Some days are full of surprises and my day with the gorgeous Alexandra Burke was one of them. She is down to earth, funny and with a laugh that gets everyone going. We had a wonderful day capturing her softer side for the cover shoot of Fabulous Magazine (out on the 18th of February).

I also thought you might like to see a few behind the scenes images from the day. I decided to use ring flash as my main light to make the flowers and her skin pop, but softened it by using a couple of fill lights reflecting from the walls and ceiling.

And the location? A palace in Ealing, London W5…another surprise.

Styling: Lynne McKenna

Makeup: Alex Babsky

Hair: Michele Sultan

Flowers: LK Lily

Retouching and digital operation: Curtis Gibson @ skinstudios.com