When I take a look at Leslie, I see an almost alien beauty about her that totally contrasts her humble sensibility and shy wit. So a couple weeks ago when I realized that it had been over a month since I'd gone out and taken pictures voluntarily, she came to mind as a great candidate for a model.I had a great location in mind - a semi-abandoned work-site full of rebar and broken rock (perfect for walking in designer shoes). On an overcast Sunday afternoon I set out to create a mood of timeless beauty in a wasteland of industrial rubble.
My inspiration was a famous painting by Andrew Wyeth (Christina's World). If you don't know the story behind this, check it out here.
I know this is far from industrial, but this is the sense of longing I was going for. It is also quite timeless, her clothing is simple, the setting ambiguous - this could be anywhere in America at any point in the past 100 years. And it would still evoke the same emotions for me.In any case, I tried to explain the setting to Leslie; even though she had not seen the painting I described the look I was going for - patient longing for another world while trapped within your current surroundings/situation. I think she got it, and by gosh she tried... but I think by far the best images came from somewhere other than my original inspiration.
It's not so much the photo that is disappointing to me, although I must say this series is somewhat stunning on first glance. I feel like I failed in drawing emotion from Leslie - which I feel is just as much my job as it is setting up a location or supplying the camera. In any case, I don't think I can use any of these images for my actual portfolio - although they are doing quite well on Flickr so far.
Anyway, I guess the point of this is that I definitely need more practice working with people. Friends, strangers, stars, freaks, whoever. So if you care to have some creative portraits done somewhere in South Carolina, let me know. Or if you want to fly me out to L.A. and take pictures of your feet - whatever. I'm up for it.
Yours Truly,
*Vega Chastain*
