Step into the electric world of Pauline Di Silvestro, where punk grit meets pin-up glamour and every frame feels like a love letter to the stage. A self-taught photographer with an eye sharpened in the smoky chaos of live music, Di Silvestro channels the raw, sensual energy of the ‘70s and ‘80s rock scene—drawing deep inspiration from icons like Mick Rock, Ginny Winn, and Chris Stein. Her earliest influences? A teenage obsession with The Cramps and a dream sparked by Iggy Pop mid-backbend.
What began in mosh pits has evolved into a rich body of work capturing the bold, surreal world of burlesque and cabaret. Her photography doesn’t just document—it celebrates. Now the in-house photographer for the David Lynch-inspired Double R Club, and a regular collaborator with Soho School of Burlesque, Riff Raff Kabarett, and more, Di Silvestro has developed a style that blends backstage intimacy with onstage spectacle.
Whether guiding a model through a boudoir shoot or catching a stolen moment behind the velvet curtain, Pauline’s lens is always reverent, fiercely flattering, and pulsing with attitude. Her work reminds us that the spotlight isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being unforgettable.
Q. How would you describe your photography style, and what influences it the most?
I’m entirely self-taught, and I’ve always been drawn to the punk and rock’n’roll scene of the 70’s and 80’s. My style is influenced by the greats of that time, such as Ginny Winn, Chris Stein and Mick Rock. I remember the first time I saw Mick Rock’s iconic shot of Iggy Pop upside down and thought “I want to do that when I grow up!”. I started shooting live music, which is undoubtedly the best school because lights are always terrible, and just went from there. I now specialise in cabaret and burlesque performances and portraits. I became obsessed with the Cramps as a teen (and still now), and that has definitely been a big influence in my music and cabaret work. Their style was so unique and exuded so much sex appeal! I also love oldschool fetish photos of Bettie Page and the likes, and I always have a lot of fun doing boudoir pinup shoots.
Q. What first drew you to photograph burlesque, and how did you get started in the field?
I had already been doing music photography for a while when I started shooting burlesque. I love how much creativity and character burlesque performers bring to the stage. I started shooting burlesque with my friend Trixi Tassels and got the opportunity to practice in lockdown with I shot The Cancelled Series, showcasing performers and musicians in full stage get-up at their front door. In September 2023, I started working as inhouse photographer for the famous Double R Club (@therrclub), who are a David Lynch-inspired cabaret in London. I now work regularly with the Soho School of Burlesque (@sohoschoolofburlesque) and other productions such as Riff Raff Kabarett (@riffraffkabarett), Vintage Arts Agency (@vintageartsagency), Cabaret Carnival (@cabaretcarnival) and more.
Q. How do you approach capturing the essence of a burlesque performer’s persona through your lens?
It’s one thing taking photos of musicians running around on stage, but it’s another challenge to translate the glamour and confidence of burlesque performers into photographs. I pride myself in taking flattering photos of all performers, I really want them to see themselves the way I see them, in awe of their talent with stars in my eyes! Each performance is unique and I want my images to reflect that.
Q. Do you have any memorable moments or behind-the-scenes stories from shooting a burlesque show or performer?
I love getting candid backstage portraits of performers getting ready, the quiet before the storm. My favourite venue to do that was the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, where the Double R Club used to be. It was full of weird stuff and props, and just added to the atmosphere. It felt like being part of a dream sequence in Twin Peaks! There’s also that one time I came backstage at a Urban Voodoo Machine show in Brixton and had to help the guitarist put red contacts in his eye. You never know what you’re going to find behind-the-scenes!
Q. What do you think makes a burlesque photograph stand out from others, and how do you strive to achieve that in your work?
I want the performers to feel good about the shots I deliver, so it’s very important for me to choose flattering angles. I’ll never deliver a shot I don’t feel happy with, and when editing, I always ask myself “would I like a photo of me in that angle / with that face / in that position?”. In the studio, I take time to guide and pose the models and constantly ensure they are feeling comfortable and confident. I’m often told my subjects look fierce and powerful, a lot of work happens behind the scenes! Team work makes the dream work!
Q. If someone wanted to get into burlesque photography, what advice would you give them about starting out and finding their own style?Which way to Carnegie Hall? Practice of course. I’d also recommend you take time to practice being in front of the camera and learn how to pose yourself, to be confident with your own image, so you can advise, listen and understand your models better. Ask your models what their favourite (or least favourite) angles are and pay attention to details. The more you talk to performers and models about what inspires them, the easier it will be to edit in a way that looks and feels good to you but mostly, to your clients! And obviously, stay curious about photography, explore the work of other photographers, chat to them and expand your horizons. The only way is forward, so keep experimenting and challenging your boundaries.
Q. If you could photograph any celebrity or fictional character, who would it be and what kind of shoot would you do?
I would have loved to do a risqué shoot with The Cramps with lots of rubber and leather! They’ve always been my favourite band, and they have always looked amazing. I’m so sad I never got to see them live! I’d also love to do a bright, crazy shoot with the B52’s and make it look surreal with lobsters and spaceships. And Debbie Harry, obviously! As for fictional characters, the Pink Panther is pretty class.
photos list & tags :
1. me by @al@exisdubusphotography
2. Missy Fatale @missyfatale by me
3. Lambrini Girls @lambrinigirlz by me
4. Riff Raff Kabarett @riffraffkabarett by me (@mollybethmorossa and @mxrubywednesday)