Alt model since 2003. Makeup artist. Shapeshifter.

Mythril Countess-Charmaine Auburn (Countess-Grotesque)

Countess is a Muse; a source of inspiration, a guiding spirit and at times a source of amusement and much more. She is also a top alternative model, make up artist, stylist and she has been published in many alt magazines.

I remember taking a young model who admired Countess’s work to her a few year’s ago. Without any reference photo, 30 minutes later the model was looking like total dynamite with cat’s eyes that suited her purr fectly. The result was some we produced some of the best images that we made, even though she and I had shot many times.

On top of that Countess does her own hair, styling and make-up, plus puts an awesome amount of talent into selecting and customising her outfits and props. I remember one technicolour shoot, where Countess selected cute little green ray guns to go with her stunning multi coloured, nicely tight bikini top and futuristic green heels.

Another time she arrived with a huge lollipop and transformed the shoot with that simple prop. Other times she arrives with the most out-there outfits from top designers. She arrives fully prepared and ready to shoot.

And there is more…

I have been involved with photography in some way or other for over 45 years!!

I am still a devotee of film and what is now quaintly called “wet” photography, i.e. film and darkrooms and chemicals and all sorts of cool stuff, laden with toxic overlays blah, blah! However, all the images here are digital!!

My concepts are quirky, bizarre, whimsical and definitely odd ball. This is but a sample of what I do and this is how I do it!

I don’t use a studio, I don’t use lights and I don’t use seamless backdrops. I use daylight for all my setups and location work when I do location work. I don’t use reflectors and I don’t have a team of MUA’s, assists and stylists.

I absolutely love the randomness of daylight and all the variables, cloudy, sunny, dull or bright, it is an essential element of my compositions and I do like surprises and being kept on my toes by the subtle changes as the sun rises and sets and the model gets cold, tired and grumpy. Some of my best shots come towards the end of the session. I use flash on camera for all the stuff I shoot at night. I don’t smoke any more but would like to.

And there is more…