5 minutes with Helen Kirkbright


Helen Kirkbright is a Fashion photographer based in London and Manchester. For issue VI ofNOCTIS Magazine she photographed the wonderfully cool Mary Benson collection [see photos] and collaborated with our beauty editor for the "Diamond in the Rough" beauty spread. Looking at the work of Ms Kirkbright, she appears adaptable, a chameleon if you will. She took the time to answer a few questions for us, read what she had to say here.  
You photographed for the Mary Benson interview, how was that? Are you a fan of her designs?
Yes I love her stuff. I am a total magpie and love anything shiny. I was already following Mary on Facebook before the shoot came up so when it did I jumped at the chance to shoot her collection!


How would you describe your work?
That is a hard question! I guess I like the images to look beautiful but the girls to look strong. I like photographing girls who have personality with maybe a bit of tomboyish edge. All that floaty girly stuff isn't really for me!
Are you currently working on anything exciting?
Well I am starting to do a lot more images for musicians and already have a few booked in which I am very excited about plus three fashion editorials to shoot by the middle of Feb... after being very lazy over Christmas 2013 has suddenly got very busy!



Does your fashion work influence your personal photography?
I would say more so the other way around. A lot of my personal work is point and shoot... after months of shooting planned and considered fashion stories it is really nice to just go somewhere new with a camera and photograph everyone and everything, its great to be able to treat your profession as a hobby again. When you photograph spontaneous moments there is a real atmosphere and storytelling within the images that I then take and try to apply within my fashion work.
What plans do you have for 2013?
Well in terms of work plans I would really like to try and make some videos this year. It is not an area I have worked in before but it has always interested me. I have been wanting to start a new personal project for a while now so maybe that is the medium for it! Other than that I just want to keep shooting!
I have a lot of new years resolutions too, I do them every year without fail! This year I am giving up chocolate until my birthday in June, It is going to be so tough.


WWW.HELENKIRKBRIGHT.CO.UK

See this post on the NOCTIS blog here 




Introducing: Cherri Pi


NOCTIS strive to inspire you, NOCTIS strive to keep you coming back.
We think it's important to see what's out there, see who's trying to do something good with their life, and to see what we can do to make a difference. Every now and again, we like to give you something different, a spout of inspiration if you will. We interviewed aspiring model and former Paralympian, Cherri Pi; known to many as Leanne Stephen.
She uses a wheelchair, bu read what she had to say about moving from behind the lens, carrying the Olympic torch and what her dreams are. She always likes to relax in her underwear, but who doesn't do that now and again?
When did you first start modelling, how did it all begin?
I've always loved photography and found myself studying it at college. I loved having a specific idea and making it into something solid, so for a while i was behind the camera. As a present, my mum bought me a "Makeover Day" session with a friend, I had my hair and make-up done and had photographs taken. It made me seriously think about the disabled models in the industry, to put it simple I could name very few, if any at all. I decided I wanted to try and find someone who had a disability similar to mine, so that they may share the same passion about wanting to change the perceptions of the public on what 'disability' was. It wasn't long before I decided to do it myself.
That was about two years ago and I haven't looked back. I absolutely love modelling with a passion but really you could say it happened by accident, I never intended to be a model more a 'role model' I guess :)


The type of "disability" itself isn't important because that isn't our focus, but did it cause you any problems at first? 
When I was younger I guess; times were a little different to the way they are now. Having a disability was 'different' and 'weird' - people had their own opinions about it and I guess still to this day they do but it seems more positive and hopefully it can only continue this way. Previously to modelling I was part of the Great British Paralympic Table Tennis Team for 10 years. I think with London holding the Olympics/Paralympics people were exposed to disability in a positive light. I'd also like to say I carried the Olympic Torch, yay!
Since modelling I can honestly say that, touch wood, I have had no problems caused by having a disability; at the end of the day it is one of the main reasons I want to model and being 'different' is something I'm proud of. Just because my 'difference' is perhaps more obvious than some others peoples, surely doesn't mean anything and if everyone was the same then life would be pretty boring. I now strongly believe that it isn't my problem, it's other peoples. If they can't accept disability then they need to sit down and think about what it's really like.


What are your dreams and ambitions?
Ideally I just want to change peoples perceptions of 'disability' and create a positive image. I believe that there should be disabled models in the industry too as 'we' can do the same job as anyone else, granted some things may have to be different but so what? Different is good and everyone is beautiful.
I would love to be a role model for other girls in a similar situation to me and make them feel better about themselves, give them confidence to feel beautiful and for them to realise how beautiful they are.
How do you set out to show you can work just as hard as everyone else in the industry?
I suppose in a way I do feel I have to prove myself and feel that I have to thank photographers for believing in me, supporting me and accepting who I am as a person and what I want to achieve. I do that by always giving 110% into every shoot to create the best possible outcome.
I feel I'm a friendly and reliable person, I always arrive to shoots on time and I like to bring my own ideas to a shoot and work as a team with the photographer. I like to have good communication and always like to be well prepared; Whilst shooting, I'm always considering different ideas and most of all I push my body to the absolute limit
I guess the thing that proves how hard I work is the point when photographers turn round and say,
'I've really enjoyed this shoot, I totally forgot you even had a disability'
Job Done!





As a model, describe yourself in 5 words.
Hard Working, Determined, Reliable, Positive, Unique/Different :)
I know you mentioned being open to new, creative ideas but do you have a preferred style of working?
I don't really have a preferred shooting style as I believe that being able to shoot in different styles / themes is another good trait of a great model. Shooting different styles opens more doors and more possibilities for me in order for me to achieve what I want to in terms of being accepted as a disabled model. I don't necessarily want to be known as a disabled model - perhaps just a model that happens to be disabled.
Having said all that, my bright red hair has lent itself well to finding my way into doing lots of pin-up style shoots and I do really enjoy those. I have a bit of an obsession with victory rolls in my hair!
So tell us, what do you do in your spare time?
I actually work in a gym (another thing I wanted to prove disabled people could do) but when I'm not working or modelling I guess I just do pretty 'normal' things like everyone else. Spending time with my family and friends is really important to me, they've always been so supportive in everything I've done. I love to chill out in my undies, listening to music and reading. I also have a big passion for tattoos and drawing, I love the art and skill involved, and love being creative myself.



What plans do you have for this year, both personally and professionally?
In terms of modelling, I want to continue going forward. I'd love more people to support me and what I'm trying to achieve. 
I'd like to work with new photographers and build my portfolio, maybe even get involved in some events and offer advice to other people in a similar situation. I'd absolutely love to get more publications this year and work with exciting clothing brands, jewellery companies and bands. 
Personally, I really want/NEED to go to the gym more, it generally makes me feel better. I don't really know what else I want to happen as in all honesty my personal life revolves around my modelling life.
What happens happen.. 
Finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'm going to be honest. I don't really want to look that far ahead yet incase things don't quite happen that way. I've learnt to just take every opportunity as it comes and not really plan because if I get excited and it doesn't happen there's only one feeling.
After saying all that in an ideal world I'd love to be known as a model (that happens to be disabled) not a disabled model. I'd love to be supported by a well known model agency. Having that support would mean a lot. 
I'd love to get to the point were people know me as 'Cherri Pi, that model girl' :) ... In 5 years I'd like to be able to say that I'd be happy in a stable relationship and in my own house. As long as my family, friends and myself continue to be happy and doing what we love while discovering new friends and challenges along the way then life can't be all that bad can it? 

YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH THIS LOVELY INSPIRATION VIA HER
FACEBOOK PAGE

See this post on the NOCTIS blog here


The Indieannas


Buxton indie-guitar rock band, The Indieannas, are new on the scene and have since released "Moneyman" [video below], their first single and video, with exceptional praise. It is known than many an Indieanna piece is created with pure drive and determination, and no budget.
The indie revival seems in full swing at the moment, with the likes of Jake Bugg and Alt-J making a huge impact, we can only hope for the same with this enticing quartet...

TOUR DATES

Saturday 26th January at Black Hippo, Matlock
Friday 8th February at Level 2, Buxton Special Guests These Mortal Cities
Saturday 9th February at Rescue Rooms, SVR Club Night, Notts
Tuesday 12th February at The Vic, Derby
Thursday 21st February at DAda , Sheffield

"Every so often a band makes the breakthrough by virtue of sheer persistence and a feelgood buzz reverberating around each significant move they make. If there is one such collective out there at present it is the supremely accomplished four-piece The Indieannas".
Fusing indie, dance and rock, The Indieannas capture the attention and affection of those wherever they go. Gaining widespread acclaim within the scenes of Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool, they have made appearances at the world famous "home of The Beatles", otherwise known as The Cavern Club, which led to an admirable stream of gigs at various venues across the country, including London's Soho.


After NOCTIS spoke to manager Paul White, bassist Mark Whibberley answered a few questions we had to find out a little bit more about The Indieannas. See what he had to say here,
When and how did The Indieannas come about?
We formed two years ago and were previously named "The Stand", but due to a band change and a label interest we changed our name to "The Indieannas" to make it easier to find us on Google
Where did The Indiennas play their first gig?
As The Indieannas, our first gig was at Manchester Academy in September 2012
Who do you look to for inspiration/influence?
To name a few, Noel Gallagher, Miles Kane, The Stones, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age
What do The Indieannas stand for?
Unadulterated indie rock and roll
Could you describe a typical band practice scenario for our readers?
An Indieannas band practice would typically involve lots of English tea, lots of noise and bouncing off of each others energy to create the perfect tunes and atmosphere. This all takes place in our studio we call "The Green Room"
Finally, what are your plans for 2013?
We hope 2013 is going to be our year; we have some great support via soundhub (an "indie"-pendant record label). We also hope our upcoming debut  EP "Flying High" which is released on February 11th with "Money Man" will get us noticed and hopefully with the support of people like yourself we can bag support slots with some great names. We just want people to hear us and listen to what we have to say through our music.

WWW.THEINDIEANNAS.CO.UK


See this post on the NOCTIS blog here 


Photographing for the Noctis Magazine Blog












PHOTOGRAPHER - JODIE SHEPHERD
MUA - CHARLI AVERY
STYLIST - LEAH ADAMS
STYLIST ASSISTANT - GRACE JEAN LOUIS CONSTANTINE
MODELMARY [FROM FIRST MODEL MANAGEMENT]

Clothing Credits
First image Dress by Traffic People
Second & third image Dress by Traffic People, Jumper by Rokit
Fourth image Skirt by China Doll Boutique, Silver top and jacket by Rokit. Headband stylists own
Fifth image Skirt by Topshop, jumper by Beyond Retro, Shoes by Topshop
Sixth image Skirt by Beyond Retro, Top by Traffic People, Jacket by Hedonia, Shoes stylists own
Seventh image Vintage cardigan
Eighth image Necklace by Carole Tanenbaum
Ninth image Hat by Urbancode
Special thanks to Kitch and Honey PRDust PR and Foundation Agency

See this post on the NOCTIS blog here

You can also take a look behind the scenes with Charli Avery here

Peace: "Music to Fuck you in the Heart"


Following in the footsteps of many, PEACE are the most recent ensemble to step out of Birmingham, UK.
Having gained interest in early 2012 from publication giants The Guardian and NME; PEACE have been compared to indie loves, The Maccabees, Foals and Vampire Weekend. They released their debut EP, "EP Delicious", through Columbia Records early in September 2012


Peace formed late 2011; in an interview with singer Harrison Koisser, it became clear the band was formed out of boredom and the name derived from inspiration found in a celebratory photograph from the end of World War Two. How patriotic. 
After the release of the first song, entitled "Bblood", the NME added PEACE to their list of bands to watch in 2012. We see no reason why this can't continue in 2013.. The Ã¼ber cool quartet show no signs of wavering, and  are hailed as "the future of indie" by The Guardian. In April 2012 the band released their debut single "Follow Baby" and toured with the likes of Mystery Jets and The Vaccines.


December 10th saw the release of the music video for their latest single "Wraith", now available for download through itunes
Because we're kind to you, we're giving you easy access to not one, but three PEACE music videos ☮



Peace describe what they do as "dark melodicindie techno"
They're rock'rollers who like to grind, roll and smoke and, allegedly, fuck you in the heart with their music. We know this because they have a manifesto that reads: "MUSIC TO GRIND, ROLL & SMOKE/ MUSIC TO FUCK YOU IN THE HEART." - The Guardian

PEACE FOREVER AND EVER ❤


Behind the Scenes with BlackWater Revue

Last November, I photographed BlackWater Revue in the studio. The final edit will be made public very soon with some special additional features; for now here are some behind the scenes shots of the boys being, well, themselves really. Enjoy ❤