When Bill and I work with a model, one thing we’re always looking for is someone who can help us create the photographs we’re seeing in our minds. We can figure out the lighting, the camera settings, and even some basic costuming. But when it comes to hair, makeup, anything more than basic costuming, a beautiful pose, or a perfect facial expression, we need help! And this is what an experienced model brings to a shoot.
I’ve recently started a series of photographs based on the Kodak Girl advertising campaigns of the early 1900’s. The Eastman Kodak company portrayed women as active photographers in their ads to encourage women to take up photography as a hobby (so they could sell more cameras and film). You can see some of the ads on my Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/pattyhankins/inspiration-kodak-girls/
I shared my Pinterest board wtih two models, BlueRiverDream and Zoe Celesta West. I asked if they had any dresses with a vintage 1920s feel to them and said I’d bring the vintage cameras.
For the photos with BlueRiverDream, we headed out to a state forest in western Maryland. BlueRiverDream posed with a Graflex camera on a bridge over a stream.
Inspired by the Kodak Girl – BlueRiverDream © 2019 Patty Hankins
For the photos with Zoe Celesta West, we heading into the studio where Zoe posed in a beautiful 1920s day dress and one of my Kodak folding cameras.
Inspired by the Kodak Girl – Zoe Celesta West © 2019 Patty Hankins
While I had the basic idea for the photographs, I could not have created them without the help of these amazing models. They took a look at my Pinterest board, figured out what outfits they had that fit the theme, and came with ideas on how to pose, etc.
As I create more photos inspired by the Kodak Girls, I’m looking forward to partnering with the models I’ll be working with. Without their help and input, my photos would just be figments of my imagination.
If you’ve been wanting to work with a professional figure model in a studio setting, consider joining us on December 7 for our Photographing a Model in the Studio workshp with Gazelle Powers. Gazelle is a very experienced model. Her poses are always beautiful and elegant. And she is fantastic to work with!!! You will love working with Gazelle.
You can learn more about Photographing a Model in the Studio workshop at https://beautifulflowerpictures.com/store/photographing-model-gazelle-powers-dec-7-2019/