Models: Amy Finnimore and Eloise Friar Make-up: Andrea Perry-Bevan

completed fashion shoots for The Guardian, The New York Times, NME, Rolling Stone, The Telegraph and Vogue. But she also has another claim to fame. She’s worked on the sets of hit kids’ shows such as Pingu and Bob the Builder, earning her a place on movie database IMDB.com.

She tells Litebook: “Originally I taught myself photography to back up my film making course at Northumbria University. All my fellow students were familiar with film stock and f- stops etc. It was like a whole new language to me.”

But photography quickly became a passion to equal my film making and after I graduated I continued to shoot alongside my film and television career. Over the nine years I worked in television, my photography

22 www.bowens.co.uk

became more recognised and published, so I signed to my current agencies, Wire Image and Getty Images.”

Most of Shirlaine’s published work comes from her music photography. “It has a faster turnover. I usually shoot four or five bands a week, and the images need to be delivered the same night, so I’m delivering music content on a fairly continuous basis. As fashion takes longer to plan, shoot and deliver I find these are more specialized sessions.” But her talents stretch to other photo- disciplines too, including wildlife and sports. “While

sports and wildlife

photography aren’t my primary subjects, I think it’s important to show diversity in your work. Many new clients do want to see evidence of flexibility and the ability to deliver

strong images. It’s interesting that while on music and fashion shoots people often comment favourably on my shots from other fields, so I feel my whole body of work is important.”

Shirlaine is never one to rest on her laurels – and just like the ‘Is my driving OK? sticker on the backs of lorries, she’s always keen to get both client and peer feedback. Fellow music photographer Danny North says: "I've never given feedback on another photographer before. I mean, it's like having a rival chip shop and saying; 'Och aye, they fry beautifully over there'. But I have to say, not only is Shirlaine an awesome photographer; she is professional, friendly and trustworthy. Hey, can I have my £20 now?"

www.shirlainephotos.co.uk

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