I create captivating and creative photographs, specialising in glamour and escort photography including, but not limited to boudoir, lingerie, nude, fashion, lifestyle, portraits, events & live performance, and exhibition documentation. My background is in fine art painting and printmaking and my trained and intuitive knowledge of visual language translates directly into my photography work.
I work with all bodies, genders, ages, and sexualities. As a woman, a photographer, former model and stripper, I’m well-versed in this industry and understand what it’s like to be in front of and behind the camera. I provide a fun, safe, and relaxed environment for us to achieve breathtaking and compelling images that will best convey your brand, allowing you creative control over how you wish to be presented to your current and prospective clients. My style ranges from conventional boudoir portraits to something more uniquely enigmatic, delicious, and charming - and I always work collaboratively with you every step of the way.
Please email chaoying.rao@gmail.com or contact me on my socials (photoshoot Instagram, Twitter) if you wish to enquire about a photoshoot. I am based in Glasgow but can travel to you.
PHOTOSHOOT PACKAGES
Please note, aside from headshots, the minimum length of shoot is 2hours for within Glasgow, and 4 hours outside of Glasgow. Rates are exclusive of travel expenses and location (apart from headshots), allowing you the freedom to pick the perfect space for you! I can advise on this too.
Every shoot includes:
- Free consultation for guidance, support, ideas, and what to expect
- Outfit, prop, and location suggestions if needed
- Instructions with posing, makeup, and hair during the shoot if needed
- A selection of retouched images according to your specifications and needs
- All edited images from the shoot will belong to you, and I will ask permission before sharing anywhere.
Optional add-ons:
- Hair and makeup artists (I work with Ponyboy Glasgow and MV Brown)
- Additional retouched photographs
HEADSHOTS: 1hrs / £150
- 5 retouched images to your liking
- Approximately four outfit changes
- Home studio / outside location / your studio or office
- Ideal for artist portrait, models and actors
THE QUARTER: 2hrs / £250
- 5 retouched images to your liking
- Approximately four outfit changes
- Good for a small update to your portfolio
THE TRIPLE: 3hrs / £350
- 8 retouched images to you liking
- Approximately six outfit changes
- Allows more time for experimentation and getting more into the flow of the shoot
THE HALF-DAY: 4hrs / £500
- 12 retouched images to your liking
- Approximately eight outfit changes
- A decent update to your portfolio and the time to work on a theme if you wish
THE FULL DAY: 8hrs / £850
- 25 retouched images to your liking
- As many outfits as we can do
- A full day to experiment with various looks and ideas, and to make your vision come to life in a way that's even better than anticipated.
NOTES:
Rates -
- Prices stated are for individuals but I can accommodate double bookings with friends (POA).
- Fees for Ponyboy hairdressing are £50-100 (2hrs) sliding scale for low-income workers or £150 for 4 hours.
- Fees for MVB Makeup are £150 (2hrs) / £250 (4hrs) / £400 (full day) or £75ph.
- Travel expenses incurred when traveling outside of Glasgow for myself and hair & makeup team will be covered by you, and I am happy to go wherever you suggest including locations outside of the UK.
- Payment can be by cash or bank transfer, an invoice will be provided for your records.
Locations -
- Shoot locations are not included in packages and will need to be covered by you. We don't always need a super fancy location to make beautiful photographs and I can recommend many locations in Glasgow that can suit your needs and budget.
Retouching -
- Editing will be to your requirements, which I will ask you about. My usual process includes brightness and contrast adjustment, colour grading, colour correction, skin smoothing (upon request), small tattoo removal, large tattoo blur, face/eye blur, background tidying and removal of distractions. Large tattoo removals will be an added cost due to how long it takes and costs vary depending on how big and visible the tattoo is in the images.
Other -
- Can't afford a shoot? We can do a skill swap! Let me know what you can help me with.
ABOUT ME
I shoot under the name Mina Karenina and I'm a queer cis WOC artist based in Glasgow. I have worked on and off as a dancer since 2008 and I organise with the Sex Workers Union for better working conditions for all workers in our industry.