Hey, friends! I am writing you from Christchurch, New Zealand. I thought this would be a cool Steemit only update, giving you all a look in to this Australasia tour […leaving for Melbourne, Australia tomorrow afternoon]. This is very much a post as it’s all happening. I’ve arrived on my birthday late last week and I’ve been staying with Miss Victory Violet in Auckland. We had a series of shoots in the city, then we flew down to Christchurch for another round of dark pinup sessions. I’m at a friend’s tonight, catching up on emails and taking care of last minute planning for Australia tomorrow.
My overall feelings in New Zealand, *sigh*. What can I say? This is a destination most Americans hope their whole lives to visit. Truthfully, this was a career decision. Whether you’re aware or not, Australia is the second largest pinup demographic in the world. I’ve been asked to come here for ages, and it was only when money got tight in January that I really considered it. Originally, Brisbane was the plan, making an appearance at Greazefest, but after enough inquiries for Melbourne, I decided on that city. New Zealand came up when Miss Victory Violet and I began talking.
I can go on and on about New Zealand so far, but that could be a few posts on their own. I’ll tell you that I did get to visit The Shire, known here as Hobbiton. The actual set from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I’ve been feeling a surprising amount of isolation, not only because of the distance, but the time change. Most of my friends are sleeping when I’m. It’s made keeping in touch very difficult and have a far greater appreciate for how smoothly Victory Violet is able to keep up with her events, travel dates and social media following.
These photos are right off the memory card, a few of them taken less than 24 hours ago. In Auckland, our shoot location was an incredible bar called Shanghai Lil’s. The Asian theme was low light, moody and surprisingly familiar. It was later explained to me that it’s the set from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! The space in Christchurch was the parlor at OGB in the center of the city. Both spaces had completely unique lighting arraignments, and strengths. Everything I need to create the dark pinup photos I’m known for. The ladies were all so polite and amazing to work with.
These are just the first few images. I always ask myself, what it is I can do to add value to Steemit. All of your support on here, over the years, has made a momental impact on my life. I’m sure most of you here follow me on Instagram or other social media, so I like to share new work here before I do anywhere else. This trip is only half over, so these images won’t be seen else for weeks. I’ve had such a great time on this trip before. I’ve met so many incredible people. For more photography art, illustration and the stories behind the work, follow me here 