The Bermuda photographer who took the exotic portrait photograph for the cover of international singing star Heather Nova's latest album says she is honoured that the singer trusted her artistic judgement to pose for the shot and then to use it on the cover of her album 'The Jasmine Flower'.

Last night Ms Nova was starting a European tour in London, and will be going on to perform concerts in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands, before finishing in France at the end of the month.

Cover artwork for 'The Jasmine Flower' was provided by local photographer Sacha Blackburne, and shows Ms Nova surrounded by palm leaves at a secret location on the Island.

Ms Blackburne is a personal friend of Ms Nova and said she was "flattered" that her work was chosen as the cover of the singer's seventh album, which was recorded in Bermuda using only solar power to provide energy for the studio and recording equipment, according to her official website.

Professional photographer Ms Blackburne said the photo shoot took around two-and-a-half hours with Nova being easy to work with.

"We had the same idea. I suggested this shot and she trusted me. It is rare in Bermuda to shoot that kind of image because people do not have the courage to do those types of pictures," said Ms Blackburne, of Sacha Blackburne Photography.

She is more accustomed to taking pictures for magazines, businesses, and portraits. 'The Jasmine Flower' picture is her first CD cover artwork.

"Heather is a friend and we were doing some press shots on the Island when we took this one. It wasn't intended that it would be the album cover at the time. I'm glad she put such faith in me," she said.

Bermudian Ms Nova has enjoyed indie pop success across Europe since the early 1990s, and been a favourite artist for college radio.

Her biggest mainstream breakthrough to date was being included in the soundtrack to the John Cusack movie 'Serendipity'.

n 'The Jasmine Flower' is available to buy as a download from heathernova.com.