References for Cheeky Monkey1

Frenesimodel

I had a really nice time during the shooting.

He picked me at the train station and we went to the studio, which is amazing.

The communication was great before and in the shooting.

I recommend him, you can really be creative with him.

Thank you for such a wonderful shooting.

鄭文英 Janette | fashion model

My experience in the studio was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I arrived, the vibe was on point—Mal had everything perfectly set up, and the energy was just right for creativity to flow.

Even though they've been fully booked with photoshoots this week, I’m so grateful they managed to fit me into their busy schedule. The pre-shoot communication was top-notch, helping me nail down the outfits and style. Mal even styled one of my looks, which added that extra flair.

The studio was cosy, with refreshing drinks on hand, and the dressing area was just fabulous—complete with a full-length mirror for that perfect makeup touch-up. Mal really cares about their models, always checking in to ensure I felt comfortable and confident. Their creative vision is simply inspiring, making it easy to express myself in front of the camera. I can't wait for our next session! Thank you, Mal!

*India*

This was my 1st shoot with Mal but I hope it won't be the last. Firstly, I have to say thee most patient and laid back photographer I've probably work with which was much appreciated! Lovely guy and also an amazing studio! Highly recommended. Also, great outfits on hand, creativity and want for the model to get creative too! Thanks Mal 😊

Gwendoline Ginoux

It’s so lovely to shoot with Mal each time I’m always looking forward to our next one!

Mal gives me space to get creative by letting me pick a surprise outfit that he’s always enthusiastic about. This month surprise was an elf costume and to accessorize it, we stopped by a store to get some props that I got to keep.

I’m always impressed with Mal’s ideas, creativity and skills and I’m definitely looking forward our next shoot.

Thank you again!

MoonChild777

I had the pleasure of shooting with Mal for the first time whilst on my Northern tour (which I had never done in that area) and Mal really helped me with logistic stuff such as pick up from the station and drop off which was so kind of him!

Our pre communication was great and Mal really did put time in that. Mal is so very calm and a beam of positivity that I was so in awe of! He is a super professional photographer and understands the importance of a model feeling relaxed, comfortable and at ease! We did have an amazing chat over a coffee that Mal kindly got for us where he told me of so many of his own ideas for shoots! He is a force of nature!

The shoot went so smooth and Mal gave me the freedom to pose as I pleased, styling me beautifully as he has already 2 projects that he wanted me in, the denim one and the half-half jacket that is absolutely amazing!!

I could go on forever on how much of a pleasure was to meet and shoot with Mal but his other references also speak by itself. I cannot wait to work with you again Mal and I highlyyyyy recommend him to any model that wishes to be fully respected and welcomed by a photographer!! You are awesome!!!!

Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location

Mal came to Basford Hurst Cottage last weekend to shoot with Ell Mae on her four day booked studio event. All pre comms with Mal were great and he arrived on time with everything he needed. We had a chat over a cuppa before he began shooting with Ell.

What can I say about Mal that I haven't said before...... Mal is one of the kindest and most thoughtful photographers out there. We find him so inspiring and he always has a new idea, concept or plan for his shoots. This time he brought the most incredible red, tulle, parachute type dress with him which took up nearly all of the drawing room floor!!!! Between us we managed to manoeuvre it and Ell around the location for Mal to once again create some truly stunning images.

It goes without saying that we would highly reccomend Mal and always look forward to seeing him here at Basford. Thank you so much Mal!! See you soon!!!

Lola Sweet Poisonpie

Third time shooting with this talented photographer and again absolutely blown away with his eye for detail and lighting.

Pre-comms always amazing and always an absolute pleasure to work with and spend time with.

Very much looking forward to working together again

Lola

Olga Solo

Yay! Another fabulous shoot with the incredible Mel. Honestly, what more can I say about him that I haven’t already? Mel is not just a talented collaborator but also a warm and supportive friend. He’s always there to listen, chat, and ensure the atmosphere is comfortable and pleasant. It’s such a joy to have him around and work on creating masterpieces together.

This shoot was particularly special. Mel came up with two fantastic concepts, and I’m always in awe of his creative mind and how he brings his stunning ideas to life. He prepared gorgeous looks for a Ukrainian-inspired theme, which meant so much to me as it allowed me to honor my homeland and shed light on what’s happening there. This shoot was deeply important to me.

Additionally, Mel devised a fun clown concept and even found a talented makeup artist to execute it perfectly. He truly takes care of every detail—concepts, styling, and bringing together the right team—so all I need to do is enjoy the process. The resulting photos were breathtaking and incredibly meaningful to me.

Thanks to Mel’s efforts, my photos have been featured in magazines and even showcased in exhibitions worldwide. He has helped elevate my career to new heights, and I’m endlessly grateful. Thank you so much, Mel, for your kindness, support, and creativity. I cherish every shoot we’ve done together and can’t wait for the next one!

denisastrakovaofficial

Highly recommended photographer. Extremely talented, communicative, serious, reliable, kind and respectful artist. His portfolio is just amazing. I really hope we will have another opportunity to create together. All the best. Denisa | www.denisastrakova.com

Deadly Innocence

Had my second Shoot with CM1 whilst on tour and it went fantastic

With great precomms we had a set idea in mind and came together with ideas

The shoot flew by, CM1 is welcoming, professional and friendly

We shot in his studio which is a great asset

Lots of ideas were flowing and we have upcoming projects to work on

I love the images I've seen from This shoot and I can't wait to shoot again

Highly recommend shooting with this talented photographer

DI

AvantArtPics

I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to work with Mal again in another creative shoot in his studio and create a bunch of fabulous photos.

As always, pre-communication was excellent, and we were well-prepared before the shoot.

I enjoy working with Mal because his ideas are always great, challenging and unique.

I am looking forward to our next shoot and highly recommend him to any model or photographer who wants to create different images.

Many thanks

Shenice Kathleen

My 2nd shoot with Mal!! A beautifuly organised shoot which required minimal effort from me due to Mal being so well prepared by supplying the outfit, the ideas etc, all I needed to do was pose!!!

Mal has a very comforting and reassuring vibe, ensuring your safety and dignity is maintained and also just flat out being a genuine caring person, offering me plenty of moments to stop and have a drink, if I was warm enough, and offering to make me a brew!!!

I genuinely enjoyed myself and it was such a pleasure to be able to model for Mal !! Thank you so much for everything!!

Noun

I had the pleasure of working with Mal again at the monkey sanctuary. He always communicates really well before and during the shoot. We discuss and collaborate everything that we would be doing on the shoot and he advised me on what to bring. I got to have the freedom to do my own makeup which is always fun, however he also has a fantastic MUA @Lipstickhorror who was there to help with the second part of the photoshoot.

When I arrived we discussed the shoot and had a catch up, which was lovely as always. The creative juices start flowing instantly and we always seem to think or more new ideas. He gives me a lot of confidence and is always very considerate and respectful.

Mal is a genuine lovely guy. His photography skills are incredible and if you’re lucky enough to work with him, you’re in for a fantastic shoot. He’s very professional and the quality of his photos/editing are really impressive.

We discussed future plans for shoots together and I’m really looking forward to bringing them to life! I would highly recommend anyone to work with Mal.

Thank you so much for your hard work

Las /Leto/

I had my first shoot with Mal and most likely not the last

He kindly picked me up from train station drop me off after.

A bit extra time gave us a chance to have chat to get to know each other.

We had a great pre conversation, what helped me a lot to get ready and choose the best outfits

It was very relaxed around Mal and I hade a good time.

Mal is very knowledgable and talented studio photographer.

As I'm a delayed with reference, I already saw some photos and they are very beautiful.

Highly recommended by me.

Scarlot Rose

I had a lovely shoot with Mal recently at his studio in Warrington. Pre-shoot coms were great, and he was incredibly kind when I had some concerns about arrival time due to a medical appointment. Thankfully it was all good and we had plenty of time before the shoot started to chat over a cup of tea.

Mal keeps his studio WARM! What was an absolute delight and made everything much easier as the weather turns! He was full of ideas, with a studio full of props, outfits and makeup!

I loved working with him and the images are great! I highly recommend him and hope to create more together in future!

louise2

Had another fantastic opportunity to work with mal again at his lovely studio,

Pre coms are always fantastic, his ideas are just amazing.

What can I say a very professional photographer, very down to earth gentlemen, easy to talk to and makes the conversation flow by.

The studio is an amazing place to shoot from.

I would recommended him to all models and look forward to working with him again.

Alejandra Zapata

I had the pleasure to work with you yesterday and I cannot thank you enough for how mindful, compassionate and understanding you are. As a neurodiverse international model, I felt very supported. Thank you so much for getting me a coffee and getting to know me before starting our shoot. It made me feel at ease and it gave me the time to admire your beautiful studio, monkey sanctuary, beautifully decorated, thank you for making sure the studio was warm before I arrived!

Henrina Mercedes

I recently had a photoshoot with Mal and it was an absolute blast! He greeted me with a lovely cup of coffee on arrival. The studio is well-equipped with all the necessary gear. Despite the crazy traffic making me late, he was incredibly understanding and didn’t rush me at all!

He was not only professional but also incredibly courteous, making the whole experience comfortable and fun. From start to finish, he nailed every shot and made me feel at ease. If you’re looking for a photographer who knows their stuff and keeps the vibes relaxed, look no further. Highly recommend! 📸✨

Gwendoline Ginoux

This was my 4th shoot with Mal and the 3rd at his studio Monkey Sanctuary.

As always, it’s so much fun to work with Mal. I’ve never met someone with as much creativity as him. It’s amazing all the ideas he can come with and it seems unlimited.

Mal is a very patient and chill person, always starting the shoot with a coffee and a catch up.

He knows what he wants and he organized his ideas for the shoot. Everytime we shoot together, it seems like a new exciting thing to do is coming up.

I really can’t wait to see what we will do next, I’m quite looking forward to it each time now.

I highly recommend Mal to everyone, he’s such a great person to work with. Thank you!

Martha Okogbe

Omgg I did a shoot with cheek monkey today and I loved it. The studio was very cozy, allowed me blast music which was very lovely, he was very professional and patient, I really enjoyed my shoot today and I can’t wait to be back there, did an amazing shoot and I got to shoot with other outfits too. I just loved every bit. Hope to see you soon cheeky 😍😍