Assisting and Interning Enquiries

"Golden Hour" - Model: Lauren Andrew @ Model Team, Make-up: Katie Sproull, Styling: Stephanie Boyle

Hello! 

It has been quite a while since I've done a blog or two - over the summer, things have been nothing short of manic, and with my debut in the States with Riptinka and the release of my first book next week, it is set to raise the bar to chaotic levels! However, more on that in the coming weeks! 

I've recently had quite a big influx of lovely ladies and gents requesting to intern and assist me in the field! Firstly, I am so privileged to have been asked - so thank you! As I'm heading off for a jaunt around the world, I will not be taking on anybody until the start of November. However, my door is always open to anybody that has any questions and even although I'm super busy these days, I'll be sure to get back to you as soon as I can. 

In the meantime, if you would like to be considered to join the team and gain a bit of experience, drop me a line at laura@lauramckinnon.co.uk with the subject line "Assist" and include the following information: - 

1. Your name.

2. A few lines about you. (Are you a student? Do you have any special requirements? etc)

3. What sort of experience are you looking for? (On location, studio work, photoshop, business elements, fashion, editorial, etc.)

4. What is your availability? (Are you only available at weekends and evenings? etc - please remember some shoots may require you to be on location as early as 7am!)

Remember, the more information the team has, the more able we are to place you on a shoot most relevant to your intended skill set!

L x

Ones to Watch: Heather Sanford

Make-up by Nikki McMillan

Meet Heather Sanford, new face of Superior - and the most delightful, well-spoken and mannered young lady I have ever had the pleasure of testing with. After a lovely e-mail from Heather regarding a test, we had her booked up and ready to come in to work with Nikki and I. Within the first five minutes, I could see Heather was positively terrified of the prospect of a photo shoot, but after a cup of tea and a good chat reviewing some inspiration photos, Heather had settled right down and we felt like old friends!

As this was only Heather's second shoot as a model, she was a bit apprehensive, but she need not have worried. Heather took direction very well and as the shoot progressed, I found Heather to have an endearing quality of innocent beauty about her. In short, she was a natural. As a person, Heather is so courteous and gracious, which I believe will carry her well throughout her career. I'm excited to see how fast this young lady will progress and encourage you all to keep a sharp eye on her!

You can view Heather's Superior Model Management page here.

I'm back!

Model: Kirstin Gribbin, Make-up: Nikki McMillan, Designer: Talu Creations, due for release on the 4th of July.

I'm back from my adventure! Well, strictly speaking - that's not true - I've been back for about a week, but I have been completely run off my feet! Graduate Fashion Week was an absolute blast - I really do love London - everytime I go down there, I find I learn more and more about myself firstly as a photographer, as well as a person. This week, I've been up to my neck in work - shooting magazine editorial after magazine editorial. 

I know I haven't been sharing a lot of my work recently (on basis a lot of it is top secret and due for release very soon!) I have also been having some technical difficulties with my Facebook, so please bear with me - I think it is all sorted now - I will find out soon when I release all the photos! However, for the meantime, it is time to update the blog and tell you as much as I can at the moment! ;) 

On another note, Corrine and I will be heading off to work in Paris for a few days so we will be unavailable for bookings from the 5th till the 10th. As always, if you have any enquiries at all - just pop me a line at laura@lauramckinnon.co.uk!

Keep snapping! 

L x

A week that will leave me with no nails.

Test with Caron Kinnaird @ Superior, Make-up: Nikki McMillan

Hello there and welcome back to a long overdue blog! Fortunately, I haven't succumbed to exhaustion just yet, though that's not to say that the past fortnight hasn't been excruciatingly heavy in work! Like everybody else, I've taken advantage of this beautiful weather in Scotland over the past few days and seen to it that I have a rest - which is much needed, especially in light of the coming week! So now my batteries are charged and I'm ready to go!

Test with Christie Eccles, Make-up: Nikki McMillan

First, a quick catch up! Things have been totally manic with campaign and editorial requests coming right, left and centre - it's certainly kept Nikki and I on our toes! In and amongst our regular sets of test shoots, Team McCollective have been shooting for a whole range of publications over the past few weeks, with around four to five articles about ready for publication within the next couple of weeks. I have added a new Tear Sheets gallery to my website for your perusal - keep checking back as I'll be adding more and more over the coming weeks! If you log on to Facebook, you'll also be able to see previews to the MALAM Paris and Parma Vintage editorials!

Test with Holly Pringle @ Model Team, Make-up: Nikki McMilllan

Bringing us to this week, I am nothing short of completely bricking it. Why? I am faced with the biggest campaign yet! Thankfully though, I have an incredible team behind me - armed with the original McCollectives, contributions from my favourite designer and two of the most beautiful models I have ever had the pleasure to work with. The lighting set ups have been designed for several months, though given the scale of the project, it is not so unusual to feel the stress of the shoot! That being said, I am constantly striving to further my skills and I am confident that with this amazing team, we'll be walking away with some of the strongest images of our careers!

What is it we'll be shooting? Well, you'll just need to wait and see. ;)

Beyond the Skyline - Kirsty Fraser

Models: Lisa Cunningham and Ellis O'Connor

Nikki and I recently had the utter pleasure of working with award-winning jeweller, entrepreneur and artist, Kirsty Fraser. As the very first image of this blog may suggest, Kirsty is quite the enigma and I can wholeheartedly say, it was a complete privilege to work with such a talented young lady.

Model: Lisa Cunningham

When I was initially approached by Kirsty, I was smitten by her futuristic style - I'm a true die-hard sci-fi fan, so already I had the fan girl squeals in my head! It was a surprise to find that Kirsty sourced inspiration for her geometric designs from the outlines of Glasgow, itself, but upon closer inspection it is easy to identify the quirky and contemporary take on the city best associated with the 18th century shipbuilding, which is illustrated, not only through shape, but through even the mediums used to create the pieces themselves.

Needless to say, I was honoured when Kirsty put her faith into my team completely and allowed us to let go of the reigns and bring our creativity to the table, which of course meant Nikki already had the body paints out before the suggestion even passed my lips!

Model: Ellis O'Connor

At the mere age of 23, Kirsty is already making her footprint, not just within the Scottish fashion industry, but worldwide. Between commissions, Kirsty is an artist in residence at the Glasgow School of Art and exhibits her pieces all over the country (see the details below for more information.) That's not to mention the ongoing press attention from the most respectable of media and publishing!

I think what is most striking about Kirsty is despite her brilliant and multiple successes at such a young age, including showcasing at the world-renowned jewellery showcase, Inhorgenta - held in Munich, Kirsty is left unfazed, completely modest and very evidently dedicated to producing an honest, high-quality product.

Models: Lisa Cunningham, Ellis O'Connor

 Future exhibitions by Kirsty Fraser: -

 1 June : Burns an 'a' that Festival, Ayr Town Hall

2 June - 9 Sept : Howden Park Centre, Livingston

14 July : Crab Apple Arts Fair, The Lighthouse, Glasgow

22-25 Nov : MADE 12 "Brighton's Design & Craft Fair

You can contact Kirsty for more information via her website or Facebook.

Nikki McMillan Make-up Artistry - Facebook

Ellis O'Connor Model - Facebook

A Quiet Moment

As I sit here in Cafe Nero, milking the biscuit so to speak by taking up an entire leather sofa to myself, I'm lucky enough to have a spare hour to myself to reflect on the week before dashing off to see my next client.

It has been a fantastic week, all things considered! The start of the week saw my team come together for a shoot with a gorgeous LFW couture label - though I cannot reveal who just yet - but in the meantime, check out the little preview below!

Monday saw the introduction of stylist, Megan Flockhart to my ever-growing, gorgeous team! This girl is quite a dynamo - but, I will tell you a bit more about her next week - she has an awesome ace up her sleeve... Monday evening brought me to Clare Kagimu's very first business launch - congratulations, Clare, on becoming a young entrepreneur! I am so excited for this lovely young lady and wish her all the best on her journey - I'm positive she will succeed - her enthusiasm is unrelenting.

A glorious Tuesday marked the start of Nikki and I reshaping our portfolios, exploring techniques associated with using pure natural light. We were very lucky to work with two of my favourite ladies again - Lauren and Jennifer!

Model: Jennifer Gribben, Make-up: Nikki McMillan

Model: Lauren Haggarty, Make-up: Nikki McMillan

 Wednesday was met with a day of editing in the studio - my least favourite part of day, but it gave me the opportunity to have a bit of self-study and get acquainted with Adobe Lightroom 4 at long last! Thursday was followed up with more test shoots with the beautiful Melissa Beattie and handsome Usman Javed of Superior Model Management.

Model: Melissa Beattie, Make-up: Nikki McMillan

Finishing up some loose ends today with a cheeky bit of editing, I am bracing myself for the next week which is set to test my limits! As I mentioned earlier this week on my Facebook page, I am, as always, so grateful for your ongoing support - all your messages and e-mails - it really does mean the world to me - thank you so much!

Oh! And if you have time, please check out my talented friend, Chris Gibson's documentary - featuring a little face you may be familiar with! ;)

Parma Vintage

Model: Iona Stoddart, Make-up: Nikki McMillan.

It's hard to believe just three weeks ago, I was making a pilgrimage from Helensburgh to Gourock to meet illustrious Gillian Chalmers, founder of Parma Vintage. As soon as I had crossed the threshold of the quirky little shop, that it was unlike any other vintage store I had ever been into.

From wall to wall was a scattering of frocks and smocks in all colours of the rainbow - immediately spotting exclusive and iconic boutique labels such as Motel, famed for dressing the likes of Alesha Dixon and Alexandra Burke. Out the corner of my eye, I spotted a plethora of awards - "Entrepreneur of the Year" and as I spotted a beautiful, bright, bubbly blonde bobbing towards me, I knew that this had to be Gourock's pride and joy, Miss Chalmers!

Models: Kirstin Gribbin, Iona Stoddart, Lisa Cunningham, Make-up: Nikki McMillan.

What had started out as a simple hour long meeting, ended up expanding into a lovely afternoon of chatting as Gillian and I discovered our scarily similar quirks from cowboy boots to Louis Vuitton purses. I was lucky enough to hear of the story of Parma Vintage, going back to when Gillian was an air-steward for Virgin Airlines, travelling the globe, sourcing suppliers and vintage from far and beyond, leaving her with the strongest unique selling point of truly original and rare vintage. After a delicious cupcake from Karyn's Kandies and a bag full of Parma Violets, the dates were set for myself and fellow McCollective, Nikki McMillan to return and create some brand new marketing material for the wonderful little Pandora's box.

 As the shoots went on, Nikki and I became acquainted with Gillian's wonderful team, with social media online correspondent, Stephanie Boyle, as well as the fresh faced and enthusiastic Eva, Amy, Amy (yes, there's two!), Gemma and Megan. Each and every single one of these ladies is a pure credit to Parma Vintage - with the best people skills, motivation and team work I've seen in a long time! 

Nikki and I will be shooting consistently for Parma Vintage over the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled for all the new and exotic stock appearing on their website. You can find them here - but be warned, Nikki and I have considered selling off our organs to buy all the clothes!

Also, check out the fantastic behind the scenes video by Cowboy Pictures below!

Model of the Moment: Ashleigh Greenwood

Now, this particular blog post has been in the pipeline for quite some time as I was initially waiting to publish to outstanding shoots with this particular young lady. However, following a recent shoot with Eilish Barrett, I honestly could not hold off any longer!

Make up by Eilish Barrett, Jewellery by Riptinka.

Ashleigh Greenwood is a new face model with Model Team, Scotland's leading modelling agency. Through a bit of cheeky online networking, I first came into contact with Ashleigh in early January this year. Ashleigh had discussed shooting a set of images for her portfolio alongside fellow model Lawrence. I'll be honest, when I had met Ashleigh at first, I worried about her potential as a model, but from the instant I had her behind the camera, I immediately knew she was in a league of her own and her potential? Unprecedented. 

As soon as I shot this lady, I was already thinking of new ways to shoot her and shoots I could wrap her into. I think my favourite feature of Ashleigh is her smouldering "smize" eyes. As a photographer, I always feel a sense of momentum when shooting Ashleigh - rather than having to encourage her to pose, she makes me chase after her - frame after frame. On several occasions, I have ran out of memory shooting her!

Make up: Kimberley Dewar, Hair: Lesley Docherty.

Ashleigh has a fantastic working ethos. Never late, fresh faced and prepared, she is the perfect working canvas. Dedicated to maintaining her well balanced figure and clear skin, Ashleigh is the definition of versatile - portraying everything from high fashion to edgy to commercial. Her bright, bubbly personality and refreshing honesty makes her a true pleasure to work alongside. Clients and work colleagues find her to be trustworthy, and above all a true professional at the job.

Make-up: Nikki McMillan, Jewellery: Riptinka

 Ashleigh is a true pedigree breed of model. With a passionate aspiration for more in life, to better herself with every shoot, to help contribute in every way possible, I foresee Ashleigh's future being jam-packed with adventures all over the world. In fact, I would not be surprised if she became a household name within the UK. Give her, oooh, a year.

Make up: Eilish Barrett, Jewellery: Riptinka

You can follow Ashleigh's work on Facebook or check out her profile at Model Team.

Make up: Nikki McMillan

Mirror Mirror

It is a downright beautiful Sunday, and with only one more magazine editorial to edit, I'm glad to say I am able to take things at a bit more of a relaxed pace than my recent hectic weeks. I know a big massive fry up is on the cards once my old man rises from the dead!  

From time to time, I have the pleasure of working with three of my favourite make-up artistry students, Katie Sproull, Rachel Newton and Eilish Barrett, of whom are now at the stage in their course where they must complete a "graded unit". A graded unit is a module that requires each student to study and develop a concept, keep a scrapbook of progress and portray their looks through three photo shoots each. Each and everyone of these young ladies approached their graded unit with such passion and vigour, I felt it would be a real shame not to tell you all about them!

Katie Sproull

Model: Nicole McCubbin

Katie's chosen inspiration for her graded unit was the dramatic and illustrious make-up label, Illamasqua. Katie took inspiration from the fantasy undertones, bringing in hints of tribal and illustrating with interesting face designs, choosing to use the entire face as a canvas as opposed to keeping the make up limited to the lips and eyes. I have always relayed that Katie's strength excels in skin prep and coverage - skin rarely, if ever needs to be retouched later in Photoshop when I shoot with Katie, which, as you could imagine, is invaluable to a photographer as it saves a great deal of time! Katie also drew inspiration from Illamasqua's new collection "Human Fundamentalism" and brought some fantastic colours to the shoot reminiscent of a throwback to the electro-rocker 80s. 

Model: Lauren Kate Haggarty

Katie is always a pure and utter pleasure to work with. Having only been studying make-up for a year, she has excelled both in skill and confidence and developed into a budding little Bobbi Brown! Bringing fantastic banter to the shoots, models always get along well with her and brighten up my mornings. I am so glad to have bumped into her at my school's fashion show just over a year ago!

Rachel Newton

Model: Kirstin Gribbin

Following the popular trend this year, Rachel also opted to seek inspiration from Illamasqua. To be honest, I would not have expected anything else. Having only worked with Rachel on a few occasions, I've become accustomed to her very distinct style - in fact, even Corrine has mentioned an ability to recognise Rachel's style herself. Rachel Newton is not for the faint hearted - she unafraid to use the boldest, brightest and biggest colours and techniques in the book. Once the reigns had been let loose on Rachel, I had walking art buzzing around my studio - that is the only way I could describe it. The models looked absolutely nothing like they did when they first walked through the door. Rachel's vibrant personality shines through her work - she's zany, passionate and honest. 

Model: Jennifer Gribben

I do not think I've ever met somebody so excited to crack on with their graded unit. Given that Rachel still has one more year of college to go, I am eagerly anticipating what the coming months will bring. You can check out more of Rachel's work on Facebook, here.

Eilish Barrett

Model: Sula Powell, Jewelley: Riptinka

The beautiful Eilish Barrett chose the theme of Vivienne Westwood, and being honest, it was by far my favourite to shoot. Eilish secured stunning locations and concepts to convey and even managed to rope in my talented client and loyal friend, Katie Reekie at Riptinka. Eilish impressed me no end - she had everything prepared - from hair extensions, to nails - even making dresses and shoulder pads to complete the looks. It was a true storm of creativity - and it transformed Eilish into more than a make-up artist - she was a stylist as well. Eilish's final shoot just blew me away - with Katie making a dress out of raw material and pins - it was a feat to make Vivienne herself proud! Eilish stuck to using reds, pinks and purples and paid proper homage to the Vivienne label itself. As a person, Eilish is incredibly modest and very mature for her age. I think she has all the right qualities to progress within the fashion industry very quickly. I am so keen to get cracking on a rather big shoot we've got under our hats, but as for what is it - you'll just need to wait and see! 

Model: Stefania Zoletti, dress by Eilish.

You can view more of Eilish's work here.

Ones to Watch: Jennifer Gribben

It has been a busy few weeks in the studio, I tell you that! It's that time of the year again that all Scotland's best budding make-up artistry students hit the graded units and out come some of the most superb and downright bizarre looks I have ever seen! The creativity never fails to amaze me!

Whilst developing make up artist, Rachel Newton's unit, I had the pleasure to work with a young lady by the name of Jennifer Gribben, of whom, is currently testing as a model for a super agency! In between beauty shoots, we were lucky to grab a few test shots of Jennifer and I was absolutely delighted with her results, especially considering she had next to no experience!

Jennifer has a wonderful willowy quality to her - being so natural and candid in front of the lens. Despite working with her amongst some of her first test shoots, Jennifer was well prepared - coming in all the right outfits as well as being smack bang on time! Asides from a striking quality in patience (it was a long day of shooting), she is a very agreeable young lady to work alongside, working with a very positive attitude. I am looking forward to seeing what this lovely girl will produce over the coming months. I predict her future shall burn bright!

Make-up by Rachel Newton.

Growing Up

Please excuse the gnome by the fireplace.

Today has been a landmark day! I have finally purchased my first high-end camera - leaving me nothing short of two grand, it is every bit worth it's money! I am now equipped to also video in HD on this baby, so during the summer, I plan to venture into some light-hearted cinematography - a side hobby on the job!

It's quite late on in the day, so the light is fast fading, so no time for a shoot with the new baby, but on the way home from Glasgow, earlier this evening, I had the opportunity to shoot a moving car from the moving train in fairly low light, and unbelievably, the camera completely froze the shot - I am in true awe!

For now though, it is back to the editing suite and shoot prep. Tomorrow, Nikki and I will have the absolute pleasure to work with the rather mysterious Kirsty Fraser. Needless to say, I am rather looking forward to it.

Model of the Moment: Lauren Kate Haggarty

Make-up Artist: Katie Sproull 

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of being introduced to a lovely young new face at Model Team by the name of Lauren Kate Haggarty. Over the course of the following months, I've been privilaged enough to work with this young lady on several occasions. Naturally, as part of being a photographer that deals with fashion, it is always important to establish a good connection with your model - the results always show in the work and that always makes for a happy client. 

I met Lauren for the first time in early March. She had been looking for a photographer to help expand her portfolio and have some fun creating images that sourced inspiration from the macabre genius that is Tim Burton. Shortly prior to our shoot, I was working away in London at several fashion events and I was slightly taken a-back and downright delighted that when I returned that Lauren had taken upon herself to help organize both a creative team and deal with sourcing permits for our location to help cut down on my workload. Despite only being eighteen, Lauren had already displayed a refreshingly mature approach to our shoot. Needless to say, on the day of the shoot, I was not surprised to find Lauren to be a very eloquent, conscientious, well-mannered and dedicated lady to the job! 

Make-up Artist: Rachel Newton, Designer: Miranda Williamson

As a person, Lauren has such a natural way with people, combined with her humour and wit - it instantly puts a brand new creative team at ease. As a model, this is such an invaluable skill to have - after all, a good working ethos is absolutely essential to a successful shoot. Lauren is incredibly versatile too - pulling off looks from the very commercial to the darker, more editorial styled work. In fact, if I'm honest, from frame to frame, she reminds me a touch of the legendary Debbie Harry! 

Make-up Artist: Nikki McMillan, Designer: Fruit Riche

Lauren is a true consumate professional. Working with her always leaves me on a high and I can vouch for every creative team we have also worked with. I see big things coming her way in 2012 and I recommend you grab her whilst you still can!

You can follow Lauren's modelling work on Facebook here and you can view her Model Team profile here.

The McCollective

 (Left to Right: Laura McKinnon, Nikki McMillan, Corrine McConnachie.)

Hello and at long last, welcome to my overdue blog! My name is Laura McKinnon and I'm a fashion and editorial photographer based between Glasgow and London. I've been working just over a year of as a professional in the industry and I've been on nothing short of a rollercoaster - doing everything from becoming a regular at London Fashion Week to travelling as far as the cosmopolitan paradise of Singapore on commission. 

This blog is aimed to be specifically dedicated to the absolute consummate professionals I come across on my day to day travels - it just doesn't feel right to me to not tell you about all the wonderful talent I am privilaged to work with!

It only seems right to kick off the blog, talking about my two main ladies, appropriately nicknamed "The McCollective." The McCollective consists of myself (Swedish-looking photographer), Nikki McMillan (make-up artist extraordinaire) and Corrine McConnachie (fashion correspondent and budding stylist.) 

Asides, from us all mutually sporting a rather excellent haircut and sharing a very Scottish surname, these two ladies are nothing short of an integral part of my team. 

Nikki McMillan

 

Model: Nicole McCubbin

I first met Nikki late August last year - and I cannot vouch how glad I am to have stumbled upon her. She is the true definition of an artist - approaching each and every shoot I send her way with an encyclopedia of research and the appropriate mediums. She uses the face as an actual canvas to paint the most fantastic picture. The particular trait of Nikki that I find perhaps the most mesmerising is her ability to immediately assess a face and just know what will work - be it the eyes, the cheekbones, the lips. Nikki is most definitely an entrepreneur - meaning she is unafraid to take risks - usually in her command of colour and sculpting. Nikki pitches herself ahead of her competitors, knowing that photo shoot make-up has to be accentuated and exaggerated to have the appropriately desired effect. Her creativity never ceases to amaze me - creating polka dot lips with nothing but a bobby pin, to feather-like face illustrations using eyeliner. That teamed with her increasingly ability to work incredibly quickly - completing full body paints and quartet groups of models in under four hours, makes her utterly invaluable.

Model: Sula Powell 

Model: Namate Sililo for Rene Walrus

Check out Nikki's work on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Corrine McConnachie

Model: Iona Stoddart for Fusion by Cernei

I have known Corrine McConnachie since I was twelve years old. We fatefully met at high school, however, it was not until March, 2011, that we really began working together in a journalistic sense. Corrine initially helped to assist me by writing up press releases, leading to publications in some rather lovely glossy magazines! A good year on, Corrine is a fellow correspondent at the Bite magazine with me, as well as a contributor to other publications such as HADES magazine and TLG magazine. At the beginning of this year, Corrine took a leap into styling and quickly developed a sharp eye and eclectic sense of style for dressing our shoots. Like Nikki, Corrine is truly invaluable. She is simply the best support system I could ever have asked for - I can whole heartedly trust her to source the right clothes, approach the right people and most importantly, write strong, engaging articles - often dealing with sensitive subjects with a maturity and eloquence that is somewhat rare within the younger generation of writers. Words that apply to Corrine - conscientious, selfless and hard-grafting. The level of dedication and effort that goes into Corrine's work would make any prospective employer battle to snap her up. Corrine has brought a breath of fresh air into my work, making working even more enjoyable and providing the best comedy relief at the end of a long, hard-working day. 

 Model: Colette Dryburgh for Sophie Donaldson + Caldow Salon

Model: Amy Ledger for Sophie Donaldson + Caldow Salon

You can read Corrine's blog here and also follow her on Twitter.