Testimonials

2008-01-30

Holly:
"Who Nude"
One day in trawling the Internet, I came across an editorial about a fantastic female photographer who specialized in nude photography. I looked at the pictures presented to me there, and was intrigued by how inspiring they were. I was in awe, and wondered if this woman could take such beautiful pictures of me.
The images stuck with me and I decided that I owed it to myself to see what Grace Vane Percy could do with my silhouette. Even though I was a little unnerved, I made an appointment with Grace, threw caution to the wind and hoped for the best.
Grace told me before I came to her studio to not wear anything snug as this would cause lines in my skin and they would be visible in the photos, and this meant underpants as well. The day of the photography session, the thought of going "commando" thru London brought both fear and excitement. I arrived at Grace's studio ready as I ever would be and as nervous as anything. But Grace put any and all fears to rest. She is a lovely woman who took time to talk to me and show me some photos of past clients and we discussed which poses might look good for my session. After a cup of tea and I explained a little bit of what I was looking to achieve we set off to the comfortably private studio.
The actual photo shoot itself went wonderfully well and it didn't hurt at all when Grace would say out to me "wow, that really looks nice" and "oh that will translate well". Building my confidence all along the way. At the end I think I walked out of Grace's studio a little taller, yes I had just turned 40, but damn it, I still look good!
When the prints arrived, I was blown away by how beautiful they were. Grace was able to capture images of myself that I barely knew existed. I was proud of myself for taking the chance and doing something like this just for me. I was glad and it felt wonderful to have something substantial to document this moment that was all mine.

Julia:
I first saw Grace Vane Percy mentioned one day in Daily Candy NYC.
I have to say I was immediately intrigued.
My husband has often asked me for nude photos over the years. I had always put him off, given he is no photography genius. And having it done professionally! Well, where do you go to get that done? How do you go about inquiring?
Then I saw Grace's website. You can immediately tell that these photos were taken by an artist, and from a women's perspective. They truly are works of art. So classy! - Nothing sleazy here.
I initially booked the appointment thinking of my husband and without any hesitation what so ever.
The day of the appointment was another story. I woke up extremely nervous and went to meet Grace planning to back out or at least postpone the session to a latter date.
Grace arrived and was so.... well, gracious. I was taken by surprise by how quickly Grace put me at ease. She is the consummate professional but at the same time so very personable. It was just Grace and I, no assistants to speak of. I was able to relax and almost completely forget I was naked. The trick is that the atmosphere and interaction are just so natural that if you don't look at yourself you actually can forget that you are - naked. I really didn't feel "exposed" in any way.
If you look at her work, the pictures have a lot of shadow and you would assume they were taken almost in the dark. Surprisingly there was a lot of natural light in the room, which added to the warm environment.
After the session I received a set of contact sheets/proofs from which to pick. I have to tell you it took me forever to pick, as I really loved them all. At 40+ I was amazed at how Grace captured my body. I didn't know it could look so beautiful - and that was before any touching up. Really these photos require very little if any touching up. I am so happy with the outcome and the whole experience - it has been wonderful!!!
I would recommend having your nude portraiture done by Grace Vane Percy to ANYONE. Celebrate Yourself! I would do it all again. I went into the experience thinking it was a gift for my husband but it turned out to be a wonderful gift to myself! Every time I look at these pictures I feel beautiful. What are you waiting for!

Annabel:
"I initially hit on the idea of some 'tasteful' naked photos in a fit of Samantha-inspired 'Sex and The City' madness. Having spent most of the summer in the gym I decided it was pointless unless I had some evidence of the results!
Having read about Grace in Daily Candy I was struck by the beautiful, classical images on her website and by her calming and reassuring personality when we spoke.
On the day itself, having worked myself up into a fit of nerves, Grace did a fantastic job of putting me at ease. The shoot itself went remarkably quickly and I surprised myself by how confident I felt.
After the shoot I was impressed by the quality of Grace's work - beautiful shots, and her help in choosing the best ones.
I found the whole experience brilliant and a great way to build self-awareness and confidence - in the main due to such a professional person in Grace. After a difficult year in which my confidence had been knocked this was a real experiment but one which I am glad to have done."

 Taryn:
“Taking off all of your clothes for a nude photography session is an understandably stressful thought, but when I met with Grace Vane Percy, all of my fears and insecurities were laid to rest immediately.  She is not only the most talented photographer, but she had a way of making me feel more comfortable than I ever have, posing for her artful works.  The hardest part of the entire experience was to choose the photos that I wanted to print—they were all so stunning that it was almost impossible to decide!!  Not only was my fiancée overwhelmed with my gift of photos to him, he now wants to shoot a duel session—I have never seen him so delighted and proud to receive such a present.  Grace and her talents are truly exceptional”. 

Kristen:
"Grace truly knows how you to make feel completely at ease.  She was professional, helpful and warm from start to finish. Most importantly, I was very pleased the photographs.  I'd definitely recommend her to a friend"

Julia:
"I booked my session upon seeing examples of Grace's sublime artwork. My husband had long wanted to have a nude portrait of me. Grace's photographs are so artistic and elegant.
I have to say that the day of my appointment I was extremely nervous and planned how I might back out.  Grace immediately made me feel so at ease. The atmosphere was very natural and relaxed.  The images are STUNNING!!! She really understands how to photograph the female form. How graceful these pictures have made me feel... Since turning 40 I've been missing the body I used to have.  Grace captured beauty that I thought was gone.  An exquisite gift for someone you love...including yourself.
Thank you so much Grace."

Michelle:
My experience with Grace was terrific.  I had tons of questions before the shoot, which she answered quickly and thoroughly.  During the shoot, Grace was warm, friendly, and gave helpful suggestions.  I am not used to having my picture taken and don’t always like the way I look in photos, but Grace made the experience easy, natural and fun, and I was thrilled with the finished product.  I highly recommend a photo shoot with Grace for anyone who wants to feel beautiful.

Press

2008-04-05

Tatler (April 2008)

Evening Standard 2007

Financial Times 2007
Mayfair Times 2007
Kensington and Chelsea Times 2007/8
Daily Candy - London
LBC Radio - London
Daily Candy NYC
Fashion Wire NYC

Photographic Shows

2008-01-30

Group Show 'Alight Here' London 2003
Exhibition to launch Bar/Restaurant ‘Number 10’ on Goldborne Road - 2004
Group Show at Woburn Abbey Sculpture Gallery - 2004
Solo Show (Collection) - 2005
Bonham’s, New Bond Street W1 2005
Currently showing at ‘Gentlemen’s Tonic’ Royal Exchange - 2008

Education

2008-01-30

1991 -99: Oakham School - Art Scholar
 
2000 - 01: Central St. Martin's College of Art & Design
- Foundation Year (specializing in fashion photography and darkroom
technique)
 
2000:  The Photographic Academy - Santa Fe, New Mexico - (specializing in studio technique & landscape)
 
2001:  Charles Cecil Studios - Florence - (life drawing and sculpture 'Sight Size' technique of the Old Masters).
 
2005: Invited to join the Yale ‘Women in Photography Archive’
which is currently under composition, featuring only a handful of modern European Female Photographers