Pop Up Studio Sale starts this week!

I am taking part in a cool little Pop Up starting this week at the Nicholas Building on Level 2, 37 Swanston Street in Melbourne.

There will be a Pinup Photo Booth run by Helen McLean, Helen will be available to discuss future photoshoots and photography work.

Artists selling their wares are Betty Jo Designs, Emily Green, Dawn Tan, Lynnelle Moran of Crumb..., Madeline Stamer and Shara Lambeth.

I won't have many dresses to sell due to custom work taking up my time, but I will be selling some dresses, tops, shirts, skirts, cushions and accessories.

If you have any dressmaking enquiries or if you want me to take your measurements so you know what size you are when shopping at my online store, I will be available on all three days for chats and consultations.

Sadly, Pilgrim Lee who created our adorable poster artwork will not be in attendance due to poor health.

Guest post by Helen McLean - The best classic pin up photography just got better!

I think it’s of utmost importance to regularly fine-tune my photography business to keep making it better and to find ways to offer more to my clients. And I do believe, I have just created the ultimate in both experience and package inclusions.
Firstly, I have taken away the confusion of ordering prints after your session. Previously, you had the choice of printing any of your edited images in whatever size you wanted. Sounded perfect.

However, after almost a year of working with this offer, I came to realise that this post-shoot decision was a confusing one for most and sometimes the decision was left for months. This was a case of ‘too many options offered’.
Therefore, after trialing with much success – I am now offering a more custom service by presenting you your images on screen after your session, and helping you choose which images are to be edited and printed – all as part of the package, no more to pay afterward.

That way, 3 weeks after your shoot, you will have your prints at home ready to display. With no extra effort, you will be able to adorn your walls, add sneak peek sized prints in your wallet/purse and place prints on your dresser table!
Secondly, I would like to introduce to you with much excitement, the studio’s newest member to the classic pin up package. She is a professional hairstylist and makeup artist, who specialises in vintage looks. The woman who walks the talk, Ms Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama).

Candice DeVille is available, not only as part of the Helen McLean photography experience in the studio – she also provides her makeup and hairstyling services for private bookings such as weddings, parties and hen’s nights. And with Candice’s wealth of fashion knowledge she also provides styling services.


Helen McLean and Candice DeVille.

Finally, as a bonus – I have been in discussions with the authentic vintage clothing collector, Bonnie Rose Vintage. On occassion, we will have available the use of Bonnie Rose’s collection to wear during your shoot – this is an amazing opportunity not to be missed! This offer will be available only a few times throughout the year. Subscribe to the newsletter to be notified of the dates.

The standard studio wardobe (available to all bookings), has been photographed and available as a PDF file for you to peruse prior to your booking. This file is supplied to all booking enquiries.

What can you expect with Helen McLean’s classic pin up package?

Option of using the studio wardrobe (PDF of garment option available by email)

Nibbles and beverages provided throughout your session

Professional hairstyling and makeup by Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama)

Easy & relaxed photo shoot with 100% posing direction by Helen McLean

Viewing of your shoot on screen to choose your favourite images for high quality ‘vintage-look’ editing

Your chosen images printed and posted to you

With Helen McLean and Candice DeVille working as a team, you are sure to get the best service and end product available.
We are currently taking Bookings for August, September and October currently. Please view the Pin Up Packages page and Contact Helen McLean for bookings.


Model: FoxTrot India, Stylist: Candice DeVille, Fashion: Bonnie Rose Vintage

View more of Helen McLean’s portfolio:
Website gallery
Facebook gallery

Limited edition 'Rocker Girl Jane' dress in Midnight Rose

How this dress came about has a cute story behind it. I bought a roll of this cotton sateen rose print fabric in November 2010. I did'nt get around to making the intended dresses as other work had to be done first.

So, the dress was going to have capped sleeves, a full skirt and boat neck bodice. My friend Joy, who also runs a vintage inspired clothing label and also happens to share my birthday, made the same dress using the same fabric and neither of us knew we had the same roll of fabric or our intentions for how we were going to use it.

Instead, I have turned the roll of beautiful fabric, which I have named the print Midnight Rose into 12 'Rocker Girl Jane' dresses.

They are fully lined using cream coloured lining and come with a fabric covered belt in black for a little contrast.

Available in size 10, 12 and 14 you can buy one from my online store, Darling Central in the ACT, Thread Den and I Dream A Highway in Victoria.

Photo credit: Helen McLean Photography

Styling and model: Candice DeVille

New 'Sara' shirt in Red Daisy!

I finally have photos of the new limited edition 'Sara' shirts I made. The fabric is crisp and feels lovely on, I have used pretty swirly buttons that remind me of candy.

A big thank you to Helen McLean for taking the awesome photos and to Candice DeVille for styling and modeling for me.

This shirt is a limited run of 38 and is available from my online store, Darling Central in ACT, Thread Den in Fitzroy, Victoria and I Dream A Highway in Northcote, Victoria.

Candice has a wonderful blog that you should check out too: Super Kawaii Mama