Spring 2021 brings renewed confidence that live performance can return after a year of Covid closures. Burlesque photographer Veronika Marx is celebrating with a new book, showcasing some of the brightest stars of the stage.
Marx started out in 2012 as Verve Rockabilly Photography, specialising in American pinup and rockabilly imagery. A shoot with Bettsie Bon Bon introduced her to the world of burlesque, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after photographers in the scene.
On a high from shooting the cover of Playboy CZ a few months ago, Marx has published her first burlesque photography book. After a long period of hardship and uncertainty for the arts, it’s a welcome reminder of how dazzling and diverse burlesque can be. It’s also a shining example of what can be achieved when creatives embrace limitations and collaborate in challenging circumstances.
The idea for a lockdown-inspired photography book came after a virtual photoshoot with Miss Jolie Papillon.
‘We wanted to have a bit of fun, and have something positive come out of this really hard lockdown period,’ Veronika says. ‘It was a win for everyone, as I still got to exercise my passion and my clients got new images. Shooting remotely also meant I could work with incredible international performers, such as Miss Miranda, Jake Dupree, Tosca Rivola, Raquel Reed and Bryona Ashley.’
With encouragement from Papillon, and copy assistance from Jeanie Wishes, Marx created images for the book during a series of late-night remote shoots. This meant she could take care of her two young sons during the day. With limited childcare available she couldn’t photograph everyone on her wish list, but a follow up edition looks likely.
‘I want to thank all the performers who squeezed in a late night remote shoot for me; this book wouldn’t exist without them,’ Marx says. ‘They glammed themselves up, shaved their legs, brushed their hair and tidied their houses at a stressful and uncertain time.’
Showgirl Shut-In: Posing in the Pandemic, is available worldwide for £29.99 + p&p.
