In honor of my FB fanpage reaching 666 followers, I decided to revisit a shoot last Spring that was all about pursuing the darker side of modeling...
And shoot we did. First up - let's get some real blood going:
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No, Erin is not a witch or some kind of Satanist. She's also not one of those weirdos that just really gets off on taxidermying rodents and putting the graphic pictures all over the Instagram (I unfollowed THAT shit quickly, ya sickos).
As I mentioned, Erin is a bird lover. In fact, she currently runs a non-profit known as Luzonica, Birds of the World (www.luzonica.com). Erin shares her home in Ojai with dozens of birds of all sizes, from song bird to endangered raptor. Her backyard is home to owls, ravens, and hawks, nearly of them rescued, and 100% of which need to eat. So I suppose in order to balance out the good deeds that her bird menagerie does, such as educational talks at schools and group events, there is the inevitable "dinner time" aspect to it as well. So heading out back to kill a guinea pig is not anything uncommon in Erin's life.
My only regret is that I didn't ask if I could watch. I mean, she was gonna kill it anyway. Perhaps if I had known her for five or so minutes more....
getting a great view right up my dress. 'I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! it's art, I swear!'
Since it was purely a prop, I didn't feel bad about devouring it after a dozen shots.
Back to the (lovely, lovely, HEAVENLY) shower before a quick experiment with fire...
..... and then it was finally time for the concept that had started this whole weekend adventure.
The Cthulu
..and as long as we're all having fun here...
By the way, Erin's casting call asked specifically for a model that was at least 21. Why? Well, because Octopussi are best kept in the freezer soaking in vodka, silly! You know, so it's sanitary! Don't want to get any raw-seafood sickies. Now there's a taste I am sure I'll never forget...
I've never had so many showers in my life....

The Idea: 6 different colored walls, 6 different black dresses, & 6 different "high fashion" poses.
The best part of this concept for me, besides getting to wear six different sexy dresses that is, was that at the final wall I got to work with Zike.
Bird Training:
1. Never look them in the eye. From a bird's perspective, a creature with eyes on either side of it's head is prey (like guinea pigs!). An animal with forward facing eyes though, is a fellow predator.
(This one was difficult for me, since he was sooo pretty! When Erin initially pulled him out I had already forgotten this rule ... until I noticed that he was staring back! Whoops!)
2. Don't reach for him with your hands. Birds use their feet and claws for attacking. Reaching out with my hands looks to Zike like I am preparing to scratch his eyes out. This means no petting =(
3. Having a bird tethered to your wrist is not like a paddle ball. If he takes off, simply follow his lead & then 'scoop' him back up. Think of it more like Ball-In-A-Cup.
Also, this isn't a rule or anything, but birds are very light (for obvious reasons). Take a guess on how much Zike weighs..
After 24 hours of running around and shooting like mad, Erin treated me to one more amazing meal at the incredible restaurant and bakery, Ojai Cafe Emporium, before I headed back to Bakersfield. A week later I had a CD arrive of the weirdest, darkest, most badass photos I have done to date. Not to mention all the memories (some a little odd, but all fun) connected with them.
*Vodkapus Kisses*
JNT
And a few more photos.. just for fun ;D
All photos are copyright Erin Koski Photography 2012
www.ErinKoski.com
Wardrobe Provided by Erin Koski
Hair, Make up, & Accessories by JNT