Paying My Respects to the Victims of the Japan Disaster

The day after my last blog, the earthquake struck Sendai, a city in the northeast of Japan. The hugest in history, measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale. Then there were aftershocks even hitting Tokyo as far as hundreds of kilometers away from the epicenter. This was followed by a colossal tsunami that wiped out whole villages and towns, killing tens of thousands and leaving at least half-million homeless. These people lost EVERYTHING. But the only thing that's left of them is their dignity and the spirit to fight, and I see it in them.

But that's not the end of it. Now Japan is faced with the uncertainty of the radiation resulting from explosions of nuclear plants in Fukushima caused by the disaster. Radiation is an invisible enemy...

For this reason, I have not been contributing to my blog for which I apologise. I did not feel it appropriate to post up blogs in respect of my people. It has been a rather depressing few weeks and my mind was not in it. Though still numb with shock I'm gradually getting out of it. I've since cancelled my trip to Japan which I had booked months ago. I was due to fly this Saturday.

My friends and family live in Tokyo or Osaka which was not as severely affected as the North. Still they have to live with the fear of aftershocks and possible increase in radiation as well as the inconvenience of dealing with food shortages, unexpected power cuts, chaotic transportation and scarcity of fuel. According to my folks back home though things are picking up. I keep up with the latest through Twitter and Facebook as the current news headlines are being annoyingly obstructed by the Libyan Crisis on CNN and BBC. Though a non-believer in charity, I now find myself making donations, including the Japan Tsunami Appeal from the British Red Cross. If only it were that easy to airlift some food and clothing out there.

If any nation can quickly recover from such a disaster, it's going to be Japan. Heck, we experienced the horrors of WWII and two atomic bombs and yet in 20 years managed to rebuild and even become one of the world's top economic superpowers. We're tough cookies. Even among the youngsters whom our parents always grumbled about being complacent and spoilt, I see their spirit and determination. I know we'll pull through.

During this past week, I've done two shoots in the UK, and once ready will be posting my blog in no time...

Suite 301 Experience with Elroy Powell

I had quite a unique experience in London a few weeks ago. I never thought I'd handle doing a video shoot, and though I've had some experience featured in events, it was to be all solo and as a matter of fact on-line for all to see, Well certainly a great change to doing stills all the time! London-based music producer, photographer and videographer Elroy "Spoonface" Powell contacted me through Model Mayhem where he even posted a casting call searching for models to appear in his website to promote his production company. Now that's something different! And definitely to add in my diversified portfolio of work.

Elroy scheduled the shoot the weekend before I was due to arrive in England. As I expressed my disappointment at this and keenness to work with him, he kindly arranged an additional day for 20 February 2011, for which I have been most grateful. Luckily another model was shooting the same evening so I didn't feel bad he'd arranged one especially for me. The promotion was to be based on the theme "Suite 301" involving various exotic models being photographed, interviewed and videoed in and around, you guessed it, Suite 301 of a North London hotel. I took the tube there and arrived at the hotel where Elroy greeted me. And what a nice guy! Very polite, professional and making sure I was comfortable throughout the shoot. He even provided healthy treats like water, fruit juices, fruits and ok flapjacks...not quite healthy but certainly beats Jaffa cakes! Not many togs would do that.

We started with me entering the room in the outfit I came in and introducing myself on video. Then Elroy had this bright idea of me doing that all in Japanese. Having been out of the country since 1994, and hence not having much opportunities to speak it, that completely threw me off! Still I managed by switching into my Japanese mode and being giggly, humble and acting "cute", you'd think I was a totally different person. Now that would certainly add value to my work experience and add diversity to the Suite 301 promotion! For the other video clips though, it was all back in English so I was back to my more confident "Westernised" self, hence positively enhancing versatility. Many of my peers in UK were also rather surprised to see the other side of me. I've certainly Elroy to thank for thinking about this!

Througout the day, we shot in different settings. On the bed where I rolled around in lingerie or in the nude playing with silky fabric, one in black another in red. That was a lot of fun, bringing out the inner child in me! Then in the closet in my red lingerie all huddled up in the narrow space and hanging on the rails. Thankfully I'm rather flexible and small while not so claustophobic. Then it was the most unusual part: slathering myself in baby oil and moving around a leather armchair to enhance sheen. He'd take photos in low key to make a fine art nude effect. Then into the shower! I didn't mind getting my hair wet or my make-up smudged but my eyes started stinging trying to keep them open. Oh well! Worth the fun. Finally, when I got out and dried myself, I changed into some black bra and panties as Elroy was shooting me dancing to some sexy music.

It was such a productive, exciting and interesting day. It's always good to have a new challenge now and again, and this certainly was one of them! Now, Elroy has a website for this, and he's even got a limited-edition book out! I'm considering getting it as it'll remind me of what a fun shoot it was and how chuffed I am being among these other beautiful models featured. By the way, Elroy is looking for models for his various projects, the more exotic-looking the better, but really it doesn't matter as long as you're sexy, vivacious and fun! Get in touch with him via www.suite301.co.uk. You get my recommendation for working with him, he's awesome!

Oh... and don't forget to check out the videos on the Miu's Videos page!!

Erotic Nude Shoot with China Hamilton

I couldn't believe my luck when I got a birthday greeting on Facebook from one of the world's renowned photographers in the erotic field. Yes, from China Hamilton! It was quite a random message and in fact thought it was a hoax, let alone having doubts as to whether his FB profile was genuine. I replied to his greeting, and we started exchanging messages with me praising his work and him positively commenting on my "unique look" even adding that I remind him of his late aunt...

I first came across China's work in his books in fact when I was staying at Clover and Dave's house in November. All I can remember is the exotic name and all the beautiful work associated with him. Some were fetish involving bondage but without the shock factor. Others were erotic nudes which though explicit were very tastefully done. Clover commented that I should try and work with him but as he seemed way out of my league I dismissed it as something I can only dream of...

As such, I casually told China on FB that I would like to collaborate with him, expecting that he'd be "too busy" and promised myself not to be gutted. It was to my surprise he invited me to shoot at his place the next time I was in England. I was due to be there for just over a week so we set a date for 16 February 2011. I was still pinching myself to see if it was all a dream...

After a 3 hour train ride to Lowestoft from London via Norwich, China picked me up at the station. I was rather nervous to be honest but when he approached me, I was pleasantly relieved to notice what a friendly, kind-hearted and genuine gentleman he was. He drove us to his huge beautiful house and immediately made me feel at home, feeding me good food (not Jaffa cakes... sorry but they're horrible!) and making sure I was comfortable. We had a long chat about art, erotica and photography in his room which had all wonderful work displayed on the wall. I looked through his collection of books from other photographers as well and got very taken by it all.

We worked a little bit that evening. I won't say "shoot" because China dislikes that term! The first moments were rather awkward as I was quite ill at ease not because I was all in nude but as I was still star-struck knowing one of the world's best photographers was behind the camera! After warming up a little, we decided that I would lie down on his beautiful rug on the floor. I did a number of rather implied "naughty" poses though nothing too explicit. After nailing an image or two, we went to his office and downloaded the pictures to choose which ones we liked. I sat and watched China editing the images which for me was another plus to this day as I'm in the process of learning Photoshop!

We called it a night and resumed the next day. Up and early the next morning. I had such a comfortable rest! After a healthy breakfast of berries with goat's yoghurt and farm-produced jam on rye, I got ready with the make-up, hair and lingerie consisting only of black stockings and suspenders. Nothing more. As I was admiring this antique restraining chair he had in his room the night before, China suggested that I pose in it getting strapped with two leather belts and my feet bound. Then later on, I had my hands tied back.

We also worked on a few poses in his room with me keeping my suspenders and stockings on but wearing my red satin gloves. Just some beautiful but sensual images. Then a few with me naked. China was very careful with the lighting and knew exactly what he wanted out of the images. In fact, he was such a great director giving me advice and having me pose in the most effective way. Accustomed to and being a glamour model as well, I occasionally got scolded for standing with my hips on one side and trying hard to look unnaturally curvaceous. Erotic photography is about showing the beauty of female form in a natural and tasteful way rather than being loud and in your face. Being a model of different facets, it's at times hard to switch on and off!

Normally I shy away from baring all nude and going just a small step further in terms of level but China was different. He is an experienced and professional photographer who knows and truly appreciates the meaning of erotic art. I enjoyed working with him not only because he is renowned but because he was such a great company to chat with. Very witty, intelligent and worldly. We had so much fun discussing and learning from each other about history, culture and the environment. Besides, he's also very polite and down-to-earth and though I was intimidated at the beginning he made me feel relaxed. I hope to work with him again in the near future... thank you so much, China, for this wonderful opportunity!