Every photo shoot is an opportunity for collaboration, whether it’s an individual session in my studio, on location, or for a special, larger project. A good example of this collaborative effort can be seen in a series of photos designed to replicate famous artworks for Modern Haus SOHO, an “urban resort in downtown NYC” with an art collection worthy of a museum. The property became the perfect setting for a project designed to bring iconic artworks to life. This intricate, detail-oriented project was a great challenge to meet!
Creative Direction
The creative director had the brilliant concept of recreating famous masterpieces using the resort as a backdrop. He first determined which artworks would be recreated and led to the assembly of a skilled team of stylists, prop experts, and of course, myself, the photographer. The role of the creative direction was foundational to this project’s life.
The Role of the Stylist
In this type of shoot, the wardrobe stylist played a crucial role. Their job was to meticulously study the original artworks such as Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir to ensure every detail of the wardrobe, and accessories, matches the original paintings. This included sourcing the right colors, fabrics, and all components (like jackets, shirts, ties, dresses, hats, medallions, etc.) that match the style and hues of the originals, as closely as possible. All this for the design to authentically replicate the look of the characters in the painting, bringing a level of authenticity to the entire shoot.
The Importance of Props
Props are also critical in these projects, especially in creating the context needed to bring a series of historical artworks to life. The art director and prop stylist were responsible for setting the scene, the “framework.” They can transform spaces, turning them into a different universe. For example, when recreating The Luncheon on the Grass by Édouard Manet, fake grass, plants, and other props were used to transform a modern courtyard, adorned with low tables, seats, and fire pits, into a lush outdoor setting. Similarly, when replicating A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Edouard Manet, fruit bowls and bottles were sourced to capture the imagery matching the painting with subtle, modern updates. These carefully chosen elements bridge the gap between contemporary spaces and the historical context of the artwork.
The Photographer’s Role
Once the creative director had outlined the property’s featured areas, the prop stylist had laid the foundation, the talent was dressed by the wardrobe stylist after the makeup & hair team fine-tuned the look of the era, the photographer steps in to bring everything together.
My job was to direct the models and position them so that their posture, gestures, and expressions matched the composition of the original artwork. This level of art direction required not only photography skills but also attention to detail, leading to an in-depth study of the original artwork to ensure every element aligned perfectly with the famous artwork. Every detail, from a hand gesture to a blink, had to be carefully orchestrated. In this particular project, I also directed the video that shows two actors posing as hotel guests interacting with the recreated art pieces.
One standout piece from this project was our recreation of Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) by David Hockney. By using Modern Haus Soho’s pool, poolside, and modern backdrop, we were able to blend contemporary aesthetics with classic artistry and allow guests to see themselves as part of the artwork.
The Collaborative Process
The success of this type of session relied heavily on seamless teamwork and communication. The crew of wardrobe, prop stylist, makeup and hair team, lighting designer (who ensured that every scene was properly illuminated to mimic the original artwork’s mood and lighting), and photographer needed to be in more perfect sync than usual. There are typically a few briefings before we start production, so everyone has a keen understanding of their roles and how each contributes to the overall success. In this case, beyond the core team, an added collaborative component was to the casting process. Selecting the right models/actors capable of bringing the concept to life was a significant piece of the equation. This level of synchronicity ensures that every aspect of the shoot aligns with the creative director’s vision.
Attention to Detail
In an instance such as this one, perhaps the most important element of recreating famous artwork was the meticulous attention to detail, on everyone’s part. In addition to the aforementioned teams managing every aspect, the production must be as precise as possible to stay true to the original pieces. A key factor was lighting. In one instance, the lighting expert had to simulate sunlight in a space where natural light wasn’t available. The shadows and highlights perfectly mirrored those in the painting. The recreation of Morning Sun by Edward Hopper was a great example of this, where even the smallest element like shading on a wall was carefully replicated. Through this expert art direction, creativity, and teamwork, these teams collectively created visually stunning and impactful images that honor the artistry of the past while bringing it into the modern era. Thus, transforming what would be a simple series of photographs into masterpieces.
