References for Fantasy Dabblers

Keira Lavelle

What an 18 months! Several abroad trips cancelled due to dreaded Corona 🙄 (and not the beer - though we'll swing more to Chianti on that topic! 😁) A number of opportunities to shoot closer to home missed during lockdowns, things rescheduled left-right and centre to a point where we didn't know WHAT was going on from literally one day to the next sometimes. There had been the odd occasion where we managed to grab a few hours/a day here or there at safe-practicing venues... Mikki and I even managed to jet off to Florence by the skin of our teeth last year! But generally, it's been such a trying time for everyone - not least those shielding and needing to be extra careful; thus letting go of an otherwise fun-filled life of meeting up with like-minded people and travelling to stay safe. And so; I cannot express enough just how overjoyed I was when a window of, somewhat miraculous, opportunity opened for us to fly away to the jaw-dropping land of Northern Norway! 🏔 The first Arts Voyage event which has not needed to be rescheduled because of this awful pandemic - and I had both Mikki AND Andrew set to come with me! It almost didn't feel real - and they will back me up on this that in the lead up it was very surreal/uncertain for all of us, and then: BOOM! We're going guys - pack your thermals! 😆

So before all else; I cannot thank this pair enough for their patience, willingness to go for it and then of course - the sheer fun we had in quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited personally! These are trying times, it's understandable that people might be apprehensive, and ultimately: when the attendance of an event is for the leisure/creativity factor, it is easy to look at something like that as an event that doesn't need to go ahead if people are still airing on the side of caution. But they stood by me, giving their support... All the green lights displayed (quite literally!) and Norway became a stupendous reality! 🤩 We would then spend the next week getting fully zoned-in to epic location road trips, dirty looks from sheep, creative styling with team input, yummy food, and relaxation for Mikki and Andrew between shooting times at our lovely accommodation (they loved the hot tub especially! 😁) It was seriously the trip of a lifetime - and perfectly suited to the exclusive/one-to-one format because we worked at our pace, made gallons of gorgeous pictures across many genres, had free reign of where we went and when we went... You couldn't have done a place like this any other way! One of the nicest things I'll take away from the trip was Andrew commenting on how; being amid the grand mountain ranges had such therapeutic and awe-inspiring impact. Being a fellow Yorkshire kid, I can fully connect with this! Our hills back home aren't a patch on the surroundings of our photo holiday in Norway mind - but that aspect of nature really does reach your soul. Especially when they're thousands of feet high!🌟

It would probably be easier to list what we didn't shoot rather than what we did! 🤷‍♀️ The nature of the one-to-one shooting means we can throw ideas in at our leisure (really getting the collaborative bounce flying) make stops when something just catches our eye. We tackled everything from mountain-ranges, fjord-scapes, lighthouses, lily ponds, sunset beaches, rainbows, woodland, waterfalls... Complimenting with looks galore such as; edgy fashion, ball gowns, catsuits, crystal lingerie, artistic nude! The combinations of things we shot was quite colossal in fact. And of course what is a shoot with the Fantasy Dabblers if they don't come with bags of their own goodies for models to exploit! 😁 They put a lot of thought into what to bring - even in the pre-shoot communications we were chatting about lush accessories they had spotted to bring along. The flow of imagination went on and on... Both photographers have their own notable passion along with interests for the kind of images they would like to achieve - from that it's really nice to help both Mikki and Andrew make their visions come alive. They have always given such wonderful feedback to models, communicate well in what they hope to gain from a trip/shoot... But also: they appreciate what a model can also give in input from their side of the lens. Working together is their way, whilst the individuality shines through for the different creative (and fun!) mindsets on the team.🌟

I briefly touched upon the fun had during our week in Norway, though I don't feel I have screamed about it sufficiently. 😄 From getting VIP access to the top of a lighthouse one minute, or improvising something cool on the rare occasion that it did actually rain, to rocking bling-tastic Viking themes the next! All of this of course fell into our creative adventure, but when you can actually say you've come away with some memories that really make you chuckle too - that's quite rewarding for me as an event host. ❤ I know Mikki and Andrew as my own creative mom and dad of course - so the rapport we have is quite unique... The chatter and banter never ceases, Figaro the cat often jumps in to give his two-penneth, and even just the times jiving to catchy songs in the car that were on the radio the last time we went abroad together! It's the little things that make a big difference to the connections you make in this industry. It just seems like, whenever we do something - the time melts away before our eyes! If that ain't a big that you're having a blast, I don't know what is! 🤷‍♀️

Take it from me - these guys care about their models being comfortable. They care about their models being happy. They care about their models enjoying their own time on an event/shoot; even though they might have responsibilities as a host etc. They have a highly professional approach to working with others which I have seen time and time again on our [INSERT VERY LARGE NUMBER OF SHOOTS] that we've had together, thus I think it's safe to say I can vouch for them and most certainly give my recommendation once again. 🥰

Just don't ask Mikki about me having her chase rainbows! 😂 At least I did find her a nice little roadside waterfall this time! 😃

Thanks a bundle guys! Here's to a less crazy year in 2022!

Your kid! A.K.A. Keira!

Keira Lavelle

We have literally worked together all around the world! Even at Fantasy Dabblers HQ a number of times, and various UK studios/locations. But one place we had not yet graced (which seemed to obvious but we just hadn't got around to it yet!) was my neck of the woods! 😀 Sunny Yorkshire - literally gods own country where Andrew's roots are from!!!! How had we not done this yet?!

Summer 2021, and unfortunately; the pandemic was still hitting certain aspects of creative travel quite significantly. Our abroad adventure to Poland with Arts Voyage was to be rescheduled yet again with uncertainties on international travel. However: When one door closes - literally another opens with these guys! And so it was that discussions developed for an alternate plan for the terrific twosome to visit Costa-DEL-Halifax! 😁 Two days of location galivanting, sublime picture making and crumpet munching... 🤣 The best turnaround possible from an otherwise downer on our other plans being delayed. ❤

We had a few different locations that we REALLY wanted to go to, therefore we cooked up a rough plan based on these - filling in the rest of our time with stops at magical hilly landscape scenes and viewpoints. 😍 Over the course of the two days we slayed: urbex, wind farms, streams/rapids, old cars, cobbles/town centre scenes, pretty hotel garden scenes, arty sculptures... Full credit to Mikki who even took on the challenging scramble to a waterfall location! 🌟 I mean we were spoiled for choice - especially with the wondrous rapport that we have now. And it didn't rain a drop!? So much for *proper Yorkshire welcomes* haha! I think what actually happened was that Mikki and Andrew brought the sunshine with them. 😎 It did mean that we were blessed with magical light to utilise for all the gorgeous (and crazy - as standard!) looks that we shot, and that we didn't need to retreat to indoor backup at any time. t was actually sun cream running low that was the concern! 🤣

As usual: Mikki and Andrew brought an extensive variety of dynamic ideas, props and outfits to the mix! They simply love getting fully stuck-in with the creativity and wackiness; I fully believe that's why they can't get rid of so many of us models to be fair. 😆 It's just way too much fun working with them, and always a lovely surprise to see what's lurking in their box of tricks this time! 👀 Actually when the inspiration started rolling this time, we probably ended up with more ideas than we could physically shoot. 😄 Then when you add the innovative vibes that you get off the locations (Mikki and Andrew were totally feeling so many different levels of imagination at each place in ways that I had not even shot before - and these are local locations to me!) it's just one almighty wave of thoughts and the desire to create, create, create! I feel so much on the same wavelength as these guys now - and what's nice is that: although they bring their own ideas and know what they like - they are always happy for the models to have input as well. 😊 Teamwork at it's finest!

Laughs, therapeutic Yorkshire scenes, great food, more pictures than I can begin to imagine and roadtrippin' goodness... What a truly incredible two days this way, in the company of some of the nicest people I could have welcomed to my humble hilly little patch. 😁 It is said without an ounce of hesitation from me once again - these guys come HIGHLY recommended by me! They approach their shoots with all the courtesy, kindness and thought that can possibly be delivered and always put the wellbeing/happiness of those they work with very high on their priority list. Professional to the core, and sooooooo very enthusiastic and passionate in their photography. Their journey is quite a magical one.

I can't thank you enough guys! What another tremendous adventure ticked off our list! 😋

Keira

Keira Lavelle

So it turns out that we’re greedy and one shoot in the space of a few weeks wasn’t enough! 😝 We needed another one - of course we did!!!

What was quite special about this one was that; although we’ve managed to grab a few shooting opportunities since the madness kicked off - it’s been predominantly at a carefully organised trip/venue (such as Two Wei where we can shoot outdoors). This was the first time in what seems like a lifetime that we where able to make pictures at Fantasy Dabblers HQ once more! 😃 It was so lovely; not only on the basis of Mikki and Andrew knowing the shooting opportunities at their home inside-and-out, but also bringing back those lovely memories of tea breaks in “the den” and posing with giant teddy bears (yesss BB got his moment! 🥰) It did feel like a big positive step for so many reasons after such a horrendous year, and I feel really gifted to have been welcomed by these guys back to their place for the first time since the world went nuts.

So what did we do? Well... Keira got chucked in a river and gobbled up by fish, 😆 we then organised the conquering of the castle in the local town centre, grabbed some utterly gorgeous Avant-Garde’ style portraits with (only the best!) stunning headpieces from the Fantasy Dabblers goodies collection! 😁 Nabbed more location images amid pretty fields of gold/clambered around on the VIP jetty - and so much more uber fun frolics of course! The day was packed with joy and creativity as standard, and was such a big lift/reminder of old times when I used to stop by on tour. I think we really did go for it this time in the excitable vibe of wanting to catch up on sooo much and totally go for it hehe! We were in that zone! 🤩 The images we created ranged from something of classic oil painting beauty, to mythical/magical, or just generally sass-tastic styling! These versatile peeps know no boundaries when it comes to creativity - I just love their drive and imagination. ☺️

The day was the usual relaxed pace - one thing Mikki and Andrew will not have you doing is rushing around, it’s a chilled out day with as many cups of tea thrown in as pretty pictures made hehe! Very well looked after (of course!) A stunningly delicious lunch was provided; I cannot be the only model who knows about this couples fine taste for picking up amazing mid-shoot munchies! That’s definitely going to keep the creative energy on a high NOM NOM! But I can actually praise them one step further in how they so kindly offered to host me not just for one night... But multiple nights on my tour! So I was able to enjoy the company of great people and have a divine social aspect of my trip which certainly takes the edge off an otherwise busy 9 days! I cannot thank Mikki and Andrew enough for how beautifully they looked after me - and of course I’ll be racing to come back when the next opportunity does indeed arise. 💓

Cracking photographers with a super fun/crazy streak, highly professional and totally respectful towards the well-being of the people they work with, great to chat to/put the world to rights with...

HELL YES I RECOMMEND! 😁

Thank you both so much!

Keira

Keira Lavelle

So it turns out that we’re greedy and one shoot in the space of a few weeks wasn’t enough! 😝 We needed another one - of course we did!!!

What was quite special about this one was that; although we’ve managed to grab a few shooting opportunities since the madness kicked off - it’s been predominantly at a carefully organised trip/venue (such as Two Wei where we can shoot outdoors). This was the first time in what seems like a lifetime that we where able to make pictures at Fantasy Dabblers HQ once more! 😃 It was so lovely; not only on the basis of Mikki and Andrew knowing the shooting opportunities at their home inside-and-out, but also bringing back those lovely memories of tea breaks in “the den” and posing with giant teddy bears (yesss BB got his moment! 🥰) It did feel like a big positive step for so many reasons after such a horrendous year, and I feel really gifted to have been welcomed by these guys back to their place for the first time since the world went nuts.

So what did we do? Well... Keira got chucked in a river and gobbled up by fish, 😆 we then organised the conquering of the castle in the local town centre, grabbed some utterly gorgeous Avant-Garde’ style portraits with (only the best!) stunning headpieces from the Fantasy Dabblers goodies collection! 😁 Nabbed more location images amid pretty fields of gold/clambered around on the VIP jetty - and so much more uber fun frolics of course! The day was packed with joy and creativity as standard, and was such a big lift/reminder of old times when I used to stop by on tour. I think we really did go for it this time in the excitable vibe of wanting to catch up on sooo much and totally go for it hehe! We were in that zone! 🤩 The images we created ranged from something of classic oil painting beauty, to mythical/magical, or just generally sass-tastic styling! These versatile peeps know no boundaries when it comes to creativity - I just love their drive and imagination. ☺️

The day was the usual relaxed pace - one thing Mikki and Andrew will not have you doing is rushing around, it’s a chilled out day with as many cups of tea thrown in as pretty pictures made hehe! Very well looked after (of course!) A stunningly delicious lunch was provided; I cannot be the only model who knows about this couples fine taste for picking up amazing mid-shoot munchies! That’s definitely going to keep the creative energy on a high NOM NOM! But I can actually praise them one step further in how they so kindly offered to host me not just for one night... But multiple nights on my tour! So I was able to enjoy the company of great people and have a divine social aspect of my trip which certainly takes the edge off an otherwise busy 9 days! I cannot thank Mikki and Andrew enough for how beautifully they looked after me - and of course I’ll be racing to come back when the next opportunity does indeed arise. 💓

Cracking photographers with a super fun/crazy streak, highly professional and totally respectful towards the well-being of the people they work with, great to chat to/put the world to rights with...

HELL YES I RECOMMEND! 😁

Thank you both so much!

Keira

Keira Lavelle

So it turns out that we’re greedy and one shoot in the space of a few weeks wasn’t enough! 😝 We needed another one - of course we did!!!

What was quite special about this one was that; although we’ve managed to grab a few shooting opportunities since the madness kicked off - it’s been predominantly at a carefully organised trip/venue (such as Two Wei where we can shoot outdoors). This was the first time in what seems like a lifetime that we where able to make pictures at Fantasy Dabblers HQ once more! 😃 It was so lovely; not only on the basis of Mikki and Andrew knowing the shooting opportunities at their home inside-and-out, but also bringing back those lovely memories of tea breaks in “the den” and posing with giant teddy bears (yesss BB got his moment! 🥰) It did feel like a big positive step for so many reasons after such a horrendous year, and I feel really gifted to have been welcomed by these guys back to their place for the first time since the world went nuts.

So what did we do? Well... Keira got chucked in a river and gobbled up by fish, 😆 we then organised the conquering of the castle in the local town centre, grabbed some utterly gorgeous Avant-Garde’ style portraits with (only the best!) stunning headpieces from the Fantasy Dabblers goodies collection! 😁 Nabbed more location images amid pretty fields of gold/clambered around on the VIP jetty - and so much more uber fun frolics of course! The day was packed with joy and creativity as standard, and was such a big lift/reminder of old times when I used to stop by on tour. I think we really did go for it this time in the excitable vibe of wanting to catch up on sooo much and totally go for it hehe! We were in that zone! 🤩 The images we created ranged from something of classic oil painting beauty, to mythical/magical, or just generally sass-tastic styling! These versatile peeps know no boundaries when it comes to creativity - I just love their drive and imagination. ☺️

The day was the usual relaxed pace - one thing Mikki and Andrew will not have you doing is rushing around, it’s a chilled out day with as many cups of tea thrown in as pretty pictures made hehe! Very well looked after (of course!) A stunningly delicious lunch was provided; I cannot be the only model who knows about this couples fine taste for picking up amazing mid-shoot munchies! That’s definitely going to keep the creative energy on a high NOM NOM! But I can actually praise them one step further in how they so kindly offered to host me not just for one night... But multiple nights on my tour! So I was able to enjoy the company of great people and have a divine social aspect of my trip which certainly takes the edge off an otherwise busy 9 days! I cannot thank Mikki and Andrew enough for how beautifully they looked after me - and of course I’ll be racing to come back when the next opportunity does indeed arise. 💓

Cracking photographers with a super fun/crazy streak, highly professional and totally respectful towards the well-being of the people they work with, great to chat to/put the world to rights with...

HELL YES I RECOMMEND! 😁

Thank you both so much!

Keira

Keira Lavelle

I feel so honoured to have been able to link up with these guys for their first proper in-person shoot of the year!!!! Another year starting off with carnage, and uncertainty as we started to be let out again... But Two Wei Location/House provides the perfect setting to work safely both indoors and out, and with all the creativity that happens when I work with “my creative industry parents” there was just a guaranteed prolific amount of innovate craziness waiting for us to execute in a safe/controlled environment. :D

We weren’t half blessed - British weather threatening a mix of everything, alas we managed to sneak outside and snatch gorgeous seasonal opportunities such as bluebells... I also discovered the best *Keira tree* if I ever saw one; which I’ve never even seen in all the times I’ve been here! Mikki knee the good spots though - she knows what works! :D From pretty summer dresses to cosplay-esque sea gods, and swinging’ away too - yep! The Fantasy Dabblers are still the Fantasy Dabblers! :P Inside we came and Andrew had a run of ideas/accessories at the ready that were “must shoot before we depart” and that’s it - give Keira a cute pair of bright blue cuffs or a cuddly toy and the funny expressions start emerging too. Oh we have some great laughs! :D The high-class interior of Two Wei providing a sublime environment to incorporate the surroundings into the shots and tell a story: working a particular bit of furniture or framing to catch the ambient light in the background - yep! This couple know what works, but each time we’ve been we have also done something different as well. I just feel like we never run out of inspo with the amazing comfortable team that has developed from working with these guys. :)

Same situ as always; relaxed, easy going and just downright fun/jolly vibe. We worked at a nice pace, enjoyed a lovely chilled lunch - Mikki and Andrew so kindly picking me up some tasty goodies! I don’t even need to read the end of the sentence in pre-comms now; as soon as I see “we’ll pick up some...” I’m just like NOM NOM, FANKOOOO!!! But that’s their motto: they really do look after models and care about the happiness/wellbeing of those they work with. Even when they know the model well and a rapport is already established - it makes such a difference when you’re taken care of. ❤️ Professional courtesy and kindness = model with big happy smile! :D

Don’t get me wrong; getting to shoot and create is simply lovely with these two - we got some absolutely stellar images (we do every time!) But just being able to catch up and chat/socialise in person again was a gift beyond comprehension. Things like pandemics make you realise how much you really miss hanging out with some folk... I just feel so blessed that we’re actually able to just arrange some “closer to home” shoots again. ❤️

Of course I flippin’ recommend them! :D And will do next time too!

Thank you so much both! X

Keira

Rachelle Summers

I am SO honoured to have been A of The Fantasy Dabbler's first remote shoot :)

But what's more I'm so happy that it all went to plan and we had a good old catch up/natter whilst creating some wonderful images together! I'm so happy with how the shoot ran and how possible it was to collaborate together albeit not in person, and the images were so beautiful too :D

Yet another lovely shoot with A and can't wait to be able to shoot with The Fantasy Dabbler's again in future, be it remotely or in person when we can!

Highly recommended by me!

Keira Lavelle

Literally OVER THE MOON that we managed to fit this shoot in before the inevitable lockdown number 2 hit! I was planning a reasonably sized tour which had been in the diary/on the to-plan list for quite a while... I’d been a bit slower than usual to get all my days arranged because of the sheer uncertainty and trying to work within the ever changing rules of the pandemic in the UK. But when the green light seemed to be staying on for my trip and Mikki and Andrew said they were available to shoot again at the fabulous Two Wei location/house - I was so happy there’s no possible way to describe it! :D We may have missed out on several amazing trips we had in the pipeline for working together this year: but we have still managed to do some superbly productive shooting, have a good laugh during the process and just be crazy. Crazy is good when we get together. :)

Of course; Two Wei provides the endless opportunities to work (totally Covid-safe) both indoors and out... This time we were able to grab some stupendous indoor shots as well which enabled us to pick and choose our outside sets based on the weather/light etc. We had such a blast completing the most creatively varied styles and looks - you wouldn’t believe me if I listed them all because we actually were in such a roll, it was like: did we really do all that in a single day? :D But to be honest: with the number of times I’ve shot with Mikki and Andrew now: we do just break right into that sublime flow straight away. We will no doubt chatter about some ideas before the day, but sometimes we go where the wind takes us too and get mad impromptu shots (like a pair of brightly coloured legs poking out of a free-standing bath for example! Or a bright orange catsuit curled up on a down-facing window!) That’s merely scratching the surface of what we covered... From sassy boudoir to fairy-tale princess shots, colourful portraits too. We always manage to do something a little different each time we shoot: but never fail to sneak some lush shiny (or soft and cushiony) Fantasy dabbler props and accessories in the mix. ;) Good times! It’s just what this job is really all about for me to be honest; having the chance to build great working relationships and knowing you’re going to turn up to work that day and have a cracking time.

The Fantasy Dabblers are literally famous in the model community for being up for fun themes and their tremendous contribution to shoots frequently, with selections of outfits and goodies galore that they acquire during their travels... But they’re both very notably creative people who have independent interest in a particular scene or set and seize great image opportunities as they arise. :D We were able to do a “socially distanced/safe” back of camera glance to see what we were getting and there were some utter killer images in both Mikki and Andrew’s cameras! Their passion and enthusiasm just says it all though and literally does deep into what is reflected in their work... And they put the effort in too! Adding lights amid a scene and carefully composing so that the features around make the image what it is. They have absolutely splendid visions as creatives, and it’s quite simply a joy to be a part of their work time and time again. :D

I don’t know where the day went in all honesty... But then I’ve done whole weeks with these amazing people and it’s still flown by then! T’was the usual relaxed and non-pressured pace, they so kindly brought some scrumptious nibbles for lunch which when down very well indeed. :P Their Moro has always been, and will always be to enjoy a harmonious and *FUN* shooting session... And with that: the Fantasy Dabblers do make such notable effort to make models feel comfortable and happy during a shoot/event. They are just wonderful company, and people I value very highly. Always professional/by-the-book and straight-laced. :) I just hope the time will come sooner than later when we’re able to do a big three-way hug again! BLAAAHHHH TO CORONAVIRUS!

Thank you for yet another wonderful shoot guys! Always looking forward to the next time, and there will be a next time! ❤️

Keira

Rachelle Summers

I had an utterly wonderful shoot with Mikki and Andrew at Two Wei on my recent tour! It was SO nice to catch up with them both as Andrew could make it too the time :D

It also happened to be Mikki's birthday - yay! Was such a pleasure to spend it with them both :)

As always we had a super leisurely day, shooting tonnes of variety in sets with tea breaks in between (and birthday cake!!) and nattering away!

I always look forward to our shoots together and can definitely recommend them to others :D

Keira Lavelle

This shoot/trip was one that happened with pure, golden luck that all the stars aligned and allowed myself and Mikki of the Fantasy Dabblers to sneak away to the enchanting Italian city of Florence for a few days! Right up until merely a week or so before - we were still sat on the fence as to whether it would be safe/sensible or not, but we kept a close eye on the numbers and it transpired that the date range turned out to be one of the safest/non-scary times since the pandemic kicked off with numbers remaining low and us being exceedingly well prepared with masks etc. I cannot put it into words how thrilled and (still buzzing!) I am that we managed to squeeze it in! We had to sadly let go of the idea of creating beautiful pictures in Montenegro and Poland earlier in the year when both Mikki and Andrew were initially down to come along on some special Arts Voyage events. But 2020 has just been a roller coaster as we all know it! But we really did rock Florence in all it’s beauty (and scorching weather! OMG SUNSHINEEEEEE! :D ) It was a reminder of how fabulous a team Keira Lavelle and the Fantasy Dabblers make when jetting off to these fabulous places with crazy ideas... And yes: we did crazy! We weren’t missing out on that under any circumstances! :P

This time felt strange in some way as it’s normally me trip planning and sorting everything out when we go somewhere exotic haha. But Mikki had the flights/schedule booked some time ago and had planned the hotels/accommodation (utterly class choices, naturally!) and knew the city very well from previous visits on little holidays, as well as photography trips with the wonderfully talented Andrew Appleton who had sadly passed the same year (Mikki worked quite closely with Andrew and their almost muse-like click was just superb on a creative level from an outsider seeing Mikki’s work flourish). But certainly, the familiarity and relationship Mikki had with Florence really made this trip for us: not least in being blessed with knowledge of all the best places to go and make pictures, but also in the best places to enjoy the sublime cuisine that is signature to the city. I was so well looked after on this trip, and really did have the best time after a depressing turn of events that changed all our lives with the pandemic. I’m just so happy we got it in. :)

I need to ramble a bit about some of the pictures we made! Would you believe me if I said that one moment I was a fairy princess, and then the next a cute kitty cat taking on ferocious wolves? Or killin’ the crazy editorial vibe among sculptures and then miraculously changing into a butterfly? Didn’t think so! :P From dancey to elegant, sassy to gritty, complimenting the environment to just being pure bonkers!!!! Oh my goodness! Duracell bunny was running at full capacity and we literally joked about Mikki needing some reigns for me (my suggestion because I was just so excitable about doing this after what felt like forever!) The light was beautiful for us most days, we even got blessed with fluffy clouds when the moment was right... And of course Mikki got right into doing her top class landscapes and city scapes whilst we were there! You even just need to give this lady a mobile phone camera and she’ll snap a picture with award-winning qualities in my honest opinion! Nope, no exaggerations - a stupendous photographer! Mikki deals with the challenges of location photography like they don’t exist and bosses the light/the scene/the composition and even gives excellent direction if something with the pose needs altering relative to what she sees through the lens. Sometimes we had to work uber quick to get the shots (famous arches of Florence which indeed lived up to their name and got a lot of attention from other tourists too - including another photoshoot team!) Sometimes we had to dodge short bursts of hot rain... Nothing stopped us! We were just on a mission well and truly! :P Because we were “bubbling” I was also able to get some back of camera snaps *ahem* Mikki kindly let me after putting on my “pretty please” model face! ;) Looking at the shots is literally like the adrenaline of doing the shoot all over again... They were INSANE!!!!!!

We might have had the most productive time in Florence, but the pace and schedule was still extremely relaxed and easy going. We didn’t have any set times to grab lunch/dinner and that was nice because we just went until we ran out of juice/got what we needed that day. Other highlights of the trip included just enjoying the city (we did a little buggy tour in downtime and one day had lunch over looking the most serene view of the river). The experience as a whole was just magic, and the Renaissance art vibe of the city really does speak to you as you walk around - I’m not surprised Mikki and Andrew love coming here. :) Don’t get me wrong, making pretty pictures is a big part of my life that got ripped away with the pandemic... But a trip like this actually reminds you of how much you miss the wonderful friendships you make in the industry; the like-minded natters and banter. I really hope we can return to our trips altogether again soon... But thank you so much Mikki for inviting me to Florence. It’s safe to say it made my summer. ❤️

As previous references have stated: professionalism is slick as anything with the Fantasy Dabblers. :) They consider the happiness and well-being of models during shoots above all else, no matter what the style or concept. Absolutely, 1 gazillion percent recommend!!

Legitimate words.

That Keira one!

Thank you so much!

Keira Lavelle

Words cannot describe how thrilled I was to finally be reunited with this amazing duo for the first time after an awfully isolating spring of 2020 as we know it with the pandemic. By this time; had our originally scheduled year happened as planned, we would have been off on two amazing shooting holidays doing all manner of crazy by now! Of course the plans had to be put back a year for safety, and/or being in full blown lockdown which made it very strange not seeing Mikki and Andrew at the frequency that we were doing in previous years (and having a complete ball too!) But I must say; just getting a half day with the both of them after what felt like an eternity working at the fabulously varied (and strictly Covid-secure) venue that is Two Wei location/house... Well it put a humongous grin on my face for one thing. :D

It was the first mini-tour I dared to do since it all kicked off. Literally just a weekend of a job... But I was soooo happy when these guys felt the enthusiasm (and also felt safe enough) to meet each other at the location and pick up where we left off with wonderfully bonkers-ness of the highest order. :P We were blessed with nice weather too: literally only threatening to turn at the very moment we finished! This enabled us to remain outside and totally go for it with the endless array of outdoorsy sets at Two Wei. Mikki and Andrew had done some previous shoots at the place and also uncovered some epic photo opportunities for us to try. That, combined with the usual teamwork bounce that we just click into every time allowed us to produce some utterly sensational pictures. :) I mean: really beautiful and conceptual. But some obligatory madness thrown in too hehe! Would it be a shoot with the Fantasy Dabblers without it?

The laughs and chatter we had talking about all sorts/putting the world to rights and being on an epic high about what to shoot next gave that standard warm and enjoyable rapport working with this pair. It killed not be able to hug them both as we were all being super careful to allow us to enjoy the creativity of the session in a safe manner... But it honestly made my trip finally getting to shoot again, chin-wag away and run around with pure excitement at the image scope which was all around us. We’re normally doing exactly that at some exotic country when there isn’t a pandemic haha! The model-photographer flow just happens so naturally now and I feel very in-tune to Mikki and Andrew’s style interests, relaxed/completely non-pressured pace and general desire to have a good fun shoot. How can you not gel with these people? They’re lovely!!!! And so professional in their approach, it’s unreal. We do a mix of more standard pretty image-making with my goodies and their VERY COOL collection of goodies. :D Sometimes it involves an adorable cat mask, sometimes it involves a sassy pair of bondage cuffs to accessorise with. No matter the genre of the hour - their rule is that the models they shoot with must ALWAYS feel comfortable. ALWAYS!

I could say good things about the Fantasy Dabblers all day lingerie to be honest... We always cook up something a bit different, and we always have a ball. :)

Highly recommended indeed!!!!

Keira (mad one) Lavelle

Rhianna Grey

I am going to start by saying that I was in the moment of having a few lockdown drinks when i looked at my phone (a little merry may i add) to see a message from Fantasy Dabblers asking me to work with them. Well, my jaw dropped to the table and i let out a little yelp of excitement as i had always admired their work and had always wanted the opportunity of working with them. What was even more exciting is that they were based just down the road from me....

We set a date up to shoot, and this was my first and last location shoot ( august 2020) with other photographers since March 2020, just as lockdown lifted and we all entered regional tier systems. Of course, this was a socially distanced shoot to ensure everyone's safety, but boy, didn't i have fun being out and about shooting with these guys in such beautiful weather!! I was on such a major creative high! I absolutely adored mickey and Andrews company and the images are of course.... needless to say... stunning! It all went by far too quickly! Of course they both brought along bags of magic goodness with them which i was more than happy to show off, and i do hope that i can work with them both again in the not too distant future. Oh, and we added in the obligatory boomerang video shot for good measure haha!!

Thank you so much for such an enjoyable day. You are both absolutely lovely and a dream to shoot with.

Thank you

Rhi xx

2W Location

It was wonderful to see Mikki again yet sad that Andrew couldn't be with her due to the current restrictions but hopefully that will be resolved very shortly and the 's' can be put back on Dabbler!

Mikki was a joy to host again and worked really well with Rachelle. From what we've seen so far they've produced some fantastically composed and atmospheric images.

Recommended without reservation.

Rachelle Summers

It was so lovely to catch up with Mikki on my recent tour! Unfortunately due to the current state of the world it wasn't possible to catch up with Andrew, which was incredibly sad albeit necessary, but myself and Mikki had a wonderful shoot together despite this :)

Thanks to the weather we managed to shoot outside for the duration of the shoot! We worked our way through several different looks and the results I have seen so far look fabulous :D

It's always a pleasure working with Mikki and this time was no different! She is so kind and friendly and we had a lovely morning shooting together! I can't wait until next time we have a chance to get together, and hopefully at that point I will be able to see both Mikki and Andrew together again :D

Highly recommended by me!

Keira Lavelle

I love visiting the Fantasy Dabblers Pad! Where creativity and madness just has no limits - so all worshippers of craziness can just get together and be crazy together! :P

Another FABULOUS two days working with Andrew whilst Mikki was travelling on exciting events: this time playing around with different ideas around their studio and house with several funky concepts marked out on the agenda - plus the usual inspo-along-the-way that surfaces in the moment. :D It's always such fun coming to visit because there is always something new to get stuck into with shoot flow of course - but simply catching up between all of our travels and latest goings-on is a real joy too! The time always goes so fast is the only problem - but we always know there is a lovely opportunity to join forces again in the future so it's all good. :)

So where do I begin??? Cute portraits, abstract parts, Sci-Fi/fantasy dress and props, projector art, boudoir, quirky frame props (I was on TV!), artistic nude (we're good at nailing these jumps!) and so much more: not forgetting of course the iconic Fantasy Dabblers light bondage goodies which always look so fabulous in pictures - they shop at all the best places and it always feels like you're sporting some luxury accessory than acting/posing with a pair of cuffs. :D Oh it was productive for sure! And amid all those ideas, you can guarantee that you'll get to play with some other adorable additions at some point in the sets: kitty cat masks or giant teddy bears... It's the perfect example of how being involved in making cracking photographs can just be the most fun and light-hearted thing on the planet. But that is the Fantasy Dabblers for you! Seriously though - we nailed some real stunning shots and going through Andrews camera at the end of each day when he kindly let me do my "back of camera" thing was totally smile-inducing.

It also needs saying that the Fantasy Dabblers are always looking at inventive new ways of lighting and creating pretty effects in their pictures - possibly everytime we meet up they have an exciting new gadget to throw in the mix! This time it was a flash new LED thingamajig that we used for some of the portraits and it gave off a LUSH finish to the shots. :D Andrew was able to play with the brightness and even the colour temperature to work subtle differences and it really worked a treat! They're not afraid to try out new things like this and in all honesty - it normally has prolific success to follow in the results! :) We also got uber technical with a fun gypsy style set which, at one stage, involved the lights being in all weird and wonderful places to illuminate the whole set in different ways. It's jumping in and trying things like this which often give you the best results in many cases!

Now it would never be a shoot at Fantasy Dabblers HQ without the tea stops, snacky-snacks and relaxed vibe... Which is completely standard procedure when working at their place! The pace is so easy going and non-pressured, breaks are a plenty and you enjoy just a nice rapport-filled atmosphere from the moment you arrive to when you depart. Models will always be so well looked after - it goes without saying! It feels like catching up with pals now for myself personally; but whenever you chat to other models who might have been to visit recently also - the conversation is always how, mutually, a nice experience it is. Andrew made sure I was comfortable and happy as ever with everything that we shot; I was treat to a yummy lunch and dinner too between and after shooting - we also visited the famous local pub/restaurant that these guys have taunted all us models about about stories of the amazing food and service haha! And it was truly amazing too - the stories are true! :P

The Fantasy Dabblers also offer safe and private accommodation for travelling models if you are shooting multiple days with them - or working together as part of a tour. :) It's a lovely bonus and not only means that you can relax knowing that you have a secure and homely place to crash - but that you've got the lovely company that evening too. 1 million percent verified as the best crazy house guest quarters in the land! :D

Oh and the laughs - a great barrel of laughs, chatter, bouncing off each other. The very ingredients (on top of all the other stuff I mentioned) which makes it a magic shoot. :) There's just so many good things to be said - it's knowing where to stop haha!

Thank you so much for another fantabulous shoot and amazing hospitality.

Keira

2W Location

Our second shooting visit from Mikki and Andrew in as many weeks. Before that they came to check us and the location out and have been a delight to meet on every occasion.

They are clearly both very keen and professional photographers with a real passion for their art. They treat both their models and property exceptionally well. Easy and very interesting to talk to with lots of laughter throughout their shoot, which to us is always a good sign :)

Recommended without reservation to models and studios alike. We look forward to welcoming them back in the near future.

Sophia Smith

Yay another awesome booking with Fantasy Dabblers. One day working on location at a studio and one day at their home studio. As usual they were fun, accommodating, armed with wild and wonderful ideas. They're a super duo who just love to create. Awesome.

Keira Lavelle

I know personally how busy these two lovely people get with their adventurous schedule, so it completely goes without saying that I felt so fortunate to be able to come and shoot with Andrew just before Christmas when they had a selection of epic seasonal sets still up from both Halloween, and of course the upcoming festivities! :D Meaning lots of crazy fun/super cute image opportunities and a tremendous last visit to Fantasy Dabblers HQ for the year. :) Aaand we certainly left no stone unturned... So happy to manage a visit at this very vibrant and creative time of the year: even though working with this pair all year round is just a pure joy. Nuff said!

Strangely enough, I don’t actually get the opportunity to do many Christmassy themed shoots: maybe because I tour a lot/work a lot on location/or get booked for specific shoot briefs... Either way, it was such a happy moment being able to sport my super glitzy elf hat amid the carefully arranged stunning scene that so many models just love to pose around in. :D You see the pictures pop up every year of various faces and smiles surrounded by tinsel and other sparkling props. Good vibes. :) And I was lucky enough to just make the Halloween set before it got dissembled - goodness did we get some corkers here! They really do inject so much effort into their creative passion on photography and we made sure we went to town on uncovering every possible chance for a killer shot rocking these very efforts. Furthermore we had lots of fun in the studio too! Andrew and I spoke about using one of their latest sensational accessories... Which was, in my opinion, nothing less than a work of art! An enchanting headdress - my face must have been a picture when I saw it, and I envisage every other model whose worn it having the exact same reaction haha! :P It was just one of those massively productive days where you’re on a roll and busy as bees bouncing ideas around. The shoot kept on giving, as is always the case working with these lovely people either together or individually. Also; the ideas and imaginative contribution of the visiting models is thoroughly welcomed too - we’ve actually spoke about it on numerous occasions how amazing it is that each model brings their own identity and style into an image with a specific prop or “set” which may be used on a number of shoots. Teamwork is HUGELY appreciated and valued in this household so whilst both Andrew and Mikki place their own signature on their images in terms of the styles of interest to them, the collaborative atmosphere is always in full swing between all involved. I lost count of how many excited cheery noises I must have made throughout the shoot, and when Andrew kindly let me whizz through the pictures at the end of the day to get some “back of camera” snaps to flaunt... The problem was: how does one narrow down the good ones? :D

I was touring again during this visit, which meant that I was blessed to receive the exceptional hospitality that is routinely offered when models stay overnight. :) Andrew has food at the ready for the evening for me, yummy Jaffa cakes during the shoot and a fabulous selection of herbal teas too! That’s me sorted for anyone who knows my bizarre tea habits haha! The shoot aside; it’s just a real pleasure getting to come/catch-up and have splendid company for part of a very long modelling trip on the road where you’re normally just setting yourself to “auto-pilot” mode. It really breaks such a hectic adventure up for the better. The accommodation provided is super comfy, 100% safe and well-equipped as a model changing area during the shooting hours too. Absolutely on-pointe and something that I’m personally grateful of; as are many touring models who spend a significant number of days on the road.

So if you want a shoot with really nice people who are utterly bonkers in all the right ways - look no further! :D 1 milllion percent recommended!

Thank you so such Andrew for another wonderful shoot, endless number of laughs, exemplary professionalism and just a good crack with lots o’ awesome piccies!

Here’s to adventures, shootiness and craziness!

Keira

Nicky Phillips

I had my second shoot with Mikki and Andrew at their home.

What a wonderful, fun day we had.

They're really lovely people. A relaxed day. We got lots of fun shots, I would recommend them both and hope I get to work with them again.

Thanks so much.

Nicky x

Summers Abroad

Mikki and Andrew joined us on yet another Summers Abroad photographic holiday - this time to Las Vegas!

They are loyal regulars of our trips having done each and every trip since our first ever one to Cyprus :D

It's always a pleasure having them join us, they are always great fun to work with and bring a variety of wonderful props with them too!

So many incredible images and more lovely memories created!! Can't wait to see some of the final images :D

Happily recommended and look forward to hosting them in Japan and Spain in 2020!!

Rachelle