I don’t think I have posted anything from this session for the “Broken” project yet. It features the tricycle featured in a recent blog post. The way the model worked herself into the tricycle reminded me a bit of Charlin Chaplin in Modern Times, as he seemed to become part of the machine.
Today’s image is called “There are Seven Lights” and features model Arnicka holding 5 old, expended flash bulbs.
Unlike the modern electronic flash, these old flash bulbs could only be used once, and then were thrown out, viewed as discardable. Arnika herself has had a difficult life, and has gone through difficult situations in which she was likely regarded as discardable by those around her.
She has however landed on her feet, and is in the process of overcoming challenges and obstacles to make use of her talents. The lights in her eyes show that she is not discardable, and even the spent flash bulbs find a second life as props in the photograph.
There are indeed seven lights.
This image is from my Broken project. The model is actually a film-shooting friend (along with her husband). She filled in one day when a model couldn’t make it for the shoot. She brought a lot of focus and intensity to the image!
This image is another one from my “Broken” project. I had the pleasure of working with “Rae Gun”, an alternative model who brought a lot of creative spark and enthusiasm to the shoot. (As an aside, it has been my experience that alternative models — tattoos, piercings, different hairstyles etc. — have almost aways been amazing folks to work with!)
The prop is the remains of a metal bucket that has been rusting away in our back yard for at least 5 years. I think it’s a perfect prop for the Broken series.
With this post I am starting a new series called “Broken”, where subjects (not just models) will be posing with objects that are broken, damaged, incomplete or otherwise imperfect. In this case, the model suggested the concept of the Fallen Angel, and in a sense made herself the broken object. In my view, her expression, especially the look in in her eyes is absolutely stunning. Something indeed has broken.
My Third Eye 