When I first met photographer Richard Maidment it felt like a meeting of minds. He had been looking for a designer for a photo shoot he was planning. He felt my gowns suited the romantic location he had chosen: Belcombe Court in Wiltshire in the enchanting shell house restored by Blott Kerr-Wilson.

Elizabeth Bessant Couture ivory lace dress with applique photographed by Richard Maidment

Elizabeth Bessant Couture ivory lace dress with applique photographed by Richard Maidment

Richard Maidment is a British-born photographer based in Kensington, London. Passionate about photography, Richard started his photographic career after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Photography from the renowned London College of Fashion.

Richard’s vision for the fashion shoot in the shell house caught my imagination. I could see how my hand beaded and appliquéd lace dresses would look in the setting he had chosen. The shell house is situated in the grounds of a Grade I listed Georgian house in Bradford-on-Avon. Using only two or three different types of white shell, the effect is stunning.

Elizabeth Bessant Couture ivory devoré silk dress embellished with hand made camellia photographed by Richard Maidment

Elizabeth Bessant Couture ivory devoré silk dress embellished with hand made camellia photographed by Richard Maidment

When the day of the shoot came I was worried Richard would find the conditions too challenging. Dark, cold, with torrential rain all day, there was the threat of flooding in the area. But I needn’t have worried model Virginija was utterly professional and Richard used the adverse conditions to his advantage – the resulting photos are stunning.

Richard’s work is sought out by personal and prominent commercial clients throughout the UK and Japan. He has worked with brands and publications such as Mulberry, Aspinal of London, COS, Vogue, Elle, GQ, Dust plus many more.

Elizabeth Bessant Couture nude and ivory lace dress with hand beading and ribbon rose embellishment photographed by Richard Maidment

Elizabeth Bessant Couture nude and ivory lace dress with hand beading and ribbon rose embellishment photographed by Richard Maidment

Richard’s main work and career focuses on commercial and portrait photography, but he also has a passion for photojournalism which grew from his love of travel. Having a personal interested in Japan, Richard has travelled across the country working on a variety of photographic projects that have been exhibited several times in Tokyo.

Photographer – Richard Maidment – www.richardmaidment.com
Model – Virginija Baneviciute-Tuome – www.modelmayhem.com/Virginija
Makeup – Mandy Lee (MakeupByMandyLee)