Beyond the Single Image - Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS ‘Dressing Room Diva’, April 2020

In the modest Hotel Celebrity in Bournemouth, you will find a small but glitzy Drag Cabaret Bar called Rubyz. Three fabulous Drag Queens, Tyra, Sally and Foxy entertain their audience with raucous comedy and live song dressed in the most amazing frocks. This image is one of a series called ‘The Art of Drag’ which I began just before Covid hit. It shows Tyra Misu in the dressing room putting on her ‘killer heels’ just before going on stage.

Dressing Room Diva

Lorraine Poole LRPS

How did this project originate?

I have always been captivated by the bright lights of stage and screen and drag has become more mainstream thanks to television, theatre, and films such as The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I have increasingly wanted to find out more about this art form and meet the men behind the make-up and womanly curves and their alter egos. I am also in awe of the flamboyance, bling and fabulous costumes and thought it would make for a wonderful photographic project as well as an interesting insight into the ‘realness’ of backstage. It helps that I also have a nosey side to me!

I did already know of Rubyz, having been there for a party in the past. So, I just dropped them an email and said, “Hello, my name is Lorraine, and I would love to spend some time with you and photograph what goes on behind your dressing room door”. I received a quick reply from a lovely man called Patrick (aka Foxy de Silver), one of the funniest and fiercest drag queens I have ever had the privilege to meet. He had a word with the ‘girls’ and they were happy to meet me.

On my first visit and after a quick introduction, I ensconced myself and my Canon EOS 6D, into one of the smallest dressing rooms I have ever seen along with three men commencing an amazing artistic transformation. Before I knew it, clothes were coming off and make-up was going on. Patrick had a shave. Darren was already working on his signature look and I was surrounded by rails of beautiful costumes (if only they had my size!), wigs, pots, palettes, brushes and make up paraphernalia. There was an atmosphere of organised chaos and fun, but also a clear focus and absorption in their preparation for the show. As show time grew closer the buzz and excitement increased. Adrenaline was high, and so were the wigs.

Can you give me an insight into the three characters and their background? What drives the girls?

By day, Patrick is a mild-mannered family man and Sky engineer. He is also responsible for the bookings, marketing, script writing and everything else related to the business. But by night Foxy is a ferocious femme fatale and ‘no filter’ comedy is her forte. Exuberant, entertaining, and effervescent Foxy takes no prisoners. Backstage, however, I saw a softer side. Through my lens, as the make-up was wiped off, I captured a hint of vulnerability.

Sally Monella is the charismatic and colourful creation of Darren, who is a full-time drag queen. Darren lives and breathes drag and is a popular and talented performer. One of Sally’s favourite pastimes is scouting around charity shops for her next gown or anything with glitzy bling. Sally explained that drag performers, similar to clowns, prefer to create their own unique make-up and ‘look’. She is certainly striking and unique - with the longest most fabulous legs I have ever seen!

Paramedic Sean is the baby of the lineup and is in his early 20’s. A relative newbie, Sean discovered his penchant for drag following a night out with friends at Rubyz. After a chat with the drag queens, that night, Tyra Misu was conceived - a curvy, bubbly blonde who has the most amazing singing voice, reminiscent of a Hollywood starlet like Marilyn Monroe.

I was incredibly lucky to just ‘click’ with the ‘girls’ at our first meeting and it also helped that they were friendly, open and genuine, as well as passionate about their art. It really was a case of being a ‘fly on the wall’ while normal backstage drag life unfolded in front of me. And that is exactly what I wanted.

The environment you were working in is not ideal for photography – how did you approach it?

I wanted my images to be authentic and spontaneous, documenting the inner sanctum so to speak, and to get close to the talented creatives who I have so much admiration and respect for. I was very conscious of not being in the way so after my initial flurry of questions I laid low, trying not to move around too much but watching intently. The strip lighting in the dressing room was harsh and unforgiving so I bounced my flash off the ceiling. I used only my Canon EF 24mm – 105 mm L lens, which is my go-to lens for most things.

What/Who are your photographic influences?

Documentary photography is my favourite genre, and my preference has always been black and white. Spontaneity is the key, although I will direct a subject, very rarely, just to capture an idea I may have. For example, asking Tyra to put her lipstick on and imagine I am her mirror.

I recently discovered the work of Tish Murtha, a northern documentary photographer whose images of people on the margins of society challenged inequality. Her images are so authentic and wonderfully relatable. Sadly, Tish passed away at the young age of 56, but her daughter Ella keeps her legacy alive. Her work inspires me to never give up, stay true to myself and continue to photograph what is important and emotive to me, as well as challenging perceptions.

Could you talk me through a few of your images? What were you trying to achieve? What variation in technique/composition/ viewpoints did you try?

One of my favourite images is ‘Dressing Room Diva’, which conveys the clutter and paraphernalia amongst which the drag queens prepare, as well as the limited space they have. Tyra’s last item of clothing is her shoes, and she chooses carefully in order to match with her dress. I stood at the other side of the dressing room to shoot this as I wanted to make sure there was more of a context for Tyra’s portrait. I think it’s a fun shot.

Sally

Lorraine Poole LRPS

In my image ‘Sally’, the show is over, and the girls retreat to the dressing room, tired and coming down from the highs of the performance. I caught this image of Sally as she stared into space briefly after removing her dress and wig. I loved her expression, yet I think she looks a little pained, disappointed that ‘Sally’ will be leaving shortly. I was sitting down at the time. Looking up at Sally made for a more striking portrait, without having all the clutter behind and so all the focus is directed at her face.

On Reflection

Lorraine Poole LRPS

I’m very pleased with the image ‘On Reflection’, of Sally applying her make-up in front of the mirror. I love how you can see several reflections highlighting a few of the alternative facets to her character. And you can spot Foxy and Tyra in the background reinforcing the limited space we shared.

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS

Lorraine Poole LRPS: Biographical Details

My first camera was a Box Brownie 127 (it belonged to my parents) and I was 9 or 10. Pocket money was spent on roll film and processing. I recall I shot a beautiful pink sunset out of my bedroom window and won first prize in my local newspaper’s open competition. I always loved photography but as life passed by, I could never find the time for hobbies.

Eight years ago, a serious illness meant I had to give up my work as a CEO in the charity sector. It was a dark time. Once I began to recover physically, I took up photography again – if only for therapy. It allowed me to look at the world again and venture outdoors. I soon acquired a secondhand Canon 6D, began shooting in RAW, and my world began to seem a lot more bearable than before.

I enter the odd competition online with some success, for example, being shortlisted for the Monochrome Awards, British Life Photography Awards, Bird Photographer of the Year, Spider Awards, and Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2021. I’m an active member of the RPS and Documentary Group, attaining my Licentiate in 2018. I now look forward to working towards my Associate.

My photography website can be found at www.lorrainepoolephotography.com and my online Etsy shop is Shutterbug Wall Art Co.