July 2008

It's been a very busy couple of months since my last update with five shoots including one for the Industrial band OAK.  I have to thank the lads for a great day, they made me feel very welcome and supplied me with large amounts of beer!  You can find a video diary of the event on my Youtube channel -  http://www.youtube.com/user/Davecharsley

The last year I've become more and more interested in the Steampunk genre.  I've created a couple of images that have had elements of Steampunk but last April I decided I was ready for the full blown "Whitechapel Gods" shoot.  This update of Declinegothica features seven images from that day with the wonderful models Demondaz, Ravenstar, Giselle Bourignon, Araminta and Angel Serenity and although a little different to my usual style, I hope you still enjoy.

In May, I met up with fellow TOG Darkest Angel for a joint shoot with eight models from all over Britain.  Sadly things didn't go quite to plan with Pete only being able to stay for the first day but we still had a great time and produced some good images.  The whole team was Satanic Angel and Aimee L'amour from Birmingham, Phoenix and Giselle Bourignon from Warickshire, Violet Raven from Kidderminster, Akila from Leicestshire, Seef from Cardiff and Necomantis from Hull!  Some miles were traveled that weekend!!

Dave Charsley, Violet Raven, Akila and Seef

"Weekend of Horrors Day One" - May 17th 2008

Dave Charsley, Necromantis, Giselle Bourignon, Satanic Angel and Phoenix

"Weekend of Horrors Day Two" - May 18th 2008

In June I went to Manchester to do a shoot with a couple of old friends and two new ones I'd been wanting to work with.   The theme was the story of a traveling freak show run by the mysterious Dr Mendel, played by Ravensblood.  His surgically altered exhibits were played by The Druidess of Midian, Kira Kruega and Topaz Poison.   This set of images was greatly influenced by Tod Browning's 1932 film "Freaks" which I saw some years ago and has always stayed in my mind. 

Dave Charsley, Topaz Poison, Kira Kreuga, Druidess of Midian and Ravensblood

"Doctor Mendel's Circus of Endless Wonder" - June 19th 2008

A couple of days later, I was back in my own studio hosting my "Androgyny" shoot with Brighton model Toxicara.  I teamed Toxicara with Kiranni Nighshade and Shadowflower who I hadn't worked with for two years.  I was aiming for a very distinctive look for this shoot and with the help of stylist Sancia Lux, I've created something a little bit different to my usual style! 

Toxicara, Kirani Nightshade, Shadowflower and Dave Charsley

"Androgyny" - June 22nd 2008

My next update of Declinegothica will be on September 1st and will feature images from my "Doctor Mendel's Circus of Endless Wonder" and Androgyny shoots and maybe a couple from my upcoming "Seven Deadly Sins" joint shoot with Avatar.