Shibari Shoots in Sweden

I spent my first White Christmas and New Years 2013 in Sweden.  It was so wonderful to spend it with Dmitri Reyer and his family as well as chill and escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo, where I had been for the last 6 weeks.  During that time, we also worked together and shot loads, as Dmitri discovered a new interest: Shibari!  Whilst in Japan, he had an introductory lesson from a French shibari artist and decided it would be good to practice it on me and produce some amazing photos.  And we did!

During the trip in Sweden we had at least four fruitful sessions for the bondage shoots.  Over time, Dmitri got more confident and was getting the knack quickly though we need to practice more.  I am, in fact, having so much fun being his guinea pig as well as his muse, so am happy to help him.  Traumatised by the damaged nerve I succumbed to in 2011, though, we are being extra careful and avoiding any “crazy” stuff like suspension and inversions.   It is more about showcasing the beauty of the female form in rope bondage we’re after rather than the physical effect rope bondage has on the female.  As such we were aiming to create something refined, artistic and even subtle whilst combining it with something as raw and edgy as shibari bondage.  

Dmitri had this ingenious idea of using the family piano as a prop.  The intention was to produce a piece called “Piano Lesson” in which we were hoping to involve another model as a dominatrix-style teacher, whereas I was to be the pupil all tied up in front of the piano.   Unfortunately this other model became unavailable so we proceeded to do this solo.  The image turned out just as wonderful!  I was tied to the chair with my arms bound to the back and both legs to the chair legs with the chest harness tied to the piano pedals.  To give this image a more classical feel, I was in nothing but my black holdups and stiletto heels.  Then Dmitri processed this image in a 1920’s retro-style mood.  Posted on his Facebook page we were chuffed to notice that within 24 hours we received a record nearly-60 likes!

Another living room shoot we did involved some hanging on ropes.  I had my hands tied together which was then suspended on a loop nailed to the ceiling.  Then my left knee was to be bent and the ankle suspended to the ceiling as well, whilst showing off the ultra-high stilletos.  To add some interesting effect, my hair got tied with some rope and suspended as well!  Captured from the profile view, it produced a sexy yet stunning high-fashion style image as I was wearing nothing but a collar, black suspenders, stockings and heels!

Much of the bondage shoots, though, was spent in the basement storage area. It was spread out over a few evenings, each lasting a few hours.  After 11pm or so nobody visits it so we can afford to sneak in for some nude bondage shots. The area was rather confined but created the right sort of cold and solitary atmosphere: painted grey concrete floor, white walls and wooden doors. During the first few shoots I donned a latex head mask breathable only through the nose.  Not recommended for the claustophobic but it was certainly worth it!  The images turned out tremendously dramatic with all the ropework which was simple yet restraining.  With Dmitri capturing the images in various angles, namely from the top upwards, the result was quite edgy and striking especially with the stiletto shoes.  In fact, the aim here was to combine fetish with “high fashion” which I think we achieved successfully.

We also worked on creating portraits using the fetish theme.  This time, it involved me wearing nothing but a black leather collar that inscribed “SLAVE” in metal with small chains around the collar loops and wrapping my wrists together hence restricting my movement.  I am supposed to look ecstatic with my eyes closed looking sensually feminine.  I would definitely like to develop this idea more in the future by maybe using a blindfold and having red lipstick on. 

I always enjoy working with Dmitri.  Though rather new to fetish photography, I love that he constantly thinks of ideas and concepts whilst coming up with something new.  We look forward to shooting more once back in Tokyo.  The storage room in my Tokyo apartment is definitely a must.  Can’t wait to shoot more! 

Two Weeks in Amsterdam with Dmitri Reyer

My apologies for this one-month gap in my blogging.  I had a few personal issues to sort out, which gave me limited time to shoot let alone catch up with blogs.  Besides, I’m in the midst of revamping my image and have been pondering over my direction in my modelling career as I’m aiming to develop it to the more artistic and "age-defying" side, namely by focusing in fetish and nude.

That said, I had a very pleasant spur-of-the moment visit from a top photographer in Tokyo.  Yep you guessed it, Dmitri Reyer!  Although I myself was scheduled to be in Tokyo in early November (I am on the airplane as I write this), he decided at the last minute to visit to Amsterdam for two weeks between 18 October to 1 November 2012 as he discovered how cheap flights were during the period.   He had originally planned on nipping off to L.A. to shoot models for building his portfolio but due to logistic and economical reasons he changed his mind.   So I was most chuffed he opted to come see me in Europe instead!  The last time he was here in Amsterdam was during the Stockholm Tour in August when he had just a few hours to spare before catching his connecting flight back to Tokyo.  And he fell in love with the city so much he wanted to come back!

Apart from shooting with me, Dmitri had also arranged to work with some models locally.  We also planned on a trip to Belgium for a few days to shoot in derelict sites which are prevalent there.  Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as models, with the exception of one, started flaking, had tight schedule or demanded to be paid rather collaborate.  The weather was also too cold and wet to do any decent shoots in outdoors in view that we were planning some nude images.  Next time we will know what to expect and hopefully when the weather is warmer things will work out for the better.  And what can I say about the other models:  If they see his work now, they really will be kicking themselves!  And yes, on the brighter side of things, I was able to have Dmitri all to myself, which allowed us to “practice” on each other and hence develop our talents further.

We worked with each other almost daily.  Outdoors as well as in and around my new penthouse apartment.  Luckily we are both striving for similar things in our portfolios so it was good fun! Dmitri is a very dedicated photographer and a perfectionist as he kept giving me critical yet constructive directions in my posing.  Nevertheless, I learned a lot from the experience and by looking at results began taking note of which poses or directions flatter me most.  Both of wanted so much out of it so it was a lot of hard work which certainly paid off.  Most of all, we are so familiar with each other outside work and are best mates so we work as a team very comfortably.

And you should see the results!  We were both very pleased with them though we do admit we need to develop further.  As always, he manages to add class and elegance to my images and quite rightly discourages me from the cheesy cheap glamour model look.  The lingerie shots were very beautifully captured and brought out sensuality with so much refinement, putting any Agent Provocateur brochure to shame.  With lingerie, too, we also experimented with pin-up styles using my new baby Pink SMEG fridge as prop which came out so wonderfully.  And another highlight of the shoot was of me in pin-up style lingerie wearing an old orange lampshade on my head as Dmitri plonked himself on an armchair reading a newspaper.  It was a concept inspired by photographer Eric Kroll and took all our friends by storm.  

Dmitri also brought with him from Tokyo some silk cloths as props.  They were so versatile!  It was designed for models to drape around body or toss and spin around in the air for a dynamic effect.  Did you see the ones he took of me in the canal in my corset?  And some of me in nude?  Speaking of nudes, we also shot a number of them around the apartment.  I especially love the black and white ones he did of me around the balcony.  

Another area we are wishing develop is fetish photography.  Dmitri is rather new to this area but luckily as I have experience I most certainly welcome churning out some quality photos especially with latex fashion.  It especially gives me a great excuse for shopping for cool outfits!  One evening, we did a shopping trip to Damask in Amsterdam to get some latex gear particularly keeping the then-upcoming Japan Fetish Ball in mind.  A tight black skirt with suspenders, an open-cut bra top along with a neck corset with suspender clips for some arm-length gloves!  And, by the way, this outfit was a real hit at the Ball.  So I’ve yet to see the retouched photos of myself shot in that!  

Besides shooting models, may I also add that Dmitri has outstanding talent in landscape photography.  With a lot of passion as well.  Whilst in Amsterdam, he took so many photos of this beautiful city, both day and night.  I had the honour of accompanying him and showing him around, and whilst he was snapping away I realised how much I was taking for granted my own neighbourhood.  Even the nearest bridge on the canal in front of my own place looks so beautiful now.  And yes I was freezing my ass off at times when he wanted to stop and shoot, but even I surprised myself by being genuinely patient and supportive.  All I can say that I am always chuffed to see him so happy pursuing his passion with so much pride.  So keep up the excellent work and never give it up!

Before I forget.  I also want to thank the wonderful make-up artist Katie Larcombe for doing the make-up and hair on the Saturday’s outdoors shoot.  All of us worked so well and although I am quite capable of doing my own stuff, I am planning to hire her again for future shoots in Amsterdam should I require a different image to look more professional.

Dmitri has plans to visit Amsterdam soon.  Perhaps in the summer time but we shall see.  And for any models out there wishing to work with him, here is your chance.  As I say over and over again, you better catch him before he becomes too famous…. but hopefully not too big for his boots!

For more on Dmitri’s outstanding work, please check out his Facebook page!

Sweden Tour Trilogy – The Ultimate Diva

Runaway bride

Last instalment of my Sweden Tour blog!  By now, you will have seen the many gorgeous work of Tokyo photographer Dmitri Reyer.  First outdoors nude with breathtaking landscape then indoors for the more gloomy moody erotica and fetish stuff.  It certainly goes without saying about working with someone just as lively, positive, versatile and open-minded as me:  we collaborate as a team and have so much fun shooting together which reflects on the photographs.  Whilst Dmitri took every opportunity to snap randomly at home with family and in town and was one of the few official photographers at Pole Art 2012, I was most honoured to be his model throughout the trip! 

Our third and last photoshoot during the Tour was another wonderful experience.  Or should I say quite a Diva experience?  This time, we had a make-up artist and hairstylist! Katherina Nikolitsti Andersson is a friend of Dmitri out here in Sweden.  Not only is she very skilled at her stuff but she’s also a sweet and lovely person.  We shot at her place, a beautiful home in Rotebro near Stockholm with plenty of space and natural light from all the huge windows.   And what a perfect venue! Normally, I do my own make-up and hair as I trained in them many years ago, but I realise now what a rut I’ve been in with the same old style.  One gets too comfortable!  It was refreshing to have a change:  Smoky silver/grey eyes with big thick lashes, pale lipstick and voluminous hair.  Simple but stunning with this retro-60s finish, the era I adore so much.

Debutante

One of my now-favorite portrait images was taken then.  Both Katherina and her father design also jewelry, and it was such an honour to be able to don them on.   I wore a beautiful silver necklace and matching dangly earrings. Dmitri took some headshots which turned out oh so “wow” which got over 30 likes on FB alone!  Makes me realise I should use skilled make-up artists and hairstylists more often.  It looks more polished as well as professional.  So if anyone out there can recommend one in Amsterdam, do give me a holler!

Then of course we also shot some nude images.  How can we omit that? A perfectionist at lighting, Dmitri expertly shot quite some classy nude shots by the huge window.   In one of them, I was posing inside one the four panes, and it looked as if I was a miniature doll trying to escape, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.  We also shot some beautiful nude images in front of the fireplace from an angle which made my legs look as if they’d grown a foot longer.  Then there is that impromptu bodyscape one, as he told me to stop and pose because the light from the window was at the right place when I was sitting under the dining room table during my silly moments. 

Fireplace

Lastly we worked on a bridal theme.  We also wanted to showcase Katherina’s jewelry so I was lying down on the sofa loosely draped in a white lace material which was apparently a sample from her bridal gown and adorned with some of the beaded necklaces which Katherina had created.   I’ve yet to see the results of that one!  We of course captured some bridal headshots of me looking so young and innocent (!) and look forward to seeing the results of that too.  Then Katherina had to nip out for a while to pick up her daughter from childcare so Dmitri and I got up to some mischief by sneaking in some shots of me making silly faces and doing some naughty “legs exposed” poses in my bridal outfit.  Well we must say one of them turned out unexpectedly “OMG that’s so beautiful” and even classy enough for the fashion pages in Vogue. Amazing what a bit of unplanning can do!

There is another thing that made the day’s shoot so much fun.  Katherina was being model too!  As rather new to it herself as her mainstay is make-up and hair, it was so lovely to see someone blossom and radiate in front of the camera.  I too had so much fun observing as third-party and even playing Dmitri’s assistant as I held the reflectors and learnt quite a bit about lighting.  Katherina was posing for a pin-up look and with her beautiful smile and lively personality, I think she pulled it off quite well.  So keep smiling, girl!

So that concludes our Sweden Tour!  One of the wonderful things about working with Dmitri is that though he takes his photography seriously and could be candid when directing, he is such a good laugh and makes photoshoots so fun. In fact, when I took some months off from modelling and seriously considered packing it all in, it was through his moral support and seeing the results from our early shoots that I decided to give it another go.  So don’t let his perfectionist ways and immaculately presented work put you off.   Thanks, Dmitri, it was such a great pleasure working with you in Sweden, and I certainly look forward to more when am in Japan next!

Window Dressing

Dmitri is busy perfecting his portfolio and working on his own gallery site but meanwhile, you can catch him and his work on his Facebook Page.

Stockholm Tour Trilogy - Window Display

The Bitch

In addition to classic nudes, I am looking to extend my fetish portfolio and explore erotica.  Unlike glamour or fashion modelling, they have no age limit if well pulled off.  It’s all about the art of making a statement and leaving the viewer with awe.  Fetish involves role playing to one’s fixations and fantasies, and thus, I find the idea of being in control wearing latex and boots just as exciting as being subject to the beautiful art of rope bondage.  Erotica aims to provoke and tease without the “in your face” vulgarity.   Not to be confused with pornography, it means exposing yourself elegantly and looking refreshingly sensual as opposed to overtly sexual.  The purpose is to leave the viewer imagining with the wow factor.

I was lucky to be able to capture a few such images during my trip.  Dmitri Reyer, the photographer with whom I was travelling in Sweden, has also been looking to explore the more outrageous.  So we decided to shoot some discreetly naughty yet subtly classy images in the living room using the natural light from the window.  We wanted to capture this “home” feel for a more spontaneous effect.  Again all the images were nude but it was about projecting a statement and focussing on the emotions.  The first set I was to assume a submissive role.  I wore nothing but a collar and leash, tugging at it whilst staring aimlessly out the window.  I really liked this image because it captured helplessness and despair without any exaggerated facial expressions of fear.   Relying on the natural light coming in from the window further enhanced the calm but gloomy mood.

In Waiting

And now for some role reversal and some truly bitchy stuff!  Dmitri cleared the dining table and had me sit on it.   Then had me wear nothing but my infamous pair of über-high Perspex platform sandals embellished with “BITCH” spelt loud and clearly across the side in diamante.  I sat and propped my legs and knees up to enhance the shoes which clearly required posing rather indecently.  To top it all, I had this  “don’t think you can f*** with me” smirk on my face.  And you’d think the image would turn out vulgar?  Wrong!  With clever lighting, correct facial expression and making the image black and white, the result came out very tastefully.   Even our parents would have been proud!

Another highlight to this shoot was an even more daring pose.  This time, I lay down on the table facing the window with my legs sprawed out.  Yep clearly for all the passer-by’s outside to see!  I must admit that even I was a little apprehensive but thought what the heck, is anyone really going to notice?  Besides, at that time of the day on a weekday in a quiet Stockholm suburb, there was not a soul in sight.  Dmitri took the photo from behind me.  And wow, the result was so stunning!  You can clearly see me with my legs wide open but the image was cleverly taken from an angle so that my chest was obstructing the area between my legs.  Being black and white further made the image look more serious and aesthetically pleasant.  Something that would be perfect for a Taschen photography book!

It is always great fun shooting with Dmitri and experimenting with different concepts.  This time there was a fetish and erotica element to them by being more daring.  The images nevertheless came out so tastefully and elegantly with immaculate lighting, interesting angles and perfect composition.  And he is right, I should stick to being photographed doing more artistic stuff as they suit me best.  It’s wonderful to be reminded that I can still manage to pull off looking exquisite and elegant when I’m nude and even assuming a risqué pose.  I definitely should exploit that.  Thanks so much, Dmitiri, for believing in me.  I look forward to shooting more of these with you again soon!

Exhibitionism

Again, for more of Dmitri's great work, please check out his Facebook Page!!!

Stockholm Tour Trilogy - Outdoors Nude

BEAUTIFUL LAKE!  Love the reflection...

So you may be asking, why Sweden of all places?  Well, I thought this would be a great chance for me to capture some awesome shots with one of Tokyo’s top photographers, Dmitri Reyer, who happened to be on home leave to visit his folks in Stockholm and photograph for the annual pole-dance competition, Pole Art.  I had the honour of working with him in Tokyo last June, where he currently resides, but although some of the images turned out well, we wanted to develop our creative ideas further and come up with even better ones!  Besides, Stockholm is only a two-hour plane ride from Amsterdam so I thought, why not? We spent nearly two weeks between 19 August to 1 September 2012 in the edge of Stockholm chilling and hanging out with his family and friends, whilst scattering photoshoots here and there. 

We shot quite a lot during the fortnight.  However as they are too numerous to write about in one go, I will be focussing on outdoors nudes now.   One of the good things about working with a series of serious and talented photographers like Dmitri is that one discovers a few things.  After years of modelling and wondering why I have been in a rut or lacking direction, I realize the time has come to transforming my style from that cheesy shallow "hello boys" glamour to the more elegant and classy  “coffee table book” artwork.  I myself have done quite a lot of outdoors nudes over the years, but a lot of it tended to focus more on me being naked in a public place for the sake of it with little regard for composition and light.  And where else would be an ideal location than Sweden which boasts one of the most scenic landscapes such as lakes and forests!

By the Rocks

Thus, one morning we got up about 5am to shoot by a lake.  I was told that the natural light would be ideal for the kind of mood we are trying to create and that there would be little breeze or ideally none to enhance the reflection from the water.  It was to be a one-hour bus ride to where Dmitri wanted to shoot but whilst waiting, the bus never turned up!  With both of us being so determined to make things happen, he came up with a contingency plan and suggested another lake within a 15-minutes walking distance.  When we arrived there by foot armed with cameras, I was amazed by the serenity of the area despite being just outside Stockholm. 

We firstly shot by the cliffs.  The morning was quite cool and crispy but did I mind taking my kit off?  Never!  In fact, I had so much fun and struggled very little with treading through the rocks although at times they were slippery.  I was to look as if I was climbing the rock.  It was also hard avoiding smiling which I tend to do in nude shoots as the atmosphere we were trying to create was about subtlety.    Although there was some graffiti on the rocks, it was not so obvious.  The ground was also littered with rubbish, and Dmitri remarked that there was little space to manoeuvre when shooting without falling over the cliffs.  Despite these limitations, though, we managed to capture a couple of beautiful images from the natural light and interesting texture of the rocks. 

Then we proceeded to the lake, more precisely on the tiny dock.  The scenery was just so still, quiet and picturesque, the water being clear and greenery so green.  Accustomed to being photographed nude in the cold and being the exhibitionist I am, I had no hesitation stripping off and running off excitedly to the end of the dock like a child to pose.  In fact, nothing felt so good as to feel the fresh but slight breeze on my naked body.  Dmitri shot me from behind, as I was standing tall at the edge of the dock looking as though I were saluting to the vastly amazing scenery in front of me.   After a while, though, a man on his kayak pulled up!   Of course, neither of us were a least bit bothered, and all he did was look away, whilst I didn’t even bother covering myself… yep, that’s Sweden for you!  Just like Holland, people don’t make a big deal about nudity even in public.

Last set we did was just behind a small wooden shed right by the water.  I was much tempted to jump in the water to get some cool shots but decided against it after dipping my toes in.  We nevertheless managed to capture some images with me standing by the water with the greenery in the background.  Dmitri tried to capture a few shots of me lying down on the boardwalk but apparently they didn’t work out as what he was looking for.  By then, too, the breeze was getting stronger and hence I was feeling the cold.  So we called it a morning!

We were hoping to shoot another day at the location we had originally planned on going.  Unfortunately it didn’t happen for one reason or another, namely due to bad weather.  Gutted.  It always happened to rain on the days we had nothing planned which is so typical!  We nevertheless got to shoot at other occasions and for different themes besides outdoors nudes, which provided both of us with a diversity of images.  Most important is that we are both happy with the stuff we had already done by the lake, so what more can we ask for!  Besides, we anticipate on doing more outdoors nudes when am in Japan which will be quite exciting as Dmitri knows a few hidden areas.   Now I look forward to that!

Wanna see more of Dmitri’s awesome work?  Check out his Facebook Page!

Next instalment:  Fetish and erotica shoot at home!! 

The City that Never Sleeps

Miu surrounded by all the beauties and cuties.  Tiffany is the blonde bombshell on my right.

It’s so wonderful to be modelling again! Whilst in Japan, I had the opportunity to shoot with a few talented and wonderful photographers.  One involved me in bondage by Shuhei Kitagawa, a renowned Shibari artist from Osaka.  Another a rather controversial yet inspiring one of me wearing nothing but a gas-mask, heels and erm... a sort of "toy"!  And how about one of me all starkers on a rooftop off a building in Roppongi over-looking the Shuto Expressway???   And not to mention I had so much fun being snapped like a celebrity all over Aoyama and Roppongi enjoying the Tokyo nightlife whilst hobbling around in my platform sandals even in the crack of dawn!  Am still waiting for more images but I am sure they will well be worth waiting for!

Apart from photoshoots, I had the opportunity to attend a few events in Tokyo.  One of them was the infamous Tokyo Fashionista hosted by beautiful model Tiffany Rossdale on Saturday 30 June 2012.  It was an honour to be escorted by the event’s photographer and my dear friend, Dmitri Reyer, and so keen I was about going that I even postponed my return flight back to Amsterdam for a few more days!

I have to admit that I was very nervous about the party.  So many beautiful gorgeous people, not to mention all the statuesque models and young talented people in the music and dance industry.  But everyone turned out to be genuinely friendly and wonderful.  All were there to have a good time rather than pose for appearance.  No pretentiousness.  I was even introduced to Tiffany with whom I managed to chat briefly over all the pounding music, and what a pleasant person she was!  I was ever so chuffed to be able to meet her at last.

The event went all night till the early hours in the morning.  There were some dance shows and the piece the resistance, a fashion show for swimwear.  Plus a lot of dancing to awesome music.  I was dancing and having so much fun, I felt 21 again, something I haven’t felt for years!  Even with my sexy perspex stripper heels, I was practically bouncing off walls and still managed not to fall on my face.  The only limitation I had was that I was wearing another one of those skimpy hot numbers designed by my friend, Farzana Warasta.  So outrageous was the dress that I had to keep looking down to see if the material would slip to the side and expose my boobs to the public which erm… did  happen a few times.  Oh well!

Another highlight was that I was introduced to a few other photographers clicking away at the event.  A couple of them expressed keen interest to work with me the next time I am back in Japan.  I have yet to figure out if it’s because I of my rather revealing outfit and being so bouncy and mischievous in front of the cameras.  Whatever it is, I do look forward to working with them!   

I believe it was close to 6am and we were still dancing.  Amazing what chugging down cans of Red Bull does to one.  When we left and exited to the street, we were greeted by the daylight along with the groggy Shibuya party-goers.  Then had breakfast at a nearby burger bar.  It made me reminisce about my younger days in Tokyo, partying in Roppongi till dawn… except this time, some 20 years later, am totally sober even hyperactive with all the Red Bull and Starbucks coffee, rather than crawling all over the place blindly intoxicated with whatever the wide range of cocktails I'd been randomly sampling.

Thank you everyone for making one of my last evenings in Tokyo so worthwhile!  I will miss you.  Thanks, Dmitri, for taking me there and introducing me all the wonderful people.  I would also like to thank this talented and wonderful photographer, Nathan Berry, for taking the above photograph and letting me post it.  In fact, I am very honoured that he is keen on working with me the next time I'm in Tokyo.  Look at his work, and you'll know why I am speechless with disbelief that he even wants to collaborate with me!  His stuff can be seen on his website, and also do check out his Facebook page!

Wow... what a night it was... been a while since I enjoyed it so much!  So move over NYC, it is Tokyo which is the city that never sleeps!

Living it up in Tokyo

What Miu's been up to in a Shinjuku convenience store at 2:30am after a Saturday night out...
(with photographer Dmitri Reyer)

Hi, sorry for this few weeks of absence!  I've been rather busy trying to sort out family matters which of course take priority over everything and for which reason I've been in Japan again the last 3 weeks.  During this time, I thought it would be a good time to try phasing myself back into the modelling scene.  It's been a good 4 months!!  Due to family bereavement, I have been putting it all on hold until I was emotionally ready. In fact, I was not too keen to jump start my modelling career so soon. I, however, thought being away from home and traveling to Tokyo in June would give me a fresh start.  Besides, when I announced my coming to Japan on Facebook, quite a few photographers out here have been knocking on my door!  Some I've worked with before, others not.  Well how can I refuse!

Since arriving, I've had quite a hand-full of work.  I had my first shoot in a long time with a pair of Spanish photographers, David Rodriguez Toro and Jordi Olaria with whom I had the honour of working with last September.  We did a lot of artistic fetish and erotica stuff this time.  Then I came across Russian photographer Dmitri Reyer on Facebook who covers a number of "cool" parties and events in Tokyo as well as working with the most stunning models.  I have to say I was chuffed he actually wanted to work with me, let alone even speak to me!  I also had the opportunity for the first time to experiment with body-painting with Singaporean graphic artist Eldred Tjie and American photographer Jay.  Then today, I was called over at the last minute by David to join in on a fetish and erotica shoot featuring Shuhei Kitagawa as the Shibari artist, along with his model, Rei-chan.

Unfortunately, there were some photographers I didn't get to shoot with this time.  Due to time constraints, weather and putting family matters as priority, I had to unfortunately cancel a few shoots out of town.  I have worked with Nagoya-based photographer Jeffrey Johnston a few times already but not yet with Swiss photographer Laurent Schattenmann in Uji (near Kyoto). Sorry guys!!   Next time, I'll make sure I set aside enough time and organise myself more.

I will be posting more blogs in due course as photos arrive.   Still, I just wanted to share my thoughts about coming back into the scene.  It's great!  I'm loving it!  I suppose having a break certainly helped.  Modelling at times takes a lot of you, and you really need to be in the right state of mind to enjoy it.  Once I leave Japan for Holland, I envision going back to modelling more.  There are a few projects on the pipeline involving local photographers and some exciting assignments in Belgium and Germany.  So keep your eyes peeled for more stuff from Miu!