Embracing Style Across Eras: A Vintage-Modern Fusion
As a professional photographer based in Suffolk, I recently embarked on a unique fashion shoot designed to bridge the gap between past elegance and contemporary casual wear. Accompanied by the adept styling of Sue Hardy, the aim was to merge vintage attire with modern fashion staples, crafting looks that resonate with all generations.
Overview: Crafting Timeless Elegance
This project, which unfolded on the 4th of March 2024, was a celebration of sartorial artistry across different eras. We delved into the world of fashion photography with an aspiration to illustrate how seamlessly vintage couture can blend with present-day casual wear. The outcome was a diverse array of ensembles that spanned from the heights of elegance to deliberate and playful clashes of design and fabric.
Taking inspiration from fashion’s extensive history, we aimed to showcase how an eclectic mix could establish a vibrant yet affordable wardrobe. The creativity in styling was palpable, as we paired a Victorian-style cane with a new blazer, jeans, and DMs, juxtaposing vintage gloves and pearls for a unique, standout look. This photoshoot wasn’t just about capturing images; it was a journey of discovery for future content, locations, and styling concepts.
Location: Choosing the Perfect Backdrop
For this shoot, we selected Halesworth, Suffolk – specifically Portobello East Coast and Valiers – for their intrinsic charm and an incredible selection of vintage clothing. Valerie’s is a gem of a shop, brimming with enchanting character, while Portobello boasts an extensive collection of vintage treasures. Both provided an authentic atmosphere that enriched our photography.
Theme: Weaving Stories Through Fashion
The theme was meticulously chosen to represent the dialogue between vintage sophistication and modern functionality. The chosen colour palette and style elements were vibrant and varied, mirroring the multifaceted nature of fashion itself.
Outfits and Styling: The Ensemble Narratives
Each outfit we crafted tells its own story, with details carefully curated by Sue. From the poised elegance of the bird-print dress paired with combat boots to the graceful fluidity of the embroidered black dress, the selected pieces not only reflect individuality but also a harmonious blend of eras.
The vibrant red Cheongsam stood out in a vintage backdrop, while the tartan skirt and fedora combo channelled a retro-inspired yet contemporary vibe. The exploration of fashion was literal in the image of a woman traversing a vintage store, clad in a pinstripe blazer and accented with pearls and red gloves.
Amidst the static mannequins, a live model in a flapper-style dress brought the silent figures to life, and a theatrical outfit complete with a hot pink hat and tulle skirt captured the playful essence of our theme.
Photography: Capturing the Essence
My approach to photography is rooted in creating environmental portraits that evoke the style of the renowned Norman Parkinson. Using a Canon 5ds paired with a 24-70mm lens and lit by a Godox AD 200 with a 90cm rice bowl softbox, I aimed to isolate our subjects from the background, typically shooting around f2.8.
The post-processing was executed with precision in Lightroom, employing a custom preset that cools the background and warms the skin, enhancing the vibrancy to make the clothing truly pop.
Collaborations and Credits
This creative endeavour was made possible by our model, the wonderful Sophia, who embodied each style with grace and adaptability. A special thanks to Catherine and the owners of both Halesworth shops for allowing us to use their delightful spaces as the canvas for our fashion narratives.
