The Blog

The Late Night Shop are a London based performance collective of clowns; providing adult variety entertainment, experimental performance and cultivated cabaret acts for theatres and events across London and the UK. Together they are Charlie Buckitt, Dott Cotton, Allota Bounce and Miss Apple Tart. The Late Night Shop Cabaret ladies combine the sinister sex appeal of a succubi with a sharp-as-a-button wit in their production of underground vaudeville, subversive burlesque and cabaret shows. I had the immense pleasure of photographing them aboard the HMS President. The theme for the shoot was Steampunk Pirates, and me hearties, it that a fine evening of fun!

Charlie's outfit with leather corset and boat embellishments feathers and belts, boots and mis matched stockings was knock out amazing. All of the outfits were unique and eccletic, bringing together the band of performers as a whole.

They've performed and entertained, at Prospero's tavern, The Boom Boom Club - The Old vic tunnels, Edinburgh Fringe,  Club Rub, Bestival, Secret Garden party, London Burlesque week, Café De Paris to name but a few. 

With views across to the OXO tower and The London Eye, HMS President is a permanently moored in the City of London at Victoria Embankment.  During the shoot the most beautiful sunset began to appear...that pretty much made our night. London at its best!

Inside the ship, the playfullness and height difference between Dott Cotton and Charlie really made me laugh!

You can find out more about the Late Night Shop Caberet on their website 
"Deliciously dark and saucy brand of entertainment" - The Londonist

All images by © Sharon Cooper 2013, all rights reserved, and may not be used without permission.

It's always a delight when a fellow photographer asks you to cover their event! I had the immense pleasure of taking Alex's 18th birthday party photos. The hall was decorated so beautifully, a perfect venue! There was such a lovely feel to the whole evening, I really actually felt so welcome, like a guest with a camera, rather than the photographer. Alex had wanted everyone to dress up and dress up they did! Such a fun night, with great people and super delicious food, yummy vegetarian chilli for me and superb raspberry pavlova. Thanks to everyone for being such great sports with the photos. There is an online gallery, ask Alex for the password so you can see all the photos taken!

I especially like this The Queen of Hearts and 'Dad-Darth Vada' battle!

If you've got an event coming up and want me to cover it, just let me know what you've planned and please email me for prices.

Sarah Graham is a fantastic photo-realist painter and my very good friend. We have had a few joint exhibitions together over the years. She is amazing, and such a fun loving person. So when The Kaiser Chiefs asked her to paint a stick of rock for their newest Singles album, she produced the most amazing piece of art. Its been featured on the BBC and local papers and just about everywhere on the net. I had the immense pleasure of taking photos for her on the album launch part at the fabulous Hermitage Road restaurant last week, (invite above by the talented Ed). The restaurant was transformed, sandcastles, fishing nets, candy floss and popcorn. Generous donations from fabulous local businesses helped the raffle raise an amazing £1500 for Letchworth Hospice

I too the photos at the party and made this ...as a 'souvenir' for her and for all those who came, and for those who couldn't.  Watch it and you will get a real feel for what Hitchin-on-sea was like, vintage ice cream van, amazing local musicians, comedians and magicians and a whole restaurant ready to party in their vintage seaside/old school glam themed outfits.

I am availabe for event coverage, see more from this shoot over on my facebook page.

I've provided this bar with photographs for their menus, as well as covering many functions there.  I was asked to provide new images, for a Summer menu, showing the bar's great location. By using a dinner place setting, and various extras, I made some images for use on their website and menu. The sun was just going down behind St Mary's Church, so it was great to set up tables and coctails to be able to capture these images to let customers see the bar and its location.