Inspired by American Apparel ads, I did this photoshoot for a portraiture project for my Camera Exploration and Technique class.
Styled, photographed, and edited by myself, I aimed for a natural, authentic aesthetic by abandoning the high-gloss, heavily retouched style of photoshoot often seen in fashion and beauty advertisements. American Apparel ads often featured real, unpolished models in everyday settings, promoting a casual, relatable style. This raw, unfiltered approach to fashion and beauty challenges conventional beauty standards while connecting the audience on a personal level. The honesty and individuality allow anyone to place themselves in these images.
I used natural light from my living room windows to achieve the authentic look. It helped create a sort of softness and warmth that was nicely diffused. It helped reduce sharp highlights and shadows. This created a more flattering and relaxed look.
I encouraged my models to pose in whatever way made them feel good and to try new, unconventional positions they might not usually do. I even had them dance at times so the photos felt more candid and in the moment.
American Apparel was revolutionary in its day, pushing back against heavily retouched and stylized images that dominated the industry. I wanted to pay homage to a significant shift in fashion photography but also make a statement about the value of realness and individuality in portraiture.