Accidental Process

This work presents a series of photos taken behind-the-scenes at fashion photo shoots. The behind the scenes images were originally taken as part of the photographic process, to test the light, to adjust the model and clothes. I realised that these accidentally captured images showcase models engaged in the process of producing a fashion image in a more interesting manner than the final results, therefore they enable to tell a different and purer story. Being created from a documentary perspective, the series depict and unveil the process of making, the people involved and the interaction between one and the other. The fashion world seems to be turning into a fast-moving image creation industry that is no longer purely about the art of storytelling through clothes, or the creativity behind that, but more about glamorous the media circus that surrounds it. At first sight, these pictures seem random snapshots, but when you look closer they tell an honest and more human story of the photo shoot days. With my work, I, therefore, hope to bring a different look on the fashion image ideal. By showing the images not as effortless end-results, but rather as the result of a human process, I wish to portray the physical, social and emotional interactions between people on set. I hope to portray the part that often remains invisible and make the now so distinct fashion industry more accessible and personal. Specifically, in the case of the models, I hope to show how these young girls might often be portrayed as strong women, but are at the same time also ultimately fragile in the process, through the pressure to perform and the physical intimacy of the dress-up. In short, this series aims to underline the fragility and imperfection of the fashion world and the people behind that, by laying bare the tiresome hours, the irritations on set as well as the slightly shocking beauty ideals through comparison with the crew. I hope to pose a question the very idea that the fashion world makes sense and inspire the audience to rethink their view upon it.