Lulu Blue
We’d like to hear about your journey as well as your background story.
Tell us about yourself? What is your name and where you are from?
My name is Lulu Blue. I was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales in Australia. However, I have lived in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory for the past 10 years.
What were your beginnings like? How did you get into the modelling industry?
I was very shy and introverted during high school and in those days would never have dreamed of being in front of a camera. I first dabbled in modelling during 2011. I had my first office job out of high school and my colleague asked me if I would model some clothing for a charity fashion show. That was my first taste of the industry.
What was your first photoshoot as a model like? How did you feel about it? How did you prepare yourself for the shoot?
My first proper photoshoot as a model didn’t come until years later in 2017 when I was much more alternative looking and comfortable within myself. It was a nighttime shoot in front of some graffiti with experimental lighting and a samurai sword. Think Quentin Taratino’s Kill Bill. I don’t recall my exact feelings, but I would’ve been nervous. It was my first time meeting that photographer under the veil of darkness. I had opted to bring a friend with me, but luckily he was super friendly and we worked together many times after that. I prepared myself for the shoot by co-ordinating my own wardrobe and styling my own hair and makeup – which I still often do.
“After three years of sitting on this concept, I finally found the right creative souls to help execute it perfectly.“ Can you tell us how it took 3 years to execute this concept?
It took 3 years to launch this concept because I kept asking the wrong creative people to be involved. I set up plans with various photographers and makeup artists who I thought were professionals, but they ended up being quite the opposite. Frankly they were flaky and inefficient with their time. It happened so often that I became discouraged and put this concept on the shelf for a number of years. I was also trying to execute this concept when Covid-19 first started to manifest and that had a considerable impact too.
What inspired you and how did you come up with the Forest Nymph concept?
I was inspired to go forward with this theme when I saw the dress featured in the photoshoot on Etsy. It is by an artist and seamstress named Artemisia who no longer operates and that makes this dress all the more unique as it is one of a kind and will never be recreated. At the time, Artemisia made a living from making dresses as wearable art installations. This dress also has a lot of sentimental value as it contributed to me winning the Miss Ink Australia pageant in 2017. It is permanently displayed on a mannequin in my loungeroom.
Tell us about your team and how did you build your team to execute this theme shoot?
My team consisted of David Turnbull (@animosty_art), the photographer. There is no one I respect more in the field of photography than David. Hands down, he is one of the most professional, reliable and easy-going creatives I’ve had the pleasure of working with. We have worked on numerous concepts together and always end up with some spectacular shots.
There was also Kate Sergi (@mynxbeaute) the amazingly talented makeup artist. I encouraged her to have total creative control over the makeup look and she absolutely killed it. Kate has this innate ability to make my eyes pop, no matter what concept we’re trying to achieve. This look was very fun and shimmery. Kate was also able to get Maria and Jess on board (@bakerandbloom_) for the dried flower arrangement, which also looks fabulous in combination with everything. They have their own business, which you should check out.
Can you share a memorable or impactful experience you’ve had while doing the Forest Nymph photoshoot or any shoot in particular?
For the Forest Nymph photoshoot, David and I agreed that it would look better if I went barefoot. I remember having to carefully step through the grass in the forest as there were prickly plants everywhere. I also recall that we found a large flat rock which reminded me of a sacrificial alter and we decided that would be the focal point for some of the posing. I remember there was a reasonable chance of rain on the day and at one point we did feel a few raindrops, but thankfully it subsided. There were also many butterflies fliting around us which unfortunately we were not able to capture photographically.
I did an underwater shoot with David recently where he forgot his goggles and the chlorine in the pool messed with his vision. However, he didn’t let me know he was shooting blind and ‘following the blob’ until halfway through the photoshoot. I found this hilarious, particularly because we somehow got some amazing shots out of that session. It just goes to show how talented David is when he can still capture beauty and not be able to see. It’s like he has a sixth sense for it.
As a model, do you prefer to shoot in studio or in nature? Why?
I can count the amount of studio shoots I’ve done on one hand. It’s great being sheltered from the elements and to be able to manipulate the lighting with such precision, but a studio shoot can feel very stale. Initially the Forest Nymph concept was going to be shot in a studio years back, but when those arrangements didn’t work out I decided to rely on Mother Nature as a backdrop. Shooting in nature can be a lot more unpredictable, but it is certainly more memorable.
What was your first crowning glory as a model?
My first crowning glory as a model was making it onto the August cover of Tatouage Magazine in 2020. They are based in Paris, France and specialise in alternative models and tattoos. I was scouted by a journalist on Instagram, which I thought was a scam at the time but it ended up being the real deal.
Describe your perfect day off when you are not modelling?
My perfect day off when I’m not teaching, modelling or writing involves eating excessive amounts of Japanese food and playing Hogwarts Legacy. I’ve gotten back into gaming recently and it’s really hard to find time for that particular hobby as an adult.
Name three things on your bucket list?
Three things on my bucket list (which I’m hoping to achieve this year) include successfully learn how to change a tyre, go on a trip to Uluru and buy my first property.
Which three songs are you listening to on repeat at the moment?
“Black Mambo (Stripped)” – Glass Animals
“Okay” – Alison Wonderland
“Choker” – Moss Girl
Your favourite food and drink?
At the moment, you can’t beat Agedashi tofu and a soy hot chocolate for dessert.
If you could go back to the past, is there anything you would change?
I would take that time machine back to 1936 and make sure that Adolf Hitler got in the Vienna art academy.
What are some new perspectives that you intend to work on?
This year I’m trying to focus on the positives and be less bitter about events of the past. I’ve gotten quite good at expressing my gratitude towards family and friends and I intend to continue this trend. I want to feel emotions fully instead of denying or repressing them as only then will true and authentic healing take place.
Where can we see your portfolio?
You can see my portfolio on Instagram. My IG handle is @lulublue.jpg.
If you have any subject you would like to cover, feel free to write about it.
It was recently International Women's Day. Despite the strange happenings in world events lately, I often think how wonderful it is to identify as female and to exist in 2023. People have become much more open minded and I feel there is less stigmatism in society. There’s still plenty for us to work on, but in terms of Western culture we’ve come such a long way from ignoring the basic rights of women in society.
Written by Arshad Shamtally
