where were his manners? If he was unable to be a professional right now, he would at least a gentleman.

Begrudgingly, he pushed at your shoulders, hands finding yours that gripped his thighs, nails digging into the flesh. He pulled you back to a standing position and threw himself at you, lips and teeth crashing against your own desperately.

“Hardly fair that I get all the attention here, is it sweat pea?” The pet name was so innocent in any other context, but here and now you heard it very differently. His tone was gravelling and darker than before, shrouded in animalistic need.

“Oh, I don’t mind. You did us a favour today, after all. Think of it as… extra payment?” You grinned, hands gripping the black t-shirt he still wore and eyes scanning the lips millimetres from yours you’d just been attached to.

“No need, love. Carlisle is paying a bonus. You owe me nothing at all.”

“Ah, well in that case perhaps you should just fuck me then, hm? Even the score a little…” you laughed, attaching yourself back to those beautiful lips for another heated kiss. The room around you felt even smaller this way, perhaps because the body heat radiating off the pair of you was making the tiny little room unbearably stuffy.

He pushed you backwards until your butt hit the edge of the dressing table, stool kicked underneath it. Taehyung never retracted his mouth from yours, not even when he started to fiddle with the straps of the bralette and pull them down your arms. With no clasps to undo, he simply pulled the material over your head, letting your stunning breasts free for him to grab with both hands, mouth dipping down to immediately suck at one of your nipples.

“Mmf, Taehyung…” you moaned, breathier than you’d expected but the feeling had stolen your breath away completely. Your past lovers had been so greedy with no real idea what they were doing, frantically attempting to hold as much of your as they could in their hands, but Taehyung had a purpose, like he was far more skilled and perhaps used to the company of a much larger girl. Every swirl of his tongue, every tactful squeeze of your breasts was used almost like a weapon against you.

In such close proximity you could feel his erection against your tummy, pressing against the softness. You wondered if he liked that; the way your extra pounds felt against his still-wet shaft. He seemed to enjoy your body the way it was, rolls and all, so perhaps the feeling of your chub on his aching cock was nothing short of heavenly.

Your suspicions were confirmed when his hips rocked against you, stomach rippling under his movements as he groaned against your nipple, biting down on the hardened nub just a little.

“You like that, huh? Like how my body feels against you?” you teased, stroking the curls out of his eyes with gentility. He just growled in response, sucking harder at your nipple to have you crying out. You took that as a yes. “Tae please… Need more,” you begged, the wetness between your thighs growing increasingly uncomfortable.

Without detaching his lips from your breast, he shoved a hand into your panties, fingers immediately coated in slick as he pressed two to your clit and began to swirl them in circles. Every single move felt calculated, but they couldn’t possibly be, with how fast things were moving and how quickly he responded to you. He must just be insanely skilled or intuitive. You weren’t sure you’d be able to let this man out of sight after today.

He kept up his ministrations for a little while before growing tired of waiting, impatience getting the better of him. His hands were on your waist and flipping you around quickly, forcing you to hold yourself up on your elbows while he made light work of slipping the high-waisted thong from your body.

The sight before him lit a fire in the pit of his stomach, and he couldn’t stop himself from lightly swatting at your exposed ass, marvelling the way it jiggled and bouncing at the slightest touch. For good measure, you wiggled your hips a little, cheeks rippling to the effect.

“Wow…” he sighed, hands roaming over your cheeks and letting one dip between your legs, parting them enough to slip two fingers through your folds and into your entrance. You groaned at the feeling, finally, finally, having something inside you. Sure, you’d prefer his cock, but he had to prep you. He was so large, you had to get used to something before he let himself bury deep inside you. And lord, the rings on his fingers felt heavenly.

“Fuck, you’re so tight…” he whispered, pushing a third finger into you and spreading you open.

“Tae, please. I’m ready, please…” you pleaded, pushing your hips back against his fingers as he curled them inside you. A jolt of electricity shot through your pelvis, forcing you forward again as Taehyung chuckled darkly behind you.

“Where’s that confidence gone, hm? Did you think you were in control?” he jeered, curling his fingers again and making your legs shake with pleasure. “Beg me again. Beg for my cock.”

You didn’t even hesitate.

“Please! Please, I need it. Need your cock, Tae. Please…” You tried to keep your voice down, aware there might still be people outside but only Taehyung knew the only person who hadn’t left yet was Mia. And she was making phone calls outside.

“You sound beautiful when you’re needy, love. But I have to admit, I don’t think I could wait much longer,” he confessed, now lining the tip of his cock with your entrance after pulling his fingers from you. You mewled a pathetic response, interrupted by the satisfying stretch of him pushing into you.

“Oh, my god…” you hummed, his hands gripping the flesh of your hips so tight he could leave bruises. He kept himself composed enough to slowly but surely bottom out, wanting nothing more than to smack his hips against yours. But he was a gentleman, and he would remain thoughtful enough to keep your comfortable.

You felt yourself falling deeper into the throws of bliss as he dragged himself out again slowly, only to push back a little faster and finding a rhythm that felt unbelievably good for both of you. Your spine tingled with elation, every deep thrust hitting just where you needed him to. His skill seemed to transcend not only from foreplay but to fucking you silly too.

“You’ve driven me… mmf… fucking crazy all day,” he muttered, articulated with a particularly hard thrust. In his head, Taehyung was counting his blessings and thanking his lucky stars that he could be balls deep in you right now. Had you never made any kind of move on him, his desires would have merely fizzled out. God bless your confidence.

He leaned over your back a little more, pistoning his hips as you pushed up to meet him, his lips trailing along your shoulder and neck. You couldn’t stop the soft moans escaping your lips, hand coming to rest on the back of his neck, to hold him against you and tangle in the ends of his curls as he kissed along the flesh.

“Every set of lingerie… fuck, it looked so good on you. You’re so beautiful, so fucking beautiful…” he mumbled between kisses, holding your hips still to slap his against you. The sounds filling the tiny room were some of the lewdest you had ever heard, absolutely hypnotic.

Having Taehyung looming over you this way, fucking himself so far into you and sloppily biting and sucking at your shoulder and neck, you could have sworn you were dreaming. It was too perfect, felt too damn good. Never had a man made you orgasm simply with penetration, but you could feel it building, his skill and his size playing huge parts in your undoing.

His thrusts never faltered, never once slowed. He changed his angle a few times, but never ceased his movements. And before long, you were on the brink of falling apart.

“T-Tae… Gonna cum…” you warned, turning your head to look him in the eye over your shoulder.

“Me too, baby… You feel so good, I can’t help it. Cum for me, yeah?” he panted, pushing your hair out of your face and reconnecting his lips to yours in a sultry, slow and passionate make out. You mewled at the contact, letting him invade all of your sense at once and finally, the coil that had been building in your abdomen wound too tight, and you snapped.

Your legs shuddered, your back arched and your loud moans were swallowed whole by his kiss. Pleasure burst through your entire body, every nerve ending lighting up like a firework and detonating at the exact same moment.

Your pussy clenched around him so hard that Tae struggled to keep his rhythm, simply being dragged back in by your walls instead but the fight was inconceivably good, pulling him to the edge too. He frantically chased that high, whimpering against your lips as he continued to kiss you, wanting nothing more than to feel as close to you as he could.

You came back down just in time for his release, able to savour the warmth that filled you as he came. He was sure he had never cum so hard let alone as much; the pair of you were very aware of the way his cock squelched now with each slide while he slowed his hips. You could feel the mix of your arousal and his cum starting to seep from where the two of you were still connected, sliding down your inner thighs.

His hips stopped rolling, and the both of you stayed very still for a moment, catching your breath and coming back to reality. His forehead rest on your shoulder while you held yourself up, turning to press a light kiss to his temple and nuzzle into the soft mop of curls. And then he was chuckling to himself, running his fingers down the length of your arm.

“What’s funny?” you grinned; his laugh was infectious.

“I just… I swear, I’m more professional than this.” You laughed again with him, a blush creeping onto your already flushed face.

“Me too, usually…” you sniggered. He kissed your shoulder again and straightened up, allowing you to turn around and perch on the edge of the dressing table. You fixed your hair out of your eyes while he pulled his underwear and trousers up from where they pooled around his ankles. He looked around the room to find the bathrobe you’d worn earlier that day, draping around your shoulders with care so you could cover yourself.

“I was kind of lying earlier… I do want to do that campaign, I was just-“

“Manipulating me? I figured…” he smirked, slipping back into his waistcoat and picking up his beret.

“Then why did you-?”

“Swept up in the moment, I suppose. And I didn’t actually catch on until your hands were on my dick,” he shrugged, earning a laugh from you. “All I knew was I wanted you, you were in lingerie and getting closer…” He laughed with you, fixing his beret to his head and tucking his curls back into it. A comfortable silence settled over you both, post-coital smiles stretched across your faces.

“So that campaign… Are you interested?” you asked, folding your arms over your covered chest. His face contorted into one of exaggerated thought, his finger tapping at his chin.

“A day with you alone in a studio, creating beautiful art whilst you’re completely nude… Hm, this is a hard decision,” he mocked. You swatted his arm playfully, both laughing together. You liked how comfortable you felt with him, how wide the smile on your face was. It was intriguing; perhaps you could see yourself enjoying his company in future, not just his sexual prowess.

He stepped toward you, wrapping an arm around your waist casually and drawing a soft line down your jaw with his finger.

“I was actually hoping that you might be free for a drink, or dinner sometime soon. But yes, I’ve be honoured to photograph you for your campaign.”

“Well then if I may be so bold; what are you doing once you leave this studio?” you asked, straightening his beret for him.

“A lonely pizza and a bottle of beer for one. But I think I may have just had a better offer…” his voice lowered to something akin to seductive again, the smirk returning to his face.

“I think you might have. Let me change into some actual clothes, maybe we can grab dinner?”

“Absolutely. Anywhere you choose,” he smiled, pressing his lips to yours in a sweet impromptu kiss. You sank into it, before pushing him back to head over to the little case you’d been packing, pulling out the casual dress you’d worn to the studio that morning. Taehyung made no move to leave the little dressing room, leaning his back against the door and shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You’re sticking around?” you asked.

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t want to miss the show…”

[thelifedocumentor]

Nkuley Masemola and his iconic creative expressions

Nkuley Masemola is a multidisciplinary creative who works as a fashion model, DJ and stylist. Nkuley Masemola has modelled for iconic South African fashion brands such as Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu and Nao Serati. They also invite the young vibrant youth of Johannesburg to the eccentric scenes of Braamfontein through DJ’ing. With styling that transcends cultural eras and borders, Nkuley translates their experiences of navigating South Africa and the creative culture artistically into their photographs. The success they have garnered since working as a fashion model from the age of 17 is truly inspiring. In this interview we talk about what inspired Nkuley growing up, their artistic journey and the importance of being yourself in order to thrive in the creative industry. 

1. How was it like growing up in Pretoria? 

The funny part is that I didn’t actually grow up in Pretoria, it was more outside of Pretoria than it was Pretoria. I grew up on the outskirts of Pretoria - that’s the farms. Bronkhorstspruit is where I was from. And it was bland - I don’t know any other way to explain it. It was like growing up on a big sheet of white paper. I had to make out myself. It was an experience but it was also really overwhelming because no one there had progressed to anything. It was complicated but also a good learning curve. I always say I would have rather not. I would have rather had a soft life but I guess I see the benefit of growing up like that but it was overwhelming. 

2. What are some unforgettable childhood experiences you believe shaped who you are today? 

When I finally moved to Bronkhorstspruit, after my father passed on, my mom bought herself a huge mirror. I didn’t have friends, I didn’t have anyone. So the only thing I ever did was look into that mirror. I had all my performances there, I had all my interviews, I did everything with that mirror. I just became so self-obsessed, all of my art is self-obsession. Everything is all about me. It’s my self-portrait, it’s music that is about me, everything that is structured in a way that is like self-worship. So I think that particular childhood experience shaped me forever. I got harassed but I never got bullied. I never let anyone bully me. If it happens, I can just avoid it, I’m not gonna stick around. I was always inside the house. I would make up my own stories, live in my head, and wait for the day I move to Jo’burg. When it finally happened, I already had like self-discovered so much. That particular childhood experience shaped who I am today. I created my whole world, and now I’m living in it. 

3. How did you start modelling? 

Back home, there used to be this modelling agency. It was just high school kids who had high-quality cameras, more than it was a modelling agency. They were like, “Yeah you should be a model.” And I was like, “I guess.” It was never my thing. I take really good photos, but I don’t look like a model, I don’t present myself as a model. At that time, I wasn’t the typical male model. And so I was like I’m not a model. That happened and it wasn’t really serious. When I moved to Jo’burg, my friend and I had just come from registering and we were going past Kitcheners and my friend was with their friend. We were all speaking to a guy and he said, “Yeah you can just come back to my place.” We all went back to the place. Then I left my matric certificate at their place and then when I left and went back home, they were like, “You left your stuff here [matric certificate] and also, I saw on Twitter that you might have to drop out of school because you don’t have anywhere to live until March so you can just live with me.” This is the person that I met with a friend because they met on the streets of Braam, literally at the corner of Kitcheners. I lived with that person for 3 months. They literally got me into modelling.

The first day I got here they were like, “You’re a star!”. I was on a music video set, and they needed one guy and I had just moved to Jo’burg and put my bags down. My parents had just dropped me off. I put my bags down and went up to shoot the music video. After that, I had another job. It was quiet for a minute and then my friend asked me to escort them to a casting. Still, I was not in the modelling game, I was just deep in love at the time. So cool, I go to this modelling gig, and then when we get there, my friend doesn’t get picked but they’re choosing from outside. They’re like, “You? Come here.” I said that I’m not here to model what’s happening? They said, “No, just audition quickly.” So I walked and strutted to the wall and then when I came back I got picked. It was The Threaded Man show. After that, everything started picking up, everything just set off. That’s how that happened. I just started modelling after that. Still very weird. 

4. Wow! The Threaded Man was so huge at that time. 

I didn’t even know. I didn’t know who Siya Beyile was. I had just got to Johannesburg. I had no idea who anyone was. So literally getting calls from Rich Mnisi being hey it’s Rich Mnisi. When I found out it was Rich Mnisi I was like OMG! They were shooting for i-D. That is one thing I’ve always dreamt about - I’ve always bought i-D magazines at the taxi ranks. When they said, "You’re 17 you’re gonna shoot for i-D", I was like that’s crazy, that’s crazy. I shot for almost every magazine that I had back at home. In one year, I had Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and i-D. My mom was like, “Aren’t these the magazines that are in your room.?” It was my favourite flex. I didn't even know it’s gonna happen in terms of modelling. I had always imagined being a part of the creative team or like one day when I’m all the way older on the cover of i-D for doing something. But not a whole documentary that is based on us. That’s so crazy, that’s insane. 

4. Which would you say are your favourite fashion collections you have modelled for?

I really enjoyed the Rich Mnisi collections that I modelled for in the first year - I thought I looked really good in zebra print. Thebe Magugu gave me a suit and said “Do what you must with it.” That was really insane for me. Siyababa Atelier’s collection, Rich Mnisi’s collection and Nao Serati’s collection. 

5. The South African creative scene has truly evolved over time, but there’s still so much work to be done. What do you think still needs to be done to move the culture forward? 

I think South Africa needs to stop normalizing things and actually live in them. We need to stop trying to normalize things so much because we are othering them more than we think. We are othering people more than we think. We are regressing more than progressing. If we keep saying “Normalize trans women” - why? They’re women. Women are already normal. You don’t need to normalize women. It’s microaggressions like that. People don’t realize homophobia is just as serious as racism. The same way people are judging you because of your skin colour is the same way you are judging someone for loving someone. I think South Africa would be much better if they just lived in their truth more than trying to be these progressive people. We’ve been through so much, that we should know by now that we can’t risk having another revolution. We’ve revolved too many times. We’ve been traumatized too many times - we don’t need any more trauma. We just need to get that into our heads. We need to let go of the power game. The obsession with power in this country is a hectic obsession - that needs to be let go of. 

6. How do you find the experience of integrating fashion, music and creative direction together to tell a story? 

It comes easily because everything that I do is still self-obsession. Everything that I create is based on me so it’s not that hard. Self-awareness. It’s hard in that term that you know yourself so much that people want to digress you into this way. The only thing hard about it is people not understanding you and wanting to change you and who you are at that point. You already know who you are. Trying to accommodate everyone into your world because I’ve already said I am living in my own world, in my own space. In my own space, there is no need to accommodate other people. I think that’s the hardest part about it. It’s just me finding spaces for people in my world. In terms of navigating it, it’s always been me living out what I wanted to live out. It’s always playing music - when I DJ I play all the music that has registered with me. I’ve always been a Rihanna girl, I’m always going to play Rihanna. I’m always going to have the Rihanna aesthetic - the same way she does it. I’ve been studying Rihanna for the longest time in my life. The same way she does it. The same way she has this creative direction that goes into her music that also goes into her modelling - it’s really insane. That’s what I’ve always done. Rihanna, FKA Twigs, and FAKA do that in the most perfect way ever. That’s my thing. 

7. If you ever feel a creative block during a project, how do you reconnect and channel your energy? 

I like feeling things out. If it doesn’t happen then it’s not gonna happen. I was at a point where I was really depressed last year - I was at my lowest. I had never been that depressed ever in my life before. I told myself that I never want to feel like that ever again. For that to happen, I always have to be honest with myself. I have to know that I can’t do this right now. If I’m gonna go somewhere and I’m like okay you’re gonna have to model today but you don’t have the haircut. You look bad, you’re gonna feel bad and the pictures are going to look bad. So rather, we don’t do it. Rather sacrifice that and put me in a risky position but I’m not going to put something out there that I don’t believe in and don’t feel comfortable with. Being uncomfortable with something that’s seen by so many people is actually kinda crazy. It’s like uploading a picture of your pinky toe that you don’t like. I know people always say embarrassing yourself on the internet is being real, but that is always different for me. My realness is perfection. The real me is the perfect me. 

8. Which creative material inspired you on your overall journey - it could be a book, film, exhibition, art collection - anything really. 

Definitely seeing FAKA. Sitting down, talking to FAKA, and realizing that we have had the same life experiences. When I was 15, when I was a party girl - I still am, FAKA was like, “Oh you host this party called “Umrubisho” and I was like omg we used to host that party and FAKA was like we were always there. It’s so crazy how the Universe aligns like that - that’s insane to me. No one at that point understood what that meant to me but it just means to me my life is fine, I don’t need to worry about a lot of things. Life is just going to progress the way life progresses. I’m just going to get to where I need to get. A moment most pleasing to me was when FAKA was curating a Versace show. That’s so insane. That means anything is possible. That moment for me just sparked up everything. Thebe Magugu winning the LVMH Prize. Rich Mnisi doing Milan Fashion Week. Moments like that for me make anything. Moments like that for me are the most affirming.

9. Which brands and artists would you like to collaborate with in the future? 

I’m not a big fan of Kanye but I really love Yeezy and the direction that it’s taking. As much as I’m working with Adidas, I would love to go deeper into Yeezy like that. Of course, I want to be a FENTY girl so, so, so bad. All the luxury brands - not necessarily as a model but as a muse nonetheless. I would love to be a DIOR girl, I would love to work with YSL but most mostly, I want to be a FENTY girl. 

10. And lastly, which words of advice would you give to artists who aspire to manifest their dreams in this creative industry? 

I would say be yourself. It’s not a joke, really be yourself. Everyone always says this, and it sounds corny all the time but really but it took me at least 2 years to realize, be yourself. Don’t fake it out, be yourself in such a way that even if you are being fake, you’re being fake in a way that is beneficial to you. You’re being fake in a way that is not going to hurt you in the end. You’re doing chaotic things but everything you do must be aligned with you. Everything you do must not come back and bite you. Everything you do must be something that you’ve always wanted to do. Be selfish as much as you can because being selfish just means being yourself and be selfish in ways that will still benefit you. That’s what it has always meant. Just remain yourself because that’s all you’ll have. People will come in and out, but you’re gonna remain with the same person forever - and that’s gonna be you. Take care of yourself, you know what’s good for you, you know what hinders you. You know what you need to do, so just do enough of that to keep yourself going. 

[amerrierworld]

Curtain. (i)

Carol (2015) fanfiction 

Summary: An on-and-off job as photographer can only pay so much, so Therese Belivet has taken a job at an elementary school's art program to help pay the bills. One of her last jobs before the school year begins is photographing a preview night of a successful play where she meets the well-known artistic director of the show, Carol Ross. She forgets about their meeting until September rolls around and she starts teaching an inquisitive young six-year old by the name of Rindy.

Characters: Carol x Therese

Word Count: 1,491

Warnings: none yet!

June.

Therese was staring intensely at her laptop, watching as all the little photo icons from her camera began transferring over to her drive. Rain tapped gently against her windows and a can of Coke sat on her desk, half-empty. She had shut all the windows to avoid any light or outdoor distractions as she tended to daydream while looking out in the distance, but this time Therese was determined to get this job finished.

As she waited for the files to continue transferring, the brunette arched her back, yawning as her body creaked and popped from sitting for so long.

It had been three days since her lucky photography gig at the Hudson Theatre. Thinking about it still made her limbs jittery. It was a smaller theatre, but being the oldest theatre in the city and having hosted many successful shows, it was still a landmark. Therese had been overjoyed at the prospect of working inside the theatre for once and seeing all the ins and outs of the show she had been asked to document.

Her phone pinged from where she had haphazardly tossed it on her bed. She stood up and shuffled over, stretching again and giving her legs a shake as she opened a message from Dannie.

preview done. again.

how was it?

tbh a little messier than when u were there, richard kept missing his mark

of course he did.

yeah ross wasn't too pleased with him...

At the mention of the director's name, Therese's stomach lurched a bit, though she couldn't tell why. They had only exchanged a few words during the preview when she'd been there.

...anyways, manager wants to know how ur doing with those photos

workin on em right now actually

tsk that's too bad

why? did she need them now? i thought i had until next week

nah i was just gonna ask if u wanted to get some food and then get plastered w me and phil

Therese snorted and looked back at her laptop, which lit up, indicating all the files had been successfully imported. Temporarily forgetting about her conversation she hurried to glance through them, immediately noticing the faulty pics that she knew she wouldn't be able to use.

Her phone rang and she picked up.

"Is that a no?" Dannie asked from the other end. Therese rolled her eyes.

"Dannie, not responding in 30 seconds does not automatically mean no. But yeah, I don't know if getting drunk right now is such a good idea, I have a lot to go through. Plus, don't you have to work tomorrow?"

"Preview isn't until the afternoon, Belivet. I have all morning to sober up."

Sighing, Therese flicked through a few photos, stilling as she found one of the director whose back was to the camera as she directed Gen, the lead actress, who stood off to the far side of the stage.

"Therese?"

"Hm? Yeah, for sure. I'll come for food, but I'm going home afterwards, I really don't want to be hungover. I've had three cans of Coke already, alcohol and caffeine don't mix well for me."

"Alright, sounds good."

"When do you wanna head out?"

"...now?"

At that, the intercom buzzed at Therese's front door, indicating someone was in front of the apartment building.

"Jesus, Dannie, really?"

"I know you're always hungry, Therese. Plus, getting off the subway from work at your place is so much closer than mine. Forgive me?"

"Ugh fine, give me 20 minutes to get ready though. I don't care if you're stuck in the rain outside. That's what happens when you constantly drag me out for last minute plans."

"Yeah, yeah, Belivet, just hurry your ass up. We're not going anywhere fancy cause God knows I don't get paid enough to afford anything like that."

"Is Richard coming?" Therese asked, brow furrowing in a split second of worry.

"Him? Nah. I actually think he somehow managed to lure Gen into a date tonight. I saw them talking after the show."

"Oof, poor girl."

"Yeah, maybe I should warn her, y'know. Get her out while she still can."

"Terrible idea, McElroy. You know how actresses are with stage hands."

Dannie barked out a laugh. "Shut the fuck up, Belivet. You're one to talk, considering you were ogling the director the entire night."

"I was not."

"Yeah you were. Now get going, or I'm gonna melt in this downpour."

Therese smiled and ended the call, closing her laptop and hurrying to put on some decent clothes before meeting Dannie outside.

-

"C'mon Terry, not even one shot? As a celebratory drink for this job and the next."

"No, Phil," Therese laughed. "I already told Dannie, I have work to do later."

"Alright, suit yourself, but that means I'm gonna drink extra just to make up for you!"

After having grabbed a bite at a cheap Thai restaurant, the McElroy brothers had dragged Therese to their usual bar even though she was still determined to stay sober.

"Do you even know how to deal with kids, Therese? Elementary school can be vicious, y'know," Dannie said, sipping his beer as he ignored Phil stumbling from his seat to order another drink.

"It's only part-time, Dan," Therese shrugged. "Plus, what kid doesn't like art? If one of them throws a temper, I'll just let him go ham on a canvas with some paint, no big deal. It's therapeutic that way."

"How'd you manage to get a job there anyway?"

"Well, their usual art teacher had to take a break for a year 'cause of an injury, so I'm just filling in for the younger grades. They were desperate for more staff for their programs."

"Jeez, is that allowed? You've barely worked with kids until now."

"I dunno. I did a full police check and stuff, besides I'm not hired for the school, just the programs afterwards so I'm not technically a teacher. But it's a small school with a shit ton of younger kids that often need an after-school program. Chances are they won't even need me in the New Year if the other teacher comes back."

"So they just really need extra hands on deck?" Dannie concluded and Therese nodded. Phil came staggering back with a glass of water, grouchy and mumbling something about the bartender not letting him have another.

"Yeah. What about you though? What's happening after Woolf?"

Danni sighed and slumped back in his seat. "Who knows at this point? Ross is taking a break too, from being artistic director-,"

"Wait, really? She's not retiring is she?"

Dannie smirked at Therese but ignored her sudden eagerness in the conversation.

"Nah, just something about needing to be home with her family. She's worked her butt off for the theatre more than anyone, so it makes sense she wants a break for a little while after this show's done. But she'll probably be back in no time, cause she's like that. In the mean time, Gerhard is taking over. I don't know what she has up her sleeve yet, but I'm thinking a typical Christmas show is coming up."

"Any idea what it might be?"

"Nope. Everyone's talking and wanting to do A Christmas Carol but it's been so overdone, and Abby's always doing unexpected things."

"Damn, I wonder what it could be," Therese chewed her lip in thought.

"You sure you're not just upset at the idea of Ross not working there anymore?" Dannie teased. Therese smacked his arm.

"Dannie," she scolded.

"What! Even a blind person could see she's literal eye candy, though she can be a tough boss. I'm not blaming you for liking her, but I am telling you that she's not as sweet as she looks."

"Hmph, whatever. She's probably got someone anyways, if she's taking a break with family."

"I dunno, Belivet, I've never noticed a wedding ring." He winked at her.

"God, you're the worst y'know?" Therese sighed, though her eyes were twinkling. "I never should have come out to you when all you do is tease me about every girl who I just happen to find kinda cute."

Dannie grinned. "That's what you get for being besties with the McElroys, Belivet. Besides, since Phil doesn't like girls, who am I supposed to go to when I get lady problems?"

Therese shook her head and chuckled before checking her watch.

"Damn, it's getting late. Alright boys, I'm going home. I really need to work on those photos. Don't drink yourselves to death, please?"

"Wouldn't dream of it, Belivet!"

She grabbed her purse before going to hail a cab as Phil and Dannie waved goodbye, her mind whirling with thoughts of the intriguing blonde director. Therese wondered who she was, besides the 'literal eye candy' that she'd managed to capture on camera. Sighing, Therese shook her from her mind during the brief cab ride home, deciding it was best to leave her daydreaming behind for the rest of the night.

A/N: heh... hi. here's my take on carol/therese because i can’t get enough of them honestly. Let me know what you think; this’ll be a pretty packed series so enjoy :3 

I’ve also been posting my stuff on AO3 if any of you use that as well so you can find this and my other stories there too! <3 

[ozis-paradise]

ØZI | TURNING IT UP FROM TAIWAN TO THE STATES

ØZI FOR FLAUNT MAGAZINE – published August 27, 2020

ØZI is a rising star who’s ready to break through to the US market. Gaining a tremendous amount of momentum in Asia, winning Best New Artist of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards and Chinese CMA Awards, the Taiwanese-American singer, songwriter, producer, and director likes to push boundaries and experiment with different genres of art— from his visuals to his music to his everyday life.

According to ØZI, Chinese music (unlike Korean K-pop) isn’t really heard on the planet. Having performed with the likes of Jay Park and Tiffany Young of the legendary K-pop group Girls’ Generation, he states, “I'm trying to put Chinese music on the map. Not just Chinese, I'm trying to put this whole entire culture on the map by any means. People listen to K-pop or American hip-hop—me being on this side of the world, being raised in Taipei, there's a lot to offer. But people have to hear it.”

Now, he returns with his newest single and visual for “LAVA!” His music is the perfect blend of Asian and American culture, fusing influences from his roots in Taiwan with the hip-hop we all know and love. Additionally, he’s had the pleasure of working with notable fashion brands from Burberry to Valentino to Fendi—the latter of which caught the attention of Nicki Minaj.

Flaunt caught up with ØZI via FaceTime who was located in Taipei, discussing everything from his upbringing in music, “B.O.” going viral,” Nicki shouting him out on the Gram, and his own label Forbidden Paradise.

 “B.O.” has over 11 million views on Youtube alone, what did that do for your career?

A lot actually, that’s the song that got me the Taiwanese Grammys. I wrote that song 3 years ago. I was an underground rapper out here, producing my album. That song wasn’t something I thought would hit. I put it in with hopes of it doing good, but didn't think too much about it. I shot it with 9m88, she's a very good friend of mine and a great jazz musician. I said "hey, you'll sound amazing on this record!" She hopped on it. I shot the music video in L.A., came back. I dropped it and it took off. It caught me off guard. During that time, I had some sort of buzz underground. 2 or 3 songs had hit before “B.O.” so I had a little bit of noise, but that song really took me to a different level. That song brought me mainstream. I got nominated for Golden Melody, which is the Taiwanese Grammys. I got Best New Artist, that changed my career. 

 Being from Taipei, what was the household like growing up?

I'm a third culture kid. My parents don't know how to speak English at all. I went to an international school. This is a common thing for international school kids: I go to school speaking only English, then I come home watching Chinese TV and talking in Chinese. Taipei is a small place so everybody knows each other. I go back and forth because I was born in L.A., in Pasadena. Every summer and winter, I’d go back to visit my godparents. But we sold our house in Pasadena.

When did music come into play?

I was born in it. My parents are both in the entertainment industry. My mom’s a pop diva, artist, singer-songwriter in Taiwan. My dad’s a photographer, he did photoshoots for all the fashion magazines from 10 to 30 years ago. He retired. All my life, I was a part of this. I played classical piano since I was 4, I'm sure all the Asian kids can relate. [laughs] I had a rock band when I was 7, which is interesting because my mom’s like "aye, you should start a rock band with your first grade classmates." In middle school, I started really listening to music. It started with 50 Cent’s “Disco Inferno," I thought "what the fuck is this?!" I was 11, then it went to Eminem. Started with Marshall Mathers LP, went back to the Slim Shady LP, then to Encore. I also fell in love with Linkin Park. 

You just released your new visual for “LAVA!” Who or what inspired this one?

I started collaborating with Transparent Arts (Far East Movement). I met them last year, started working in July. I went to L.A., they arranged me with a couple of producers. One of them I particularly fucked with was Ian Thomas, he's done songs with Bryson Tiller. That’s the first song we worked on. I'm putting it on my album but that whole project got delayed because of COVID. It’s a feel-good, summer track like “aye, I vibe with this."

How’s it feel to have a co-sign from Nicki Minaj?

That's hard. That's the biggest thing to ever happen to me. [laughs] I had a photoshoot and tagged Fendi. Nicki had a collab, a capsule thing with Fendi. I do a lot of fashion stuff, that was one of my gigs. I didn't think too much of it. I went to an event, took photos and did some press. Afterward, I woke up to Nick Minaj putting me on her feed. So surreal, she’s like “big shouts to OZI in Taiwan, wassup?”

You have your own hip-hop label named Forbidden Paradise, what’s the significance in the name?

We started it 3 years ago with my colleagues Razor and MCKY, they're OGs producers in hip-hop and pop. We all saw how Mandarin pop music is so stagnant, we wanted to change that and bring something fresh to the game. R&B and hip hop wasn't big in Asia at all. Mandarin pop was all slow songs, we weren’t fucking with that. We had to do something. The world’s been listening to hip-hop for the longest time. At that time, Drake popped. The 3 of us are gamers, so we're really into medieval times and dragons. We like anything super poetic and epic, Forbidden Paradise came from that. The classic Adam and Eve story, we're the forbidden fruit. We're here to give the rest of the world the apple, particularly in Taiwan. After you’re introduced to our culture, you gain wisdom. We’re opening the Forbidden Paradise for you guys to listen.

[audreybizouerne]

Environmental portrait

Task 2 Pre-Production: Plan your Photographic Shoot

ARTIST PRESENTATION

When I started thinking about this project, I immediately thought about my friend Victoria Morton.

Victoria Morton is a Scottish contemporary visual artist based in Glasgow. She mainly works in paint. Trained at the Glasgow School of Art where she completed her master's degree, she worked on different commissions for art galleries and museums and had many exhibitions around the world the past 25 years. Her piece Soliton has been chosen to be exhibited in Kelvingrove Museum in 2018. It is the ninetieth artwork of international importance gifted to Glasgow Museums since 1927.

She's also a musician I had the chance to collaborate with in one of my bands over the past couple of years. We played a few gigs together. She's a great wizard of sounds, playing a small analog synth called Doepfer Dark Energy II.

I interviewed her in order to prepare the brief for the environmental portrait project, getting to know her better, trying to understand her painting work compared to her musical practice. We then made a plan for the shoot.

INTERVIEW

How did painting become such a big part of your life?

I've been painting for a long time. I graduated from the art school 35 years ago. I've always done drawings and paintings from a very young age. I knew I wanted to go to art school, that's all I really wanted to do. When I went to art school I felt completely at home. I studied painting and then mixed media for my MFA. I worked on exhibitions, teaching, commissions. I got more into music later on playing in bands.

How would you describe yourself as a painter?

I developed my own way of making painting over the years. I'm very interested in theory and post-modern theory. Then I tried to open up to a more instinctive way of painting. Now my genre is more a mashup of educated ideas, thinking about painting, and also being in the moment and making work in quite an impulsive way. So it's partly structured and partly improvised. I sometimes work with deadlines, and, also with an awareness of the techniques and the tools I use. I have a framework in my head and I try and follow that.

How can you compare it to your approach of music?

Music and painting both have systems. I'm not trained in music the same way I am in painting so I am using my ear all the time. It's a mostly instinctive process for me in music. The possibilities are more limited with what I can do with music. I try and use that as my strength rather than seeing it as a problem. Painting is much more fluid. Once I start I feel immediately comfortable with it. It's very private while music is more about collaboration so they're really complementary.

I've done some research into the physics of sound. It's fascinating how in the physics of sound and in nature and in optics there are these waveforms that happen which sort of correspond. For this piece Soliton in Kelvingrove I thought about a particular type of wave that can happen in the sea and it's correlation with the soundwave that you can hear. Also, the colours are basically waveforms, vibrating off the surface. My paintings might be more a reflection on the experience of sound and music rather than an illustration of sound itself.

Can you name two outdoors spaces that are meaningful to you and explain me why?

There's a river near my studio in Italy which runs through a place called Secchiano. The water there has a beautiful, deep, turquoise green colour. People go wild swimming there. It's really beautiful and quite hidden. I love it because you feel like you're a part of nature, there's fish swimming past you there and everyone sits around on rocks or under trees shaded from the heat. You feel like you're in a painting.

Another favourite outdoor space is the forest near my studio in Italy up high on a mountain side. I've been there to make field recordings of bird songs and insects. It's an ancient forest. People go mushroom hunting and wild boar hunting. It's just a very peaceful place. I enjoy being  in amongst the trees because of the drama and all the fresh air.  It's between Fossombrone (where my studio is) and Urbino.

Two indoors spaces?

My painting studio is a practical space but also got a beautiful light. The light is the main reason for staying there all over these years because even days like today when it's raining it's always bright enough to work without needing to turn the lights on. It's a big space, I feel lucky to have that. I can work on a large scale and it's quite shut off from everywhere else. I can just leave it in a mess, go home, forget about everything and then come back in. It's a good thinking and production space.

I have an emotional attachment to Kelvingrove Art Galleries because I grew up in the West End of Glasgow and I used to go to Kelvingrove as a pupil at school and draw some of the exhibits. I would never have imagined in all my life that I would have a painting in the collection there. I've always been fascinated the organ in Kelvingrove, it's such an impressive musical instrument, the sound of it is wild. So, I'm happy about the fact that the painting is positioned near where the organ is. I also like the architecture of the upstairs space. There's a beautiful natural light coming in.

Two pieces of clothing?

I love my boilersuit, I feel completely comfortable in it, I feel really neutral, I just put it on and I go into painting mode, it's a bit like a pair of pyjamas. And I love how it looks covered in all the painting splashes!

A jumper I just bought from my friend who's an amazing knitwear designer. It's brand new and I'm not gonna take it off all winter. It's gonna make me feel good during the rest of the pandemic.

Two objects?

I'll pick two objects that are really practical: the stool which is basically an extension of my body when I'm working. It helps me getting to places I need to go when making the paintings. It's so useful and practical, that's why I love it. And it's a great design.

The canvas pliers actually are quite beautiful as an object. They grip the canvas and twist it round the wood and hold it in place while you staple it. It's a really useful tool to have. Those particular ones are amazing. I can't remember where I got them but I've never been able to find any like that again, they're nice bits of engineering.''

PREPARATION FOR THE DIFFERENT SHOOTS: LOCATIONS, IDEAS, EQUIPMENT, DATES & PROPS

Locations

After this interview, it became obvious to try and photograph her in her painting studio and Kelvingrove Museum, both in Glasgow. She told me the light was nice in her studio and I had seen images of the space beforehand so I guessed it wouldn't be too hard to plan a shoot there. What worried me the most was to have the right equipment, especially the lens since her paintings can be huge and I don't have a very wide lens.

Kelvingrove would also be a challenge for two main reasons, the different sources of light and the people visiting.

Ideas

My ideas for the photoshoot in the studio was to try and see her working, watching her paint and try and take photos that capture the process of creating a painting, a bit inspired by the photos of Jackson Pollok by Arnold Newman.

My idea behind Kelvingrove was more to witness what can become of a piece of art. It was worth taking a photo of her next to her gigantic painting in the stairs of the museum and try and show the beauty of it being shown in such a majestic place.

Equipment

Equipment wise I decided to bring my zoom lens to have different options since I wasn't sure which focal lengths I would need. I also brought my reflector and lightmeter as they're now part of my kit. I try and use them everytime I shoot. I didn't have a chance to work with an assistant so I had to find a way to deal with everything myself. I also brought a tripod to allow a slower exposure since I knew I would struggle with the lack of light in the museum. Finally I brought a mini step which is also now part of my kit and has been very handy for the past few shoots I had.

Dates and props

I had to plan two shoots on two different days according to my friend's availability and the opening times of the museum. I at least didn't have to worry too much about the weather since I was shooting indoors. I shot the past two Tuesdays in the afternoon.

After asking all the questions to Vikki, she knew what to wear for the shoot so we used her two favourite/most meaningful pieces of clothing.

[lilyvandersteen]

Out of the Blue: Chapter 1

Presenting: my Blaine Big Bang 2020 story!

A huge big thank you to my beta @hkvoyage​ for her invaluable feedback and never-flagging encouragement, and to my artist @redheadgleek​ for the lovely cover art she made for this fic!

I hope you enjoy this story, and by all means, let me know what you think, I love hearing from you :-)

Links: AO3, FF.net)

Chapter 1: Plus One

Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in spite of a great opposition of character. -- Bingley was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, ductility of his temper, though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though with his own he never appeared dissatisfied.

(An excerpt from Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

“What do you need a plus one for? A charity dinner?” Blaine asked, buttering a piece of baguette and taking a big bite. He’d been up and about since six that morning, and was too hungry to wait until his soup was heated up.

Cooper grinned. “A wedding. This Saturday.”

“Oh no, no, no, not again! Remember that drunk old man the last time who kept groping me? I’m not coming with you. No way.

Cooper put his arm around Blaine’s shoulder. “Now, Blainey, don’t be like that. We’ve always had good times at these weddings together, haven’t we? I love this new hobby of mine! Relieves more stress than a deep tissue massage. Touching ceremonies, good food, singing and dancing, and tons of people in the mood for some fun. Can’t fathom why I ever turned down wedding invitations before. Why did I? Oh yeah, probably because I worked 24/7. Glad I’m past that stage now. It’s way more fun spending money than making it. And everybody loves the gifts I show up with at weddings. Remember that time I bought the newlyweds a brand new Aston Martin? They were so happy!”

Well, it was certainly true that Cooper had worked his ass off to get where he was now. When Blaine was a child, his brother starred in so many ads that Blaine saw him more often on television than in real life. And then, Cooper had moved away to Los Angeles to start his own advertising business, and in a few years, his firm had become a household name. The flipside of that was that Cooper hardly ever came home for a visit anymore. He missed even Christmas, and though he sent amazing presents for Blaine’s birthdays, he never once showed up.

Cooper HAD been there when it mattered, though. When Blaine ended up in hospital after the Sadie Hawkins dance, Coop had dropped everything and flown to Ohio immediately, where he’d spent the next weeks entertaining Blaine by reading to him and singing with him and telling funny stories about shoots he’d done.

And when Blaine graduated high school and his father refused to pay for college because he wanted to study music composition instead of something ‘practical’, Cooper had smoothed the way at once. He had relocated to New York, bought a brownstone close to the NYU campus and invited Blaine to come live with him, ‘to keep him company’, and had paid him handsomely to help him out with work, doing odd jobs. In no time, Blaine had learned how to build sets, apply make-up, spray long hair to make it look enticingly windswept, arrange food on a plate in the most appetizing way and produce all sorts of sound effects. He’d even written a jingle or two – which made him money every time it was played on the radio and on TV!

By the time school started, Blaine had found out that Cooper had paid his NYU attendance fees and bought all his course books for him.

Cooper had waved away Blaine’s thanks. “You’ve worked hard this summer, and I know I’ll be able to count on you again when I need you.”

“Of course.”

And in the years that followed, Cooper did call on him from time to time, but he made sure not to overtax his brother, and to leave him alone when he had too much school work.

Yes, all in all, Cooper was an amazing brother. Blaine just wished he’d get another hobby. He hated being tagged along to a wedding where he didn’t know anybody.

Cooper shot Blaine a winning smile and turned his laptop in Blaine’s direction. “And these two have such INTERESTING things on their wedding registry list. Look! They’re asking for a Louis XV pet pavilion. And look at this Swarovski-studded cat flap! It’s all cat stuff. I don’t think there’s one thing on the list that’s for themselves. Isn’t that FASCINATING? Oh, I want to go!”

“So take your secretary,” Blaine suggested. “Or that leggy blonde that sneaked out of the house at five o’clock this morning.”

“Ew, no! They’d both think I was serious about them if I took them to a wedding.”

Blaine rolled his eyes at his brother. “Why don’t you go stag, then?”

Cooper pouted. “But it’s no fun turning up there all by my lonesome! I won’t know anyone!”

“What do you mean you don’t know anyone?” Blaine probed. “It’s not the daughter of a business associate this time?”

“Nope.”

“A friend from high school or a cousin twice removed who knows you’re filthy rich now and wants a piece of that?”

Cooper shook his head. “Nope and nope.”

“Ugh, don’t tell me you’re crashing a wedding you’re not even invited to? Not again! One day, you’re going to get in trouble for that, and you will only have yourself to blame!”

Cooper grinned and fanned himself with an ivory card. “Nope. Got the invitation right here!”

Blaine furrowed his eyebrows. “So what, you got a wedding invite from total strangers?”

“Weeell…” Cooper drawled, letting the sentence trail off with a shoulder wiggle.

“Well what?”

Cooper studied the photograph on the invitation and tilted his head to the side. “It’s possible I slept with one of the brides. The blonde one looks kind of familiar.”

Blaine side-eyed his brother. “Kind of? As in, you’re not even sure?”

Cooper shrugged. “Hard to keep track of them all.”

Blaine sniffed in disgust.

Cooper studied the card again. “But I’m 80% sure. And isn’t it sporting of her to invite me to her wedding? I don’t want to get married, but I’m all for other people tying the knot. And inviting me to the party.”

The microwave pinged, and Blaine got his soup out and started to eat, paying no more attention to his ridiculous brother.

Cooper left him alone for a few minutes, scrolling through the wedding registry and occasionally exclaiming about another idiotic cat accessory. Then he wheedled, “Come with me? Pretty please? With cherries and cream on top? I really want to go!”

Blaine glared at Cooper. “No. Find someone else. I have essays to work on this weekend, and I have a gig Sunday evening. An actual paying gig this time, not just an open mic thing. So I have to be sober and well rested. I want them to ask me back.”

Cooper pouted. “Ruin my fun.”

“Oh, I’m all for you having fun,” Blaine said, rinsing out his bowl and putting it in the dishwasher. “Just don’t expect me to tag along.”

He took his satchel and headed towards his room, but Cooper stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I’ll buy you a vintage Martin guitar like that guy from across the street has. I’ve seen you looking, that time he invited us for a barbecue. More hungry for that guitar than for the ribs and sausages Ted was grilling.”

“He doesn’t even PLAY it!” Blaine whined. “It’s hanging on the wall for show. Because it costs the earth. Why would you buy a guitar that sounds THAT good to just hang it on a wall?”

Coop nodded. “Exactly. You would never. That’s settled then. I’ll get you your guitar, and you’ll come to the wedding with me. Thanks, squirt, I knew I could count on you!”

And off he was, taking the stairs two at a time, whistling.

Blaine stared after him, then shook his head and chuckled. Coop always knew how to get his way. All right then, where was his grey suit?

[wherearethegirlbands]

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSICA SEYMOUR

18-year-old Jessica Seymour is a Liverpool-based photographer about to embark on a filmmaking degree in Leeds. She tells us about her gig photography work, her favourite venues, and the Liverpool scene. 

Tell us about your work. How did you get started?

I bought a DSLR camera after I finished high school to get into film, but before I had a chance to start making my own films, I ended up falling into photography instead - though it wasn’t the fastest process. I messed around for nearly a year with the camera, taking photos with friends and on days out without really knowing what I was doing before I started taking my camera more seriously. I only started to do gig photography in 2019, because I saw a friend at college doing it, and knew it would be something I would love. I reached out to ask how she got into doing photos for bands and she offered to take me with her to her next gig. As luck would have it that’s where I met Tilly Louise, who I still work with now. 

Beginning was the hardest part. Starting from scratch without knowing anything about cameras and having to teach myself was awkward – mostly because I refused to read anything, and just decided to “learn as I go” for a few months. I wouldn’t recommend that approach at all, you do really need to know how your settings work and affect the picture before you mess with them! And even harder, personally, I found was going to the gigs and meeting new people. As exciting as it was, I was not very confident and was meeting people who I considered (and still do!) as being very cool and extremely talented. I’d also never been good at meeting new people, and meeting people who knew what they were doing was quite daunting. Everything about starting made me anxious! Sometimes I still get anxious when I feel like I don’t know what I’m walking into. Especially at new venues – I have no idea what the lighting will be like, or where I can stand or put my things. All these new experiences I had no idea how to handle, so I just tried my best! I was very lucky that my friend (@gina_may_photography) took me to my first gig. If it wasn’t for her, I very much doubt I would ever have had the confidence to go alone and start getting experience.

Despite all these worries, taking the jump into the deep end and doing my first gig was the best thing I’ve ever done. I say this a lot, but it changed my life in such a positive way. It opened a new creative outlet for me, and helped me discover so much incredible music that I never knew was just hiding in the city. More importantly, I think photography has given me a purpose I didn’t know I was lacking. It has continued to build my confidence, and has led me to create great friendships and memories, which is more than I could ever have believed would happen from that first gig. 

What draws you to photographing musicians?

I’ve always been interested in music and loved going to gigs. It just seemed natural to me that I would want to spend my time doing photography there and taking pictures of the action. For me gigs are special because you get lighting unlike anything else, and some really dynamic shots from the band (without having to try and pose them!). My favourite part though, is that you get to capture some memories and try and convey the feeling and atmosphere through your photos. It’s like all the best parts of photography wrapped into one for me – aesthetically I love the colours, lights, and action that you can get from a performance on stage.  And with all this, you also are capturing important memories for the band. Especially when you get to go to special gigs – a song release, a big crowd, opening for a favourite band. Being asked to be the person that saves those memories for someone feels like quite a big deal sometimes. 

Do you have a favourite band/venue to photograph/set of photos?

I couldn’t choose a favourite band! I feel so genuinely privileged to have seen and worked with some amazing artists around Liverpool. 

The artist I do work closest with is Tilly Louise though. We’ve become friends from all that we’ve done, and she’s very special to me. She is not only the most incredibly kind person I’ve met, but the root of my whole ‘career’. She has wonderful people around her (I would describe her as a magnet for amazing people, I don’t know how she does it), and because of that I’ve got to meet and network with so many others, mostly surrounding LIPA.  Tilly does so much for me and the people around her, and I admire her so much not only for her heart but her incredible drive. So, if you’re reading this and you don’t know who Tilly Louise is, go and check her out! She will take on the world.

My favourite venues are Jimmy’s, Sound Basement, and EBGBS. Jimmy’s has the coolest lights and shooting The Blue Room there for a charity gig the other month felt very special. That’s been my favourite gig to shoot so far, because I don’t think there was a single person there who didn’t have an incredible night, and I still managed to get photos I am really proud of. Sound also comes out with some of the best photos – the lighting there is on a loop of steady colours, which I really love. EBGBs also has some nice spotlights... So anywhere with nice lighting is basically my favourite place. I would love to have another go at the O2 or try the Arts Club soon though, and other bigger venues like the Invisible Wind Factory!

As for my favourite photos, they genuinely change every time I take new ones! I guess that’s a good thing as it suggests that I keep improving. I think a set that really stands out for me though apart from The Blue Room’s ones I mentioned, are the set I did for Tilly Louise and The Beautiful Boys at EBGBs, for Tilly’s single release. I did more than just her set that night and I’m still pretty proud of all those pictures. 

Has this been a good way of connecting with local musicians, or is the dynamic perhaps more separate?

It’s been a brilliant way to meet people and network! I’ve made some incredible new friends from my work, which I wasn’t expecting. I found so many people and such incredible music too, that I would love and be listening to even if I wasn’t there as a photographer. I do try to go to gigs sometimes just for the music rather than to work, since it’s such a different experience behind the camera. I don’t think people would believe I’m sincere if I tell them I’m such a big fan of their work, as it looks like I only want to sweeten them up in the hopes they’ll invite me back for more photos - but I am so privileged to hear their music and get to work with the people I do. I hold so many of them in the highest esteem and know I would be a genuine fan even if I was not working for them.

Is your work ever experimental?

Not really, and definitely not as much as I would like! I have started trying some more long exposures (and I am still trying to improve my technique), as I’ve seen many photographers use them and think they look incredible. I also would love to try using some sort of prism sometime. These techniques are both heavily used though, especially for gigs, so I would love to come up with something truly different that people haven’t seen before. As to what that is yet, I have no idea. Maybe start taking a drone to gigs to get some shots from a bird’s eye view? If I had the money and the venue was big enough, I think that would be quite different! However, I have a feeling that that won’t be happening...

What are you working on at the moment?

Nothing in particular, considering all gigs have been cancelled. I was meant to be shooting Melon Yellow Festival and Sound City very soon, and I was very excited, but now I’m not sure if it will work out. They would be the biggest gigs I’d ever shot! So I am ridiculously upset about missing them. I had such big plans this year! We’ll just have to see what happens. I hope I can make them in September but I already know Sound City clashes with another postponed gig I had tickets for, which is gutting.

What makes the Liverpool scene different to any other?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any comparisons to make here. I’ve only ever worked in Liverpool, but it will be interesting to see how Leeds compares when I move up there. I do hope I will be able to find a balance of going between the two cities though. I feel like I’ve really settled in with the Liverpool scene and love the people and opportunities here. I already know I will miss it desperately.

Why do you follow @wherearethegirlbands?

I love this account so much. I think it is perfect for building a supportive and interconnected community, and creates a great space to discover new people around the area. Knowing who is in the community and building a supportive network to showcase other creators and be inspired by them is great for everyone! Without the help of many people, I would not be doing what I am now. Plus, I love to see other photographers on the scene absolutely killing it. There are so many talented photographers in Liverpool who I look up to and feel constantly inspired by when the post, they give me so much excitement and passion to keep challenging myself. It’s also great to see which bands are in the area too: to see who you connect with, and even if I am not approaching it from a work point of view, it’s great to find new people you love as artists.

What’s the best live music to see in Liverpool?

I’d always say try and see everything and anything you can! I still have so many people I would love to cross paths with at some point, and so many different areas of the scene I would love to explore. I think some of the women in Liverpool really are the best though, so if you’re going to go anywhere, I’d try there!

[ghosttownaz]

Underground Uprising’s “Artist of the Week” - D. Carter

We are back with the Underground Uprising's "Artist of the Week" and this time we have a director/videographer to showcase!  D. Carter, the man behind "To the Top Visuals" is the first "AOTW" to  be chosen for their skills behind a camera and after you get to know him and his work a little better, you'll be a fan or an eager artist that wants to work with this diversely skilled man from Arizona.

Where are you from?  What was it like growing up there?

"I was born in Mesa, Arizona. Raised in the East valley of Phoenix, bouncing from Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. I've been here my entire life. I moved a lot, but mostly throughout the east valley. I love AZ, it is a place I'll always represent and call home. I've met several solid people who've played huge roles in my life. I've had a lot of great memories and a lot of bad one's. But I'm sure it's like that anywhere you are from. The one thing i love about Arizona is its difference in nature. You can go from the Phoenix desert at 120 degrees and take an hour and a half drive up North and be in cooler weather and surrounded by pine trees. Growing up here has been a long experience and journey. I don't know any other place better than I do Arizona."

What kind of videos/movies/tv inspired you as a kid?

"I grew up loving a lot of sci-fi and comedy films. "Star Wars" brings out my nerdy side and i could watch those movies over and over despite how many times I've already seen them. I also loved movies like "The Matrix" , "Romeo must die", "Predator", "Alien", "Rush Hour" "Chappelle show" and stand up comedies to name a few. As a kid I was heavy into "Pokémon" and "Yu-Gu-oh!" I don't care what nobody says that was my thing. Lol. I really enjoyed movies or shows where their was a main character who was separated from the rest "The one" or they had special abilities that no one else had. Some badass "lone ninja" type stuff. Lol. I actually try implementing that on my own projects. I think it's cool."

When did “To the Top Visuals” start?

"[It] originated as "Carterora Productions" about two years ago. As I was building my portfolio as an artist going by "D Carter", I needed content. I didn't have the money to afford photo shoots or music videos all the time with what I was trying to do. I knew I needed to put things out but I was limited. I hated that feeling. I originally invested into camera equipment with a business partner who had experience in multimedia in hopes to grow as an artist and build a business shooting music videos and doing photo shoots for other artists. My partner and I had conflicting schedules and (life happened) at the time and couldn't run it full force attacking it head on together like i was intending to. So I ended up doing it by myself. I started building relationships and taking on big projects like Weddings, Corporate videos, small business videos, artist photo shoots, artist music videos etc.. I really had no experience what so ever with a camera or knew anything about it. But I did my research and learned more and more over time. I had to learn the ins and outs of a camera, a drone, editing, all while having my own style to it. It was very over whelming for a while because I was also trying to be a music artist. Then all the sudden I was a videographer and a photographer.

I've had my fair share of gigs and the experience is really what took me to a new level. Although I still am the learner and have much more to figure out. It has skyrocketed my opportunities and building relationships being able to it all.  Until I met my manager, (Danielle Ellis) aka "The Matrix" We built a team together under the label "To the Top Music Management". She has helped me immensely to grow as an artist. We decided to partner and run the multimedia business I had built, together and rebrand the name to match what we had already started in To the Top Music management. To make things simpler, thus the name "To the Top Visuals".

Favorite director?

"I loved Tarantino films, Spielberg, and of course George Lucas for giving us star wars lol."

What do you both think of the current state of AZ Hip Hop?

"I think anyone can agree that Arizona is a hotspot for talent. I've met so many talented and credible like minded individuals who are all here trying to do the same thing. The driving direction in AZ hip-hop is in full acceleration. One day i believe AZ will be known for Hip hop like California, New York or Atlanta. One driving force will be Respect the Underground and what they have put on for the city, year after year. Especially with the showcasing of talent at each years Annual Hip hop festival."

Advice for up and coming creators and artists?

"My best advice, do what you love to do. Not because it's cool. If you truly love the ART and can dedicate your life to it, then take every opportunity thrown at you. I mean that as in right away. Not next week, next year, or when you're ready.. Because you will never be "ready". The time is now fam."

Biggest lesson learned in your career?

"My biggest lesson as a music artist, was to stop making music for other people. Make music that YOU like. Don't follow the trends. Separate yourself from the rest. I see to much of the same things nowadays. I also learned that this is a business, not a hobby. You need to have both a business mindset and a creative mindset or else this will be very difficult for you. It was for me. The last important thing I learned is don't listen to what people think or criticize you on about your art. And that goes for the multimedia side as well. Your art will never be good enough for some people and that's okay. You have to accept that. The ones who enjoy what you do will follow."

What are you most proud of, what is your biggest accomplishment so far?

"What I am most proud of in this journey in the music business and multimedia business is the experience itself. Never did I think 4 years ago I would be where I am today, strategizing and executing a clear vision with Mic Myers, Talika, KMRN, Genesis, and Drk Matr, all of which are a part of our label “To the Top music management” as well as hosting Hip-hop night at Good Time Charlis in Chandler. I've worked with or had the opportunity to surround myself with several successful artists and media artists such as Whitney Peyton, Sincerely Collins, Fat Belly Filmz, Shot by Dub, Delly Everyday, Bag of Tricks Cat to name a few. I've collaborated with super producer Kato on the Track, on a beat and had the opportunity to meet and learn from him. I've taken pictures of several local artists whether it be photo shoots or performance photos for groups like The Kotton Mouth Kings... The opportunities are out there.. I'm proud of my journey and I cant wait for what's next."

Who would you like to collab with in the future?

"I would love to collab with Futuristic one day, but I'm sure everyone would want that since he's one of the faces of AZ hip hop right now.. J Rob the Chief is another artist i believe is next level. I'm open to collabs with anyone who is serious about this honestly. Eventually I'd like to expand outside of AZ and collab with other we'll known artists. But overall I want to grow and help others grow too."

What’s the next move for To The Top Visuals?

"To the Top visuals has a few videos coming out that we are excited about. One of which being Whitney Peyton. She is an incredible talent and has given us the opportunity to collab with her. So stay tuned for that. Otherwise, To the Top Visuals is open for business and taking all inquiries for video, photo, beat production, studio recording, album art or cover art, or even if you need help learning the business side of music etc.. So hit us up we got you!"

by: Steven Sandage

[laurahphoto]

Amazing music photographers around the world

We’re currently facing a world crisis unlike we have seen in a generation. Due to shutdowns of pretty much all normal life, the music industry has completely shutdown touring. Festivals and tours all over the world have been cancelled, and the loss of income to all of those connected to that industry will be devastating. 

This is my very small attempt at trying to help out some of my favourite photographers, nearly all of whom are affected by these shutdowns. I’ve tried my best to link to all their print stores, instagram and websites, but if there are direct ways you want to help them, please reach out. Give them a follow. Share their posts. Tell them how amazing they are. Spirits are low right now, and boosting someone’s spirits is one of the best things we can do to get through this.

We’re all in this together. I hope you discover your new favourite photographer.

UK/EU

Bethan Miller // Cardiff, UK

Bethan Miller is a Cardiff based photographer who works within music, event and wedding photography. I’ve followed Bethan’s work for years, and seeing her come as far as she has, and being a full-time freelancer is incredible. She tours regularly with rising UK band Holding Absence, and her work with them truly captures their moody-vibe.  PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Corinne Cumming // London, UK

Best known as ‘Captured by Corinne’, one of the music industry’s NICEST humans on the planet, London based Corinne is also an incredible photographer, from her work with Rock Sound with some of your favourite bands, to her unmatched stunning studio work with Drag Queens. I feel so proud when I see her work - we would often share the pit together when we were newbies and now she’s a full-time photographer and owner of her own studio, Hot Dog Studios.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Isha Shah // London, UK

Honestly, a true legend. Isha’s work is so vibrant, innovative and quite genius. She’s able to work with a range of artists and musicians, and also inspires other creatives with her creative collective, Platform London. Never afraid to speak up, Isha’s no BS attitude makes her so unique, and honestly my feeds would be way too quiet without her. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Jennifer McCord // London, UK

Finding beauty in the minimal, Jenny’s work is emotive in the way she photographs some of the most delicate moments, no matter whether she’s shooting live music, portraits or weddings. Seeing her grow from shooting hardcore shows to working with Ellie Goulding, Jenny is IN DEMAND, and there’s a reason why.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Phoebe Fox // London, UK

It blows me away that Phoebe (SHOTBYPHOX) is only 22. She has toured with artists such as Anne Marie, SWMRS, Anteros and The Amazons and is a powerhouse of beautiful content. Her work is clean, bold, and simply stunning.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Zac Mahrouche // London, UK

Zac shoots a lot of live music, but also creates some really beautiful editorial/fashion photos. I can always look to Zac’s work for inspiration, and I love the way he presents his work across socials.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Doug Elliott // Brighton, UK

The moody cold tones of Doug’s work make it really atmospheric and cinematic. It’s been amazing to follow Doug’s journey over the years and see him work with artists such as Against The Current. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Martyna “Gingerdope” // Stroud, UK

One of the most unique viewpoints in music photography come from Gingerdope. She captures some of the most delicate, overlooked moments on tour, and has introduced me to some of the UK’s best indie bands. 

ONLINE STORE // INSTAGRAM

Ellie Mitchell // UK

Ellie is a machine, and seems to be always touring! I admire how she works within particularly male-dominated genres and has become one of the most consistent music photographers out there. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Arne Desmedt “CardinalsMedia” // Antwerp, Belgium

I’ve followed Arne’s work for a while, and he always delivers stunning, dynamic live photos across multiple music genres. His portfolio is an endless stream of incredible shots.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Sarah Louise Bennett // London, UK

Another amazing woman working in the music industry, and killing it with every shoot she does. Sarah is so hardworking, producing stunning covers/features for Upset & Dork magazines and continuously setting the bar high. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

CANADA

Brandynnleigh // Calgary, AB

One of THE most creative photographers out there, I love the concepts and essence of her work; there’s a story within every photo and there’s a vintage feel to them that works perfectly. Brandynnleigh is based in Calgary and shoots live music as well as portraits, conceptual projects and landscapes.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE 

Lindsey Blane // Vancouver, BC

Ok, I’m biased, because Lindsey is one of my closest friends but also a ridiculously talented human, a bit of a workaholic and someone who gives every project 110%. When we met, we were both working at a camera store (in different locations) and she stalked me on Instagram and messaged me on Christmas Day 2016, and within weeks she was sleeping on my sofa a couple times a month, so she could come over to Vancouver from Victoria and shoot some shows/build her relationships with artists. It’s paid off and seeing her work with some of the biggest artists in Canada is mindblowing.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Brandon Dacosta // Toronto, ON

Brandon works with a range of indie artists including Canadian bands Bearings and Belmont. His work is so energetic and he checks off everything live music photography is all about. Brandon always delivers stunning content, and as a photographer who tours so much, he will need as much support as possible!

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Shayla Lee // Edmonton, AB

A multi-talented incredible human, Shayla has continued to develop her own unique style and approach to her work, particular with electronic and EDM acts. We were introduced by Lindsey Blane (she threw us all in a car and took us to Bumbershoot) and have been great friends since. Shayla is also a writer and runs her own blog, Femme Riot. She attends more festivals than I knew existed and creates weird and wonderful photos/collages. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE // FEMME RIOT

Timothy Nguyen // Vancouver, BC

One of the most humble, kind humans I’ve had the pleasure of calling my friend. Having road-tripped down to Seattle for Warped Tour and Bumbershoot, Tim is always so much fun to be around, and you can always lean on him for advice. An amazing photographer with a big heart, you’ll see him catching no sleep and shooting 5 gigs in one night. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Kelli Anne // Vancouver, BC

My favourite Kiwi, and potentially one of the funniest people I know, Kelli has come a long way since she started taking photos on her phone at concerts. She is now one of the most consistent live music photographers, continuously producing incredible content. Her portrait work is always STUNNING and I’m jealous of how she achieves those warm dreamy tones.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Bailey Morgan // Vancouver, BC

I’ve only known Bailey a short amount of time, but she is slowly becoming one of my favourite photographers. She has a heart of gold and creates beautiful visuals, working mainly with music, portraits and families. She recently set up Rebel Gal Creators, a collective of womxn photographers.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE // REBEL GAL CREATORS

USA

Heather Hawke // Los Angeles, CA

Heather is more than just a photographer. She works within the music industry in PR, runs her own magazine - Decorated Youth and writes thoughtful articles and interviews. She also has really great taste in music. She’s a hard-working powerhouse, and a wonderful human. Support her work!

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE // DECORATED YOUTH

Sara Feigin // New York, NY

I met Sara at a gig in London waaaaay back. She moved back to the States, where she is currently working as a photographer and writer. Her artist portraits are among my favourite, and she continues to blow me away with her consistency. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Kaytlin Dargen // Fargo, ND

I know her as ‘kaydargs’, I’ve loved her work for so long. She has such a unique style and perspective, always putting out incredible work. She works with lots of bands, and I loved her recent album cover for Hot Mulligan. A true artist, and a big inspiration of mine.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Carter Howe // Los Angeles, CA

Carter’s work feels like a movie - dramatic and emotional. I love how her photos are so well executed, and how she finds beauty in the ordinary. 

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Alyson Coletta // NJ

A live-music photographer who’s work continues to always make me feel like I was at the concert she shot. She always captures ‘the moment’ whether it’s an arena or tiny sweaty show. Message her to buy any print off her IG/website!

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Maggie Friedman // New York, NY

One of the most active music photographers, she’s probably shot at least five of your favourite artists. Minimum. A content-machine, Maggie’s work is always outstanding. You can buy a print buy messaging her!

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Melodi Ramirez // Austin, TX

A versatile photographer, often switching between bad-ass live music and strong bold portraits.

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Cina Nguyen // Washington, DC

Known as her handle ‘ilikeyourface’ on IG, Cina creates art-pieces with her surreal, dreamy photos. I could honestly look at her work all day. 

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Victoria Sanders // Chicago, IL

Victoria Sanders does’t just photograph concerts - she’s an advocate for pushing for more women in music, and cofounded The Photo Ladies, bringing together a community of women around the world who work in music. Oh and she takes amazing pics, of course.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE 

Gina Scarpino // New York, NY

Inspirational portraits & live music photos, Gina’s got a real eye for visual concepts, and I always admire how well she executes all of her work.

PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Natalie Somekh // Newport Beach, CA

Natalie has a vintage feel to her portraits + live music photos which are super dreamy. Message her for prints!

INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE

Kat Nijmeddin // Los Angeles, CA

Kat is a photographer/designer who works with Pure Noise Records. I really love how energetic her photos are, yet her tones are soft and pastel colours which create a really cool style. PRINT STORE // INSTAGRAM 

[jojoreadwhat]

T W E L V E • A Gwilym Lee Story | 3. the one with the same cliche story

Sylvia •

Gwilym and Joe’s apartment was intellectually eclectic, and expensive looking. Exquisite crown molding around the room. White washed walls with art and photographs along them. Various different aspects, colored vases and decor. Lots of greenery hanging from the ceilings and shelves. Large bookcases covering the wall from top to floor, opposite of the entertainment center. With a grey couch in the middle of living space. Completely laid out differently compared to ours.

Lucy and Joe could be heard in the kitchen, leaving me to look around. I stood in front of the bookcases. Examining the poets and authors lining the shelves.

All pretty editions, Capote, Burroughs, Huxley to name a few. I picked up On The Road, impressed and just wondering who read these between the two gentlemen living here.

"Liking New York so far?" One of the gentlemen, Joe asked standing next to me now, holding out a glass of wine.

He was quite handsome. Tall standing at five foot nine.!Dark chestnut eyes that somewhat gold from the amber glow nearby. Rich auburn hair. Dressed in a white button down short sleeve, nicely loose against his build, showing off his semi toned arms. Along with a pair of black faded jeans, shaping him out quite admiringly.

I smiled, trying my best to disguise the slight startling of his entry. Placing the book back, before my fingertips met Joe’s lightly.

I shrugged a little, "I mean I've only gotten as far as my fire escape." I answered, then. "But so far I like it." Watching the corners of his lips curl while I took a sip from my glass.

"Please make yourself comfortable." He suggests, his large hand extending to the sofa. His voice lathered in a light New York accent, smooth throughout the room.

I sat down next to him, still observing the artwork on the walls. "Your apartment is really nice." I broke, Joe nodded slightly with a smirk. "Thank you, its more of my roommate's tastes than mine." He replied. I slowly nodded, "Even the books?" I pressed, taking another sip of the bittersweet mix of berries. Joe nodded again, looking over at the collection behind us and resting his arm onto the back of the sofa. "Yeah, I'm more into music."

"Is he like an English professor or something?" I kept going, he shook his head. "He's a photographer." He corrected, "An artiste, he likes to say." He mocked jokingly, before grabbing a peppermint from the wooden box on the coffee table.

"And what do you do?" I asked once more, leaning back and adjusting more comfortably than what the stiff sofa could offer. Trying to balance my interests in both of the neighbors I was gaining for my stay here.

Joe’s lips parted lightly, "A barista in the morning, a deejay by night." The charming pearl of his teeth unveiling. "You know, the cafe is actually hiring. I can ask Jimmy to fit you in for an interview sometime this week." He finished, taking another swig if his beer.

I never worked that task in my life and my mouth just rattled with questions. Joe chuckled, comfortingly that it was easy. Before going on about things he's heard from Lucy at numerous occasions.

"Isn't she a trip?!" Lucy pointed, entering the living room. Joe nodded to the statement when she sat down on the arm chair nearby, her wine glass resting in her hand.

I sat listening, chuckling and pouting to myself because I was running low on the wine I was nursing. Smelling the aroma of the sauce just about done.

Lucy and Joe picked up on a story. Joe talking about my interview for Thursday and Lucy talking about how much of a riot Jimmy is. She was in the mist of beginning a story about him when I heard keys jiggling against the knob.

A dark haired figure coming through before the keys hit the dish on the table next to it. Dressed in black with a brown paper bag resting in his arm.

Lucy turned towards the sound, "Gwil!" She greeted, "Running late like usual." She added, turning and shooting a smile my way. He shot a faint "Hey" before he walked closer to the chair she was in, and the amber lights hitting him more clear now. Portraying more of his features, the dark scruff peppered over his cheeks and jaw. The two buttons undone at the beginning of his collar, shining a silver chain faintly.

"Long day?" Joe added, Gwilym sighed. "Something like that." He answered, his accent being completely different than from Joe. His eyes immediately meeting me, with his brow angling a bit. My eyes bashfully hitting the table in front of me.

"Gwil, this is Sylvia. She'll be staying with me for a while." She explained, catching the slight awkwardness fill the space. His expression relaxed, probably remembering what he was told before. I shyly waved, he smiled when I did so.

Lucy offered to get him a beer, while going to check on dinner. But he shook his head, "I'm good." He replied, fixing the sleeve rolled on his arm. "I have a few in my room." He finished, saying goodnight and exiting himself.

"I wonder what's wrong with him?" Joe said before turned and looked over to me, "He's quite a character." He reassured, only leaving me baffled and gulping the last sip of my glass.

-

A variety pop station played through the alarm clock I uncovered while unpacking my new room. It was a nice room. A blank canvas with white walls and big windows looking out a fire escape to the street and building across. A full size bed, with a nightstand and a white shaped lamp. A large dresser and rack, making up for the closet that was converted into a bathroom.

I kneeled onto the dresser across my bed, lining up ten books and a few vases on the shelf above it.

"Please tell me you've never worn this." Lucy slurred after opening the second bottle of Wine. I turned my head down to her, as she sat pretzel legged on the floor and holding up a cluttered patterned blouse. Finding it as she went through my boxes of clothes, her specialty.

"I have, it was a big hit at the office." I mentioned confidently, she chuckled. "Of course it was, you worked with people over forty." She corrected, folding it before adding. "Another thing we'll work on while you're here. Let you indulge in my discounts." Quietly enough for me to catch.

I rolled my eyes, going back to sorting the look of my shelf. We got quiet again into our jobs. I hummed to myself to the bubblegum playing while I switched to the piles Lucy made on my bed to place into my dresser. The silence between got me thinking, rehashing tonight at dinner across the hall.

I wasn't sure why I allowed it to bother me, I never even heard of Gwilym until today. His first impression made me weary I guess, like I didn't belong. Even with the whole 'something's bothering him.' I was probably overthinking it all, it just gave me a weird vibe.

I looked down at Lucy again, refolding her sloppy technique. "So that guy Gwil." I spoke, seeing her head pop up suddenly.

"What about him?" She questioned, grabbing the bottle and sipping from it. I felt so silly, I shook my head. Forgetting about the whole thing but Lucy insisted.

I place my hands on the dresser with the ugly blouse still in them, "Like" I began, "Is he always so short like that?"

Lucy shook her head, "No, not always." She said, then. "I think he must've had a difficult client or something. He's a bit pretentious at times but confusing most of the time."

I felt my lips form out "Oh." Continuing with the fabric in my hands until I grabbed the next.

-------------------------------

Gwilym •

My morning has been in total chaos from the start. From waking up late and missing the first chute to work, to spilling my coffee over proofs. Then for Lolly to set passwords to all my upcoming appointments. She even went through the extent of calling three clients and booking them all in the same time. Rushing two and losing my touch to get them done. Finally reaching the waiting room for the third and noticing they left and I wasn't going to get paid from Allure anytime soon.

Luckily lunch came around and some of the pictures of the sessions I was able to finish came out exceptional. I closed shop and headed three blocks up to 15th and Canal to Jimmy Bean. Where Joe worked and made my coffee better than what Lolly would get me.

The bell over the door dinged when I entered. The place was busy for the little time before lunch. The dark wood tables taken by one to three people at each. Matching nicely with the different colors painted on the walls and odd pieces of art. Eclectic as the shop was now owned by a bearded hippie man and his wife.

The color leathered stools aligned the counter happened to be empty. I grabbed a newspaper by the door, making my way before I sat heightened from the floor. My black clads resting on the bar below. Reading the city's headlines. Waiting for my friend to get done being flirty with the blonde at table three.

"Want a scone today? Jimmy made blueberry ones." Joe asked, taking a rag to the counter in front of me. I nodded, mouthing a "Please" before my glasses back to the paper and Joe grabbed the fresh pot.

I felt the steam nearing when he poured the hot liquid into the color block mug, "So were you okay last night?" He began, before placing a plate with the scone in front of me.

I sighed, bringing the mug to my mouth and indulging the bitter black mud down my throat. "Lolly quit on me and left me a mess at the studio." I fulfilled.

I went on with a further explanation on what could've made her split. My looks, my persona, the way I was with Keya, or that I played with her feelings which I'm always good for. I know the kind of guy I am, I don't blame her for walking away, even though she left with haste. But I'm glad she learned that nothing was ever going to happen after just fucking her.

Joe eventually derailed the conversation to the importance of our rent and how he had a gig tonight at Drougie's. I was getting a little carried away about a possible gallery show being booked when the kitchen door opened. Jimmy came out blabbing to himself at first while he held it open. Then a short brunette followed after, it was Sylvia, Lucy’s friend.

"Joseph, you'll be training Miss Altman tomorrow morning in between customers." Jim  explained, as he reached her a pin name tag to decorate and a fresh black apron.

I watched as she stood poised, but it was hard for her. "Make her something on the house will ya?" He added before reminding her to be in at seven and going on to greet regulars. Once he turned around, the straightness of her lips curled.

"Thank you soooo much Joe!" She exaggerated gleefully. He just smiled at her, "No problem, no problem." He repeated, before telling her to take a seat and going to give her a 'first lesson.'

Sylvia turned the corner of the counter, her curvy figure coming more into play. Dressed in a black camisole cover by a little black cardigan. With a burnt red skirt meeting at her thigh with buttons down the middle. Loose strands of her dark brown hair falling from her ponytail and meeting her collarbone, wearing a minimal of makeup. She was quite pretty, a lovely smile and so delicate like. She sat with her posture so well and her legs crossed over the knee, showing off her platform slides.

She ordered an iced macchiato, I glanced sheepishly, seeing that she was too from the corner of her blue eyes. I smirked, deciding to redeem myself from last night.

"I apologize for my choppy behavior last night," I began, watching as she turned to me. "I'm Gwilym."

She smiled lightly, "Oh no worries." She reassured, stretching her hand towards me. "Sylvia." Her skin soft to the touch in mine.

We went back to our silence before Joe joined our conversation and opened the door for all to come out on the counter. I watched as she twirled her straw between every sip of her drink and how pretty her lashes were.

"So what made you come to New York?" I asked, she smirked looking at her cup. "Well you know Lucy. She can be abrasive in a good way." She began, "But mainly for a change and I'm looking for something bigger."

The same cliched story for every woman I've ever come across in this city. I nodded slowly, unimpressed. "Typical." I muttered quietly to myself.

Or at least I thought it was.

"Excuse me?" She asked, I shook my head trying to play it off. "Nothing." I pressed, but she crossed her arms over her chest. "What do you mean by 'typical'?" Making air quotations.

I sighed, "It's just your story is just the same like everyone else in this city." I explained, just allowing my foot to go further into my mouth.

Sylvia just huffed, mumbling a simple "Rude."

"And your story is different?" She mocked me, I chuckled. "I mean yes, I came here with a plan." I replied, she chuckled piercingly. "Wow, so different."

I looked at her straight from her mock comment, surprised to say the least that she was not going to back down but I did.

She shook her head by my sudden quietness. Placing a five dollar bill from her clutch into the tip jar before stepping down from the stool.

"Well Im not here to entertain you." She added once more, catching a swift of her perfume as she reached in front of me. "In the mean time, thanks for the scone." Saying a goodbye to a confused Joe and heading on her way.

[kiserusmoke]

The Other Side Of Paradise

For my sweet @maidofstars, happy birthday! I love you so much, and I’ve had this in mind for a while now. I told you I’d write you Ota, and what better day to get it than your birthday? Pairing: Ota/ MC Struggling Artist AU, Angst with a happy ending Mentions of violence, swearing.

                            ⌈ When I was young and stupid my love

                                   Left to be a rock and roll star

                                  He told me please don't worry

                                Wise little smile that spoke so safely⌋

“I’m telling you, I won’t be gone for that long.” The words barely sounded believable to him, yet here he was uttering them through a cheap payphone in the parking lot of a diner. It had been hours since he left home, the open road at night being the only comfort as he made his way to his new established life. He used a free hand to tug at the collar of his faded denim jacket, pulling it closer to his person to keep off the chill.

Ota paced as much as he could with the cord of the phone, allowing himself just enough give to wrap the metallic cord around his finger once. The coldness of the metal felt familiar, like an anchor tethering him to this moment as he listened to her speak. He stared down at the scuff on his shoe as he heard the worried voice on the other end of the line.

“There’s nothing to worry about, I’ll be fine” he murmurs into the receiver. He can practically picture her, perched on the edge of the bed with her phone pressed to her cheek. Ota wants to reach out and smooth out the hands that are likely gripping the skirt of her uniform, to kiss her head and tell her everything will be okay.

But times are different now, and everyone must make sacrifices. Ota isn’t stupid, he knows it isn’t only affecting him. The voice, the person on the end of the line is sacrificing just as much as he is.

He just has to work hard to prove it was the right decision, for both of them.

                                                *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Ota never liked sharing his living quarters, especially with near-strangers. He found the whole concept trivial, fitting the narrative for a struggling college student instead of someone like him who came from a well-off family. That’s why he scanned the room in distaste, noticing the five other bodies in the cramped two bedroom apartment. At least I have a bed, he thinks.

His thoughts are drawn to the poor sap who got the fold-out couch in their living room that was far too small to be anything more than a glorified bedroom. Ota rolled his eyes and turned towards the window, craning his neck slightly to make out the large Hollywood sign above them. He really has to strain, seeing as they were nearly a half mile away and surrounded by another dozen run-down apartment complexes.

The sun glared into their apartment, making the room nearly sweltering. Ota groaned as he turned away from the window, peeling off the sweat-soaked shirt sticking to his skin before tossing it on the floor. He kicked his roommate’s foot that was hanging off the couch, muttering that he’d be late for work if he didn’t get going. Ota tried not to scoff at the fact that he was quickly becoming the mother hen of the house instead of making masterpieces in the studio.

This was it, this was his big shot at stardom. What a fucking waste.

                                           *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Ota wasn’t exactly sure when his fifth vodka soda was pressed into his hand, but he certainly wasn’t going to question it. The comfortable buzz in his system and the bass of some oversaturated pop vibrating through the floor of the party was the perfect combination to relax his mind after his third meeting of the day.

It was meant to be a simple celebration to commemorate the fact that Ota’s latest series was headlining the biggest art gallery in West Hollywood, but the plan quickly spun out of control. Gone were the close-knit group of friends he had made in the past year, being replaced by countless aspiring models and actors, underground rappers and photographers. Ota doubted he could name five people in this venue.

Those thoughts filtered out of his mind with the scent of artificial strawberries and hairspray infiltrated his senses. Ota shook his head slightly and let his head lull to the side, catching the obnoxiously-dressed girl that took up residence next to him on the leather loveseat.

“Can I help you?” he asked lazily, his gaze already turning back to the drink in his hand. He tried not to flinch when she snapped her gum right in his ear.

“Wanna dance?”

Ota wasn’t expecting that, the question giving him sudden clarity as he whipped his head back to look at her. The girl’s faux feather coat was rustling slightly from the air conditioning, the collar of it brushing up against the sparkling body glitter across her collarbone. She leaned in close, her bright eyes peering out from behind her rose-tinted shades.

She was the artificial kind of pretty, the kind of girl you took back to your place after too many beers and hoped she was gone by the time you woke up. She was nothing like the girl with soft eyes and so much love back in a small town, likely waiting for him to pick up his phone and call.

The thought of her made Ota’s answer an easy one.

                                          *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“I can’t wait to come pick you up in it, baby.” Ota was practically vibrating in place as he reported the status of his new car back to her. It was one of his first big purchases after getting his own place. He held his cell phone in one hand as the other held out the keys to his new Camaro. The logo caught the light from his bedside lamp, making a small smile dance across Ota’s face.

He scanned the room as she congratulated him. Having been the main artist for a half dozen galleries had paid off, seeing as Ota traded his stuffy apartment with five roommates to a secluded loft uptown. His eyes trained over the ornate wallpaper, a soft gray complimenting the velvet blue couch he had picked out last week. His floors were covered in plush carpet, the feeling between his toes whenever he paced his room was a welcome change from the cold hardwood floors of his former residence.

He placed the keys on the nightstand, instead choosing to weave his fingers between the sheets of his bed as he sat on the edge of it. The white cloth felt like satin underneath his touch, and a satisfied smile crept on his features as he remembered a time when he swore to her that he’d buy himself nice sheets someday.

With thoughts so occupied by the countless new material things surrounding Ota, it was no surprise that he didn’t catch the uncertainty in her voice.

                                               *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

(A thousand miles away in a dorm room, she sits on the edge of her bed and slips tired feet out of her work shoes. Slender fingers massage out the strain on the back of her heels, the hours on her feet making the sinews and muscles spasm erratically. She strips off her stockings, reaching up to undo the zipper on her uniform.)

A thousand miles away outside a club, Ota is letting the breeze tickle the back of his neck. The music is blaring, and people are mingling about on the road-blocked street. Someone bumps into his arm, and Ota feels the sensation of hot breath in his ear. “Not bad for a last-minute gig, huh?” his roommate asks him, a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth. His sunglasses are low on his nose, peeking over them with a gleam in his eyes. Ota laughs and shrugs him off.

“Yeah, yeah, get back to flirting” he says, slapping him on the back and pointing him towards a group of actresses trading whispers and glances at them.

(The bedding feels soft beneath her, duvet cover enveloping her in a gentle comfort. She reaches over and her fingertips brush a familiar picture frame. Pulling it to her, she stares down at the two of them. Ota has his hand wrapped tightly around her waist, scrunching up his face as he places a kiss to her cheek. She looks at her own image, lips pulled back in mid-laugh. She remembers being this happy, this carefree.)

The drink in Ota’s hand is nearly empty by the time he gets the courage to make his way over to the director near the club. It’s his chance to make a good impression, to get his foot in the door for his next big project. Ota finds himself winding through the crowd, brushing past B-List celebrities dancing to the music and snobby actors with their nose in a wine glass.

He feels the liquid courage coursing through his veins, the bass of the music traveling from his feet all the way up his spinal cord. He feels confident that this is his big break, that his life is about to change.

He hears an ear-rupturing noise. He hears screams.

(The room is so, so silent without him. No matter how she lays, it’s never comfortable. There’s too much space, too little heat where Ota should be by her side. Her palm slides over the empty space where he would normally be, searching for a body she knows isn’t there.

She hears her own heartbeat. She hears the clock ticking)

He isn’t sure why people are running, but he’s more concerned with the fact that he can’t. Ota’s limbs feel heavy and slow, like he’s trying to tread water. He smells something sharp and metallic, and a damp feeling settles on his front. Instinctively, he rests his hand on his abdomen. His hand comes back a deep crimson. The smell is stronger now, and he can hear someone calling his name.

Ota looks up to see his roommate, his sparkling eyes wide with panic. He wants to ask him what’s wrong, but it feels like his lips are glued shut. Ota leans into his roommate’s grasp and he feels the world start to fade out.

(The call comes in the early morning hours, before the sun even thinks to light the sky. There’s a rush of throwing on clothes, of searching for shoes in the darkness. She feels like someone is grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her, but she can’t seem to wake from this dream. This nightmare.

The car ride is seemingly endless, the plane ride is excruciating. By the time she makes it to the hospital, she wants nothing more than to collapse by his side.)

                                               *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Nobody really tells you how bright the fluorescent lights in a hospital are when you’re first waking up. Ota feels like he can’t squeeze his eyes shut tight enough, that the artificial white hue has seeped into his brain and made a home beneath his cerebellum. He doesn’t know why his body feels so heavy, but there’s a sensation that pulls him out of his thoughts enough to slowly open his eyes. It takes his vision a minute to focus on the slender hand encased in his own, but his first instinct is to squeeze it.

The owner of the hand shifts slightly under his touch, and soon they’re lifting their head from the edge of the bed. Ota’s heart aches as he sees her lashes dusted with tears, the bags under her eyes the color of violets. She blinks away sleep, reaching up to cup his face.

“Hey” she whispers “How are you feeling? You’ve been asleep for a while.” Ota’s brow furrows-- how long had he been out exactly? His eyes scan her face for an answer, but the anguish etching her features makes the question die on his tongue. Instead, he nuzzles into her palm, taking a shaky breath.

“I'm okay now that you're here" he replies, his voice small. He lets her brush his hair out of his eyes, pressing their foreheads together.

“The doctors said you’ll be okay” she whispers. “You… you got shot.” It doesn't bother Ota as much as he thought it would, he's more worried about easing her pain.

“I did it for us" he says, taking her hand off his face and intertwining their fingers. “I think I lost myself along the way. But seeing you--" he stops, bringing her hand to his lips. “I know what my priority is now.”

Her eyes shine with tears at his words, and Ota meets her gaze. He smiles faintly, threading his fingers in her hair and pulling her into a kiss. All he can think of are two words, repeating like a mantra. It’s you, it’s you, it’s you.

[oscopelabs]

Evil in the Mirror: John Carpenter’s Revealing ‘Prince of Darkness’ by Joshua Rothkopf

[Last year, Musings paid homage to Produced and Abandoned: The Best Films You’ve Never Seen, a review anthology from the National Society of Film Critics that championed studio orphans from the ‘70s and ‘80s. In the days before the Internet, young cinephiles like myself relied on reference books and anthologies to lead us to films we might not have discovered otherwise. Released in 1990, Produced and Abandoned was a foundational piece of work, introducing me to such wonders as Cutter’s Way, Lost in America, High Tide, Choose Me, Housekeeping, and Fat City. (You can find the full list of entries here.) Our first round of Produced and Abandoned essays included Angelica Jade Bastién on By the Sea, Mike D’Angelo on The Counselor, Judy Berman on Velvet Goldmine, and Keith Phipps on O.C. and Stiggs. Over the next four weeks, Musings will continue with another round of essays about tarnished gems, in the hope they’ll get a second look. Or, more likely, a first. —Scott Tobias, editor.]

It’s generally accepted that John Carpenter wasn’t a personal filmmaker—not personal in the way that Martin Scorsese, only five years his senior and Italianamerican from the start, was. Carpenter grew up movie-crazy in the ’50s and ’60s. He wanted to make Westerns exactly at the moment when that became an unrealistic career goal. His heroes were Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles and, above all, Howard Hawks. It’s been nourishing to listen to Amy Nicholson’s wonderful eight-part podcast Halloween Unmasked, still in progress, and to hear Carpenter—usually oblique in interviews—open up about his boyhood in the Jim Crow–era South. He mentions visiting an insane asylum during a college psych trip and locking eyes with a prisoner who spooked him. That may be the basis for killer Michael Myers but, by and large, this was a guy who wrote what he dreamed up, not what he knew.

That’s not to suggest Carpenter didn’t develop his own signature style. When he arrived in Los Angeles in 1968 to attend film school at USC, he reinvented himself, transforming from a Max Fischer–like creative wunderkind (he was a rock guitarist and high-school class president) into a laconic, bell-bottomed cowboy who listened more than he spoke. He was too cool for nerdy Dan O’Bannon, who worked with him on Dark Star. He was too cool for Hollywood itself, even after he’d succeeded there, rarely mingling socially and turning down projects like Top Gun and Fatal Attraction.

But the cool act was a bit of smokescreen. I once asked Carpenter about it, and he owned up to a private sense of pain in regard to his work. “I take every failure hard,” he told me in 2008, singling out the audience’s abandonment of The Thing, a remake of his favorite film (one that actually improves on its source). “The movie was hated. Even by science-fiction fans. They thought that I had betrayed some kind of trust, and the piling on was insane. Even the original movie's director, Christian Nyby, was dissing me.”

Carpenter would rebound from that 1982 commercial disaster—as well the indignity of getting sacked from Firestarter—by playing the game even better. He directed Jeff Bridges to a Best Actor nomination on Starman (that’s as rare as a unicorn for a sci-fi performance) and, just as things were turning golden, blew all his capital again on 1986’s Big Trouble in Little China, which was rushed and subsequently buried in the massive shadow of Aliens. “You try to make a studio picture your own, but in the end, it’s their film,” Carpenter said in our interview, the Kentucky rascal turned bitter. “And they’re going to get what they want. After that experience, I had to stop playing for the studios for a while and go independent again.”

This is the pivotal moment in Carpenter’s career, the one that fascinates me the most. It should fascinate more people, given what the filmmaker did. Divorced and with a two-year-old son, Carpenter is, at that point, 38 years old. He’s already feeling like a Hollywood burnout, with a decade of ups and downs to prove it. The solution was a pay cut, a big one: Prince of Darkness, financed through “supermensch” Shep Gordon and Alive Films and released in 1987, would be made for a grand total of $3 million, the first title in a multi-picture deal that guaranteed Carpenter complete creative control.

Scrappy but never chintzy, Prince of Darkness is the most lovable of movies. On the surface, it has all the cool minimalism a JC fan could ask for: elegant anamorphic compositions (Gary Kibbe’s muscular cinematography adds millions more in production value), a seesawing synth score, a one-location “siege” structure akin to the director’s Assault on Precinct 13 and The Thing. The movie also has Alice Cooper killing a grad student with a bicycle. It has a swirling canister of green Satanic goo in a church basement.

Critics, by and large, were unkind. In a representative review from the New York Times, Vincent Canby called it “surprisingly cheesy,” singling out first-time screenwriter Martin Quatermass for particular scorn (he “overloads the dialogue with scientific references and is stingy with the surprises”), not realizing that this was a pseudonym for Carpenter himself. Would it have mattered? Released days before Halloween, Prince got clobbered by the gig Carpenter turned down, Fatal Attraction, still surging in its sixth weekend.

But below the surface—and still a matter for wider appreciation—is the film that Carpenter dug himself out of his psychic hellhole to make: his most personal horror movie, starring a version of himself. Prince of Darkness is about watching and waiting. In a way, it’s a romantic view of the auteur’s own time at school. It’s a movie about the evil that stares out of the mirror (i.e., yourself). Like all of his films, it arrived under the possessive title John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness. In my mind, that apostrophe is actually a contraction: John Carpenter Is Prince of Darkness. And Prince of Darkness is him.

First, let’s understand what $3 million means in 1987. To compare it to some other movies of the same period, Blue Velvet’s budget is twice as large. Hannah and Her Sisters, largely shot in Mia Farrow’s apartment, was funded at $6.4 million. When Scorsese decided to go indie and make his audacious The Last Temptation of Christ, he had a $7 million allowance—and that’s for robes and sandals. Carpenter, on the other hand, would be doing practical special effects in camera. He’d be doing a movie with gore and supernatural nuttiness. In a now-quaint New York Times article from April 1987 titled “Independents Making It Big” (“The major studios have abandoned small, serious, risky films, the kind that often win prizes”), Merchant Ivory’s Oscar-winning A Room With A View gets prime positioning with a big photograph; that one has a $3 million budget, roughly. (Not coincidentally, Carpenter’s financiers, Alive Films, are name-checked in the piece as the producers of Alan Rudolph’s Trouble in Mind.)

Coming off Big Trouble in Little China’s estimated $20 million budget (it was probably more), Carpenter would be making a radical shift. But he agreed to Alive’s terms. He’d return to doing things fast and smart, to distilling his vision down to its cleanest, clearest grammar, to getting it done in 30 days (Halloween was shot in 20, over four weeks in May 1978). Even if you disregard the whole of Prince of Darkness’s content—and we won’t be doing that—Carpenter’s desire to work in total artistic freedom is breathtaking. He will do what it takes to move forward.

A little plot: In Prince of Darkness, scientists, theologians and academics plunge into a dilapidated church where they power up their equipment and study a mysterious genie in a bottle: an “anti-god.” The scenario has some of the pseudo-tech fizz of Poltergeist or, in a lighter vein, the Harold Ramis scenes in Ghostbusters. It’s not meant to hold up under scrutiny. Carpenter, who says he was reading books about quantum uncertainty at the time (maybe not the most comforting bedside material given his professional predicament), gives pages of chewy dialogue to the twin father figures of his oeuvre: Donald Pleasence, returning from Halloween and Escape from New York, plays an unnamed, worried priest; and Big Trouble’s wizened Victor Wong appears as an esteemed professor of metaphysical causality.

If the movie has a conventional hero (it doesn’t), it’s Brian, a student who splits the difference between creepy and generically handsome. He’s played by Jameson Parker, then a TV star on Simon & Simon. Or at least I think it’s Jameson Parker. Unlike his more famous San Diego private detective, Brian sports a robust, porn-star-worthy moustache. It makes him look swarthy, mysterious—a little like the lanky John Carpenter himself, who shoots these early scenes in classrooms and hallways at his alma mater, USC. “I spent many happy years at SC as a film student,” Carpenter says on Shout! Factory’s collector’s Blu-ray. “I really enjoyed myself. I learned everything about how to make movies there.”

Watching Prince of Darkness is as close as we’ll come to seeing the director’s formative years re-enacted, memoir-style. In getting back to basics, Carpenter decided to do it literally. Brian sits in class listening; he has a bit of a Laurie Strode moment looking out the window, distracted. Who is he? He’s a young scientist observing evil, almost flirting with it. He spies on a pretty girl in the courtyard (Lisa Blount). She’s got a boyfriend and it irks him, wordlessly. Later, Brian will woo her to bed and use some hard-core Howard Hawks dialogue on her: “Who was he? The one that gave you such a high opinion of men?” he says, straight out of Lauren Bacall’s playbook in To Have and Have Not. It works. She kisses him.

The movie isn’t all wish-fulfillment. In fact, it’s charming how fully the Carpenter surrogate recedes into the team; Brian isn’t even a factor in the final showdown. Maybe his job is to watch other people vanquish evil. That would make sense, since it’s his creator’s comfort zone. In the meantime, the offscreen Carpenter is building some of his grossest sequences, spraying unsuspecting people in the mouth with streams of ectoplasm (à la Rob Bottin’s landmark FX in The Thing), mounting parallel action and deploying beetles, maggots and ants where necessary.

Prince of Darkness has one moment that’s proven unforgettable, transcending even the horror genre. It’s an eerie transmission, the voice slowed down and distorted: “This is not a dream…not a dream…” DJ Shadow samples it a few times on his groundbreaking debut, 1996’s Endtroducing. (The voice is actually Carpenter’s, impossible not to notice once you’ve been made aware of it.) He’s supposed to be a future dude reaching backward in time—“from the year one, nine, nine, nine”—maybe to prevent a biblical apocalypse. All we see is a jittery handheld shot of a silhouetted robed figure slowly emerging from the church, the ominous end-of-the-world smoke gathering.

The economy of the shot is beautiful, Carpenter achieving the texture of a half-remembered nightmare using only a capture-video-off-a-TV-screen trick. (It’s very Inland Empire—and come to think of it, that basement cylinder of swirling green evil is a lot like the glass box from the first episode of the rebooted Twin Peaks: The Return.) So in a situation where Carpenter is facing his most prohibitive spending limits, he’s actually expanding his craft. Prince of Darkness signals his own creative rehabilitation after turning his heel on the studios. Or, to quote the film’s poster: “It is evil. It is real. It is awakening.”

What does it mean that Carpenter’s big payoff involves a mirror? These Cocteau-like shots were some of the most dangerous to pull off. One of them involved plunging a prosthetic hand into highly toxic liquid mercury (a substance the crew had to drain from their hydraulic cranes just to make the gag work). Then, to capture the action on the “other side” of the mirror, poor Lisa Blount had to swim submerged in a darkened swimming pool while an underwater camera shot upward at the glimmering surface. I include these technical details not only to express awe at Carpenter’s commitment (along with that of his collaborators), but also to stress the obvious: The mirror climax was really important to him. The movie’s final seconds are the whole of Prince of Darkness’s reflexivity in a single cut: Brian, woken from a double dream, approaches his bedroom mirror. We see from the perspective of the glass. He touches that porn ’stache tentatively, then reaches out. Cut to black.

It’s not easy to touch that mirror—to walk away from everything you’ve labored to achieve over years, to a place where it’s just you and your talent and what you can do. To me, that’s what Prince of Darkness expresses, subtly. Creatively, the experiment worked: It led directly to Carpenter’s 1988 stealth masterpiece They Live, his most confident political statement and a kindred project in its use of real L.A. locations. That film’s critical reputation has already been defended at large. But maybe it’s time to rally behind the moment slightly earlier, when the director had to rediscover who he was, and what he wanted—and when he found a way to turn everything around.

[powerdragonmoon]

Smudges and Highlights

(Chlonath Day 1 - Bickering/Flirting)

Slightly based on a crack idea @karawek and I had, Nathanael is a poor struggling artist that ends up doing freelance makeup gigs for Gabriel and one day Chloe (a business/fashion intern?) somehow is asked to replace a model that didn't show up for work. Madness ensues.

This is a oneshot for Chlonathweek2k17 - Day 1: Bickering/Flirting!

Sort of ended up longer then originally anticipated so I sort of had to rush write!! Hope it’s not awful. BUT HOPE YOURE ALL ENJOYING CHLONATH WEEK THUS FAR!!! Thank you to all those participating, whether it be making content or just liking and reblogging all the beautiful posts!!!

(ao3 link)

Nathanael muttered under his breath something about rich entitlement as he reached for another brush, flipping it easily in his hand as he turned back towards the model in front of him. With a few gentle strokes of highlighter he smiled letting her know he was done and that she was ready for hair.

The model left the chair and Nathanael huffed a big breath as he cleaned up his station, plucking the used brushes and placing them in a cup her keep aside for cleaning.

He reached for a few palettes, before reaching for the notes he was given on the look for today’s shoot.

In front of him he could hear the tap tapping of impatient heels. Nathanael frowned, stubbornly continuing on his way, trying his best to ignore the sound. He knew she was going to be apart of the shoot, but he was still in shock that the photographer had okayed having the new intern replace the missing model…of course Marinette wasn’t working today…and of course it was her.

Chloe Bourgeois.

Chloe—who was currently tapping her heel away—glaring daggers at him as he continued to ignore her presence, going about his business, silently praying that she was not his next model.

“I hope you plan on cleaning those before using them on my face.”

She sat down in the chair opposite to him and he hung his head down in disappointment for the slightest of seconds, before turning back towards her with the smallest smile possible.

It looked more like a grimace.

“Hello Chlo,” he replied.

“It’s Chloe,” she shot back, crossing her arms and leaning back against the chair. An odd look fell across her features and for a second she looked confused and apologetic. But then her eyes narrowed for a moment, a look very familiar to Nathanael. She tilted her head to the side. “Do I know you?”

Nathanael scoffed in response, just about done after only speaking two words to her. “Yeah, I’m—“ he started.

But she quickly cut him off, “Kidding!” she said with a big smile, “Nathanael, of course I remember you! I knew you looked familiar! I could never forget that hair!”

Her smile was weird. It was too genuine and it was so foreign to Nathanael that he found himself speechless with absolutely no reply on his tongue. He stared at her for another moment before awkwardly clearing his throat. Straightening himself back up in the chair, he reached for the colour swatches of the photo shoot’s look before turning back towards Chloe.

“Oh, well,” he began, holding the sheet of colours up beside her face, “I didn't realize you were working here until today…”

“Yeah, I just started,” she ran a hand through her ponytail, just about the same as it was when they were younger and in school together, if not a bit longer. “I did some schooling out in New York and a few semesters in Madrid, but I finally landed an internship back here in Paris…and of course first week on the job and I’m already stepping in to fill in for a model!”

Nathanael blinked, a little shell-shocked and not quite understanding what he was hearing. Her tone was friendly and welcoming, something that didn’t quite fit his idea of Chloe Bourgeois.

“I, uh…”

“I mean I told the others…I’m not a model or a good fit for the shoot. I’m not tall enough! We need someone more mysterious—an actual model!! Someone with better colouring for this look, no?” Her hands brushed over the white and black pantsuit before continuing, “This sort of just washes me out.”

Pursing his lips in response, Nathanael looked back to the colour palette in his hand, staring back at the outfit in question. “Well…” he began, before dropping his hand down to his lap.

“See! I was right!” she said leaning back in the chair in slight defeat. “My first photo shoot as an intern and I’m going to mess it up!” Her hands flew through the air in defeat before she leaned forward holding her head. Nathanael barely caught her small whisper, “I wish Adrien was here…”

Still slightly shocked, Nathanael stared at the stranger in front of him. This was not the Chloe Bourgeois he remembered…not at all. While she still wore her long blonde hair in her signature ponytail, she had left her teenage years and the effect had somehow softened her once icy demeanour. Well at least past first impressions.

Her look of disappointment and failure threw Nathanael off completely from the task at hand.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he reached forward to pat her back reassuringly before catching himself and drawing back. She didn’t seem to notice, but she did look up tentatively from between her fingers. He waved at the swatches on his lap, “It’s sort of my job to make you look the part. We can give you a more warmer undertone to the smokey eye and be subtle with the highlighter…once you see yourself with the complete look, all you gotta do is fake it really.” With every word he seemed to draw her out from behind the shield of her hands, until her wide blue eyes stared up at him. He shrugged, “I would’ve thought you would be loving this sort of thing. The Chloe I knew loved the limelight.”

(What he had initially thought was that somewhere across Paris, a model was bound and duct tapped against their will and locked in a closet.)

But at his last comment she winced, clamming back up slightly and staring resolutely at the ground. Her hands fisted up on her lap, clenching and unclenching before they loosened and grabbed on to each other. She fidgeted in her chair.

“Yeah…” she said, “about that.” Her blue eyes pierced into his and he’s once more taken aback. “I-I was such…I was such a bee—well I wasn’t very nice back in school, was I?” She shakes her head before he could reply—with what, he has no idea. He looked away, unable to take the look of sincerity on her face any longer. She continued, “The things I did. The things I said. To you—to everyone. It was uncalled for and I am so sorry.”

Staring at the ground, Nathanael jumps at the touch of a hand on his. Never in his life had Nathanael pictured Chloe Bourgeois apologizing to him. He looks up to she Chloe leaning forward.

“I’m really sorry. I don’t deserve any forgiveness for the terrible things I did. And I totally get that. But I’d like it a lot if we are able to at least work together on amiable terms. And I’m sorry to have to put you through the effort of making me passable for a model.”

The warmth on his cheeks is probably just due to his shyness, Nathanael rationalized, he’s never been comfortable with people being so close, but for some reason he finds himself leaning forward, instead of away. His hand under hers twitches.

“It shouldn’t be that hard,” he whispers lowly, looking down at his feet. “You’re already beautiful.”

…

“Sorry?” she says once more, but this time it’s not an apology, it’s a question for repetition of what he had just said.

“Um! Nothing!” he looks down at his wrist, raising his hand out from under hers. He quickly realizes there’s no watch there as he continues, “but well we better get a move on! Can’t keep the photographer and everyone waiting, right?” He bursts up from his seat, the piece of paper on his lap falling to the floor and he immediately reaches for it—

—only to bump he’s head against Chloe’s, who had also leaned down to help.

“Oof!”

“Oh, sorry!”

“Sorry!”

It’s an awkward 20 minutes that pass by slowly of Nathanael doing Chloe’s makeup. His well practiced, artist hands shake and he has to unbutton the top two buttons on his collared shirt. The room is much too hot and his job entails him being very, very close to Chloe Bourgeois.

And it’s very distracting.

Following their literal bashing of heads—as opposed to their figurative bashing of heads from years long since past—the two remained relatively silent, barely communicating past the odd, “Can you tilt your head towards me?” and “Look up, please.”

Painfully, and eventually with a final dusting of powder, Nathanael steps back, staring at Chloe in the mirror, who has her eyes closed and looks every bit as beautiful as she did before, but now just a bit sharper, more camera ready. Every feature is enhanced and overemphasized. Nathanael knows how it’ll play out in a photo.

She’ll look amazing.

“Okay,” he says, “all done. You’re ready for hair.” Tentatively he steps back towards his desk as she cutely blinks open her eyes. She stared in awe at the mirror in front of her.

“Oh!” she peeped, a soft surprised reaction that seemed to hit Nathanael right in the chest. Her eyes met his for a moment in the mirror and he quickly looked away, fiddling with various brushes and items at his station. He felt himself blush and looked down at the concealer palette in his hand as if asking it for some cover-up for his shame.

She stood up and Nathanael straightened up from his leaning stance. Another bright smile bloomed across her face and the effect once more blinded him for a moment. She leaned forward, a hand reaching around him to his table where she picked up an eyeliner pen. The sudden close proximity—this time initiated by her, and not because of his job—set a thrill through his spine.

She smelled like flowers.

With eyeliner pen in hand, Chloe leaned back. She reached out a friendly hand towards him and Nathanael quickly accepted it before he realized she was taking it to write on the back of his palm—not for a handshake.

“Call me,” she said as she uncapped the eyeliner, “oh shit…this is definitely eyeliner, isn’t it?”

Nathanael laughed before reaching into a pocket to produce a pen, his body sort of just reacting on instinct while is brain sort short-circuited, “H-here!”

“Thanks,” she winked, taking his hand once more and quickly scribbling a number across it. “That wasn’t quite as smooth as I hoped.”

Nathanael smiled, shrugging to seem relaxed as he took a step back and bumped into his table. He flinched, trying to pass it off by leaning gently against it as he reached to grab any rolling bottles and rogue brushes. Once he felt like he had somewhat recovered, he crossed his arms. “Well, it worked fine for me,” he replied, waving a hand through the air and looking at the black scribble that now marked it.

“Alrighty…” she went on, handing him back his pen. “Thanks for the makeover!”

And then she reached forward once more, making Nathanael pause as her hand rested on his shoulder and she leaned upwards to press a quick and fleeting kiss to his cheek.

He froze.

“Oops!” she said as she leaned back, bringing a hand briefly up to her mouth, “I forgot you just did my lipstick! Sorry!”

Nathanael sputtered for a moment, looking down at her lips and back to her eyes…and then back to her lips. He couldn’t figure out what was more shocking, the soft touch of her lips on his cheek or that fact that she had said ‘sorry’ so many times he was starting to lose count. Wait. It was definitely the kiss thing.

“N-no, ummm,” he faltered, trying to inspect her makeup and getting distracted by the curve of her lips, “It’s fine! I don't see any smudging!”

“Oh good! But really, give me a call whenever.” She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear before pointing behind her. “So, hair is over there?”

“Mmmhmm”

She paused, tilting her head to the side and bringing her pointed hand to her ponytail, hand tangling in her blonde locks. “Wait,” she said, “’Mmmhmm’ you’ll call me? or ‘Mmmhmm’ hair is that way!?”

“Ummm…” Nathanael paused, finding that familiar spark in her eyes that brought him back to his teenage years. The sudden flood of déjà vu had him immediately put off at the idea of calling Chloe Bourgeois, his former high school tormenter. But the blush on his cheeks and the shy smile on her face told him that something had changed. She had apologized so sincerely and perhaps she had grown up in past few years. Nathanael knew he had changed a lot himself since then, and hopefully for both of them it was for the better.

“’Mmmhmm’ to both,” he replied, smiling wide, running a hand through his hair. “It was good to see you, Chlo.”

She quickly returned the gesture, smiling brightly and smoothing out her ponytail. “Likewise.”

Taking one last lingering look as she turned, a glint of light caught Nathanael’s eye against her ponytail. Pursing his lips slightly, he called out to her, “Wait, Chloe!” She turned back, “Before you head over you should probably take that clip out.”

Chloe paused mid turn, causing her blonde ponytail to swing across her back to land gracefully on her shoulders. “Oh?” she asked as her head tipped to the side. She brought a slightly confused hand up to her hair. And then she smiled, “Oh! It’s a comb.”

And with a wink she fluttered away. Nathanael immediately reached for his phone, dialling her number into his contacts, lest a makeup remover wipe smudge her number or something.

[vtmusicomp]

Music Connection

In my previous entry I wrote about Grant’s song lyrics and poetry. That’s certainly not all the writing he did - I found a children’s story he wrote for his two favorite kiddos which I will post here after this entry. He also edited the script for Open Roads, a film project with which he was involved the entire time I knew him (it’s still in development but I expect it be released due to the dogged work ethic and character of Grant’s friend Jared, whose project it is). When Grant and I met, his job was to write posts from the Dad perspective on a weblog for Moms. After that position, he briefly wrote for a marketing company called Blue Sand Design before he moved on to Avery Dennison. At Avery Dennison, he wrote material for corporate consumption as an Internal Communications Specialist. Here’s a picture of him with his colleagues, many of whom came to his Los Angeles Celebration of Life.

He loved his job at Avery Dennison; I have no doubt about it. The wages were competitive, the environment was nice, the culture was positive, and his coworkers were friendly - we should all work there! However, Grant expressed some frustration with not having an outlet to write about subjects meaningful to him, where he would be compensated for his work. He was looking to expand his extracurricular activities with a side-gig, similar to what I was doing with my various bands. If he just wanted to publish, he could have gotten a guest blogger credit on Huffington Post or something similar, but he wasn’t looking to be devalued. Writing for ‘exposure’ – you know, that thing every artist doesn’t know they’re supposed to accept in lieu of getting paid for their hard work – didn’t appeal to him. He needed to build a body of work so he could leverage it into even more work. Luckily, there is a perfect vehicle for this which pays a nominal fee and supports independent artists: Music Connection.

MC put an ad on LinkedIn looking for content writers to review local shows. While it didn’t pay a lot, you did get comp tickets to the shows you were reviewing. Grant sent their editor samples of his writing and was booked on his first gig, a review of the band Ghost Lit Kingdom at the Viper Room. He was so psyched to do this – it’s the perfect gig for a music lover. The band’s manager got him two guest list tickets for the show, which he needed because there’s no way I was not going with him to his first gig. We brought my Canon and I played the role of Live Music Photographer (I should not quit my day job; at best, you could describe my work product as adequate). I also secretly took some notes on the band in case he wanted to throw in anything technical about the music itself, which he did end up doing.

The next show was a 13-piece big band at Catalina Jazz Club. I had a great time getting in front of people to take pictures while Grant sat at the table, critically listening and fulfilling the two-drink minimum.  Some of my favorite reviews of Grant’s included a French girl who tried to do soul and funk (I say tried because neither me nor Grant was buying it, but she was committed and you have to respect that); a blues guy with a gravelly voice and a band full of hired guns; and a Boston-based, punk rock female duo called Mr. Airplane Man. That last one was probably the most indie show either of us has ever been to – and that’s coming from someone who literally plays in an indie rock band.

Grant also wrote Signing Stories, which were articles about bands who had just been signed by a label and were starting to see some success. Grant would interview them over the phone and write up three paragraphs for the magazine. The first one of these he did was for a band called Sunflower Bean. I remember him telling me at the time he thought they were going places. He was right; just this past October (2018) they opened for Interpol and The Kills at the Hollywood Bowl. Here’s a gratuitous shot of us at the Hollywood Bowl in 2017 - this was two months post-radiation, when he had the boy-band haircut and had to use more product than me to get his hair to behave.

What I enjoyed most about all these gigs was how awesome it was to see Grant realize his potential. I firmly believe that, had he been able to dig in and own this new venture, he would have built out his resume and put himself in a position to seize new opportunities. His writing was great, this was something he really wanted to do, and it was a joy to see him so happy while doing it. In fact, at the time of his first craniotomy in January 2017, he was booked for another show. When he notified MC he wouldn’t be able to fulfill that commitment, his editor replied with how much he enjoyed working with Grant, and how sorry he was Grant wouldn’t be able to continue. I always hoped he would go back to it, but he didn’t feel comfortable with his ability to remember enough words to write well. And, he was concerned he’d be tired and wouldn’t have the energy left to be present both for his full-time job and for Wyatt and Naomi. That was Grant - he always prioritized others before himself.

Here’s the articles he wrote - if the links are broken, google ‘Grant Stoner Music Connection’ and you’ll see his listing as an Author at Music Connection. The last one was the Mr. Airplane Man show on January 13, 2017. Ten days later I took him to the ER and they found the tumors. I look at this list and feel so blessed I was able to experience these moments with him - I just wish we had more of them. I like to read his work and remember how much fun it was for me to be the writer’s girlfriend, along for the ride.

January 13, 2017: Live Review: Mr. Airplane Man at Cafe NELA in Los Angeles, CA

November 28, 2016: Live Review: People's Blues of Richmond at Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA

August 30, 2016: Live Review: Blind Lemon Peel All-Stars at Rusty's Surf Ranch in Santa Monica, CA

July 28, 2016: Signing Story: The Dead Ships

May 26, 2016: Live Review: The Running Jumps at Cody's VivaCantina in Burbank, CA

April 29, 2016: Signing Story: MAKUTA

March 15, 2016: Signing Story: Sunflower Bean

February 23, 2016: Live Review: The Phil Celia Band at Room 5 in Los Angeles, CA

February 15, 2016: Live Reviews: Socionic at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, CA

November 10, 2015: Live Review: Becca Moore at Molly Malone's in Los Angeles, CA

October 6, 2015: Live Review: The Terpsichords at Cafe Fais Do Do

September 4, 2015: Live Review: The Dennis Dreith Band at the Catalina Bar & Grill

August 11, 2015: Live Review: Ghost Lit Kingdom at Viper Room

[thirstyfortom]

Hi! Can I have a model MC with RFA+Saeran+V? Thank you very much in advance! :)

Hope you like it!^^

RFA + Saeran and V with a model MC

Zen

Guess who made it to the hottest celebrity couple’s list this year?

At first, he doesn’t really enjoy the sexy photo shoots you eventually do, but he won’t judge or get possessive.

Because he tries to be understanding of you career as much as you understand his.

Plus, he loooooves the attention you two get. He reads social media comments about how people can’t help but imagining you two fucking… which… arouses him more than he would admit to you or to himself.

It’s so great when you go with him to his premieres, and he’s always on the first row of your fashion shows, and there’s so much buzz all over the media because of that.

That photo shoot you two did together almost got banned for being too sexy, the chemistry was too obvious and everybody could tell you two definitely had sex after it was over.

Sometimes, the attention bother you two a little, which makes the private and reserved moments more special.

In moments like this, you two go to your family’s house, or just hop on his bike and leave to his secret place.

You two take a lot of selfies, but just the closest ones have the right to see such exclusive pictures.

Yoosung

Well, he did not see that coming…

Poor boy gets even more insecure, why would someone so talented, beautiful and relevant date him?

He getting all self conscious only boost your need to show your affection in public. People will know you’re taken by him, and nobody can say shit about it.

And most of the time, it works, he’s looking at all these guys envying him, and he won’t lie, it’s a great feeling.

But media can be really mean saying you’re dating a minor or weird shit like that, and there goes all the confidence you’ve been trying so hard to build up on him.

So you take him to your photo shoots, introduce him to everybody you work with. Designers, photographers, editors, everybody! Just to show them you’re dead serious about this relationship.

One day, you took him to one of your fashion shows, you even managed to make him meet you backstage.

All the other models l o v e him, he’s so sweet and devoted to you, and it’s cute how he is trying not to look at them so you won’t get mad.

They are all around him as if he is a puppy, and you keep telling them to go easy on him, are you jealous? He won’t deny he kinda likes it.

Next day, there is a photo of boy Yoosung being pampered by all those gorgeous models all over the news

No need to say it would take a lot to make his confidence go down after that.

Jaehee

She’s legitimately proud for all of your accomplishments.

Also, she loves how you don’t let fame get the best of you, you manage to keep sweet, humble and it’s nothing like a diva.

Of course sometimes she’s a little insecure, what someone like you could even see on a dull owner of a coffee shop?

But just a little affection in public and some public statements from you about her on interviews, and she forgets her insecurities.

She helps with everything she can, she cooks for you, trains with you (she taught you some judo stuff) and makes sure nobody bothers you when you’re resting before a major campaign or fashion show.

Seriously, she basically manages you better than your own manager.

You’re constantly bringing her along in your gigs, and she’s legitimately honored to be surrounded by so many talented and inventive people.

People you work with really like her because she always offer coffee to them, courtesy of her coffee shop, of course.

And they always manage to pay her back, giving her hair products, make-up, designer clothes, everything that fascinates her about your world.

She often gets shy because of all the attention she usually gets through you, and sometimes she has to excuse herself from all of this.

But she felt so proud when you got a GLAAD Award for being such an LGBTQ icon on the fashion industry.

Which you two celebrated by yourselves, on her coffee shop.

Jumin

The elegant stride, the perfect posture, the look in your eyes… you felt very familiar to him at first.

Then he remembered, you modeled for one of his company products! You did such a great job, and you were so professional and hardworking.

His father noticed that too and made a move on you during break, that’s why he remembers so vividly, oh god…

Apologizes one hundred times and makes his father apologize too, which flusters you, because you were completely fine with this before.

He doesn’t like seeing you just in underwear on billboards all over town, but he would hate to see you act unprofessionally and not doing a gig just because your boyfriend told you so.

But he will introduce you to all the most renowned photographers and designers to get you to the more high artistic fashion, think less Calvin Klein ads and more Vogue Japan editorials. (shhh, don’t tell him some of them can be really sexy too)

When you two get tired of the spotlight, he plans a trip to one of his private beaches (Yes, one of)

And will sue any magazine who gets exclusive shots of your little vacation

Talking about another power couple. He doesn’t really like the attention, but he can’t hold back a soft smile whenever he hears things like “just imagine their kids”, because he’s definitely imagining.

Saeyoung

When he hacked into your phone and saw you through the CCTV, he fell off his chair in shock

You’re… you’re that girl from the car show! The one who convinced him to take one of his babies

He wasn’t really fond of the idea of getting that particular car, but you managed to convince him with strong arguments about the car’s features and maybe with your sweet smile.

So yeah, he’s pretty much a fan now he knows your name and where to find your portfolio.

When you two get together, he doesn’t really enjoy the idea of seeing you in car shows like a product that comes along with the cars

So he does what he did to Zen, a Tripterbot to spam pictures of you so you can get better gigs.

Which slowly starts to work, as you’re getting more job offers for photo shoots and even some fashion shows.

Even with the whole agency thing being over, he’s still not confident to be seen in public with you

So he starts to wear masks and paper bags when you start getting famous, and people think your boyfriend is trying to make public statement or he’s a mysterious dj or something like this, which only helps increasing your popularity.

He feels like a proud mom when you get to be spokesperson for a famous car brand. You’ve come a loooong way since being an accessory at car shows.

Saeran

You weren’t a big deal when he led you to Rika’s apartment, so he thought you would still be suitable according to all his research

And let’s say he really wanted to take a pretty face to paradise when RFA would get finally destroyed…

But as he got to know you, he noticed you were so much more than a pretty face, you were actually a very smart lady starting a business with hair products under your name

When you get together, he takes as his personal mission to help you with your business and make you a big deal in this industry.

Congratulations! You got a boyfriend who works as your social media analyst, he knows exactly what you should post to get attention from model agencies and customers to your business.

He feels really weird and flustered though all the process of taking pictures of you, but deep down he loves to help you and you both know that

When it comes to your relationship, he’s obviously not comfortable about being seen in public, so yeah… he keeps it at a low profile

The media just knows you’re taken thanks to a mysterious tattoo you have on your nape, and there are all the speculations about your boyfriend being that famous singer who last music video had you as a feature, or a politician, maybe someone from the royal British family? You never confirm or deny, so the buzz keeps going and boosting likes on your Instagram.

Another move your social media analyst made sure to pull it off.

V

Match made in heaven

It’s just… perfect! He wants to be the photographer of every one of your photo shoots

And when is not possible, he makes sure to get you to work with someone he trusts that will do a good job.

Of course he’s very professional and won’t mind you sharing the camera lens with another model

It’s not because he’s your boyfriend, but he’s genuinely your favorite photographer to work with, you love how he’s able to capture so many different nuances from you, you can be sexy, you can be high-fashion or very pure and ethereal with just a few clicks from him.

But he’s modest and says it’s all your doing, he’s just capturing what it’s in front of his eyes.

He also always have the best shots of you in fashion shows, well, not only you, but of all the other models. The media, however, always points out how your pictures are obviously being taken by someone who’s in love with you.

Both of you think it’s cheesy, but… it is kinda true, actually.

Again, power couple. You’re so respected on your work fields. If separated, you two are great, together you are able to make it look it’s magic.

However, you’re both very discreet. But he’s planning a book of random pictures he took of you when you weren’t modeling (though it looks like you were)