Boston: MFA: Tracy Aiguier

Since moving to Boston last year and shooting at Boston Fashion Week, I've wanted to meet fashion photographer Tracy Aiguier, who I'd heard so much about. Yesterday, I was lucky to meet her at the Museum of Fine Arts for her fashion photography demonstration.

Tracy went through a series of four fashion shoots with models Sherika Pitsch and Nicole Hoehle, with  makeup and hair by Mariolga Pantazopoulos, and was assisted by photographer Feda Eid. All the looks sported were from the School of Fashion Design - we loved the LBD with the pockets designed by the model who sported the look herself!

Lighting techniques varied from soft boxes to a massive parabolic to some back lighting to enhance the clothing's texture and detail. Tracy also invited volunteers to come up and try their hand at a few shots (and with some persuading from Lei Ann, I did - thank you Lei Ann (on duty) for capturing me in action!)

It was so nice to hear Tracy speak about her love for fashion and photography, how some things have changed in the industry with the rise of digital formats (cameras, iPhones, Instagram), young people who shoot for free and how sometimes it doesn't matter how you get the shot as long as you get it, which is something I believe in, myself.

It was a terrific demo at the MFA, thanks Tracy! And it was nice to see some familiar faces like Jay Calderin, Eric Levin, and to hang out with friends Lei Ann, Nicolle and Helena.

Tracy Aiguier will be doing another fashion photography demo on Wednesday November 14 from 5:30pm-8pm at the Druker Family Pavilion, and if you're going to the MFA, be sure to check out the Mario Testino exhibit while you're there!

Jay Calderin takes a photo of the team for this.

Boston: MFA: Mario Testino

I am BEYOND thrilled about Mario Testino's exhibits "In Your Face" and "British Royal Portraits" at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts! I have been a fan of this Vogue and Vanitfy Fair photographer for so long that I couldn't even believe this exhibit was in town. When I was invited to go to the press preview yesterday, I was blown away, so thank you Sami for bringing me along! Sami, Lei Ann and I had a spot of tea beforehand to get into the spirit of things.

"In Your Face" is provocative, rich, seductive, inspiring, elegant and iconic all at once, a feast for the senses. Even the installation itself, with the subtle emanation of light around each photo frame against the teal blue wall, creates an engaging "window" for us to peek into. It's visually appealing, shameless yet compelling. Each photograph is more surreal than the last; the next more aesthetically pleasing than even possible!

Testino's work spanning 30 years, is a showcase of celebrities and models and offers us a glimpse into their world, but doesn't stop there, sometimes revealing the most daring and private of encounters, all blatantly exposed in celebration of beauty and fashion.

In contrast there are the "British Royal Portraits" a complete juxtaposition of worlds. Here we have the very private lives of the Royal Family presented in a touching, classy and completely honorable manner. It is perhaps one of the most striking exhibits I've ever encountered, for these are a few of the most famous images the world has ever seen. Quite literally took my breath away.

To experience such a rich, contemporary and CURRENT photography exhibit as Testino's is a chance of a lifetime. It was truly an honor listening to him speak a few feet away and then to meet him after? I can't even.....

Thank you to Malcolm Rogers, Karen Frascona, Anne Havinga, Julie Frey and everyone at the MFA Boston who've made this exhibit possible!

"Mario Testino: In Your Face",  Ann and Graham Gund Gallery from October 21, 2012, to February 3, 2013

"Mario Testino: British Royal Portraits", Herb Ritts Gallery from October 21, 2012, to June 16, 2013

Renata taking a photo!

MFA Curator Anne Havinga giving an interview in front of "Karlie Kloss, Bao Bao Wan & Shaolin Monks, Beijing, 2011, American Vogue"

L:  Louise Pederson & Adam Senn, Los Angeles, 2002, Gucci Spring/Summer 03  |   R: Kate Moss, London, 2011, British Vogue

Gemma Ward, Los angeles, 2004, Vogue Paris

Hana Soukupova, Los Angeles, 2003, Gucci Spring/Summer 04 | Carolyn Murphy, Cap d'Antibes, 1999, American Vogue | Brad Pitt, Prague, 2007, V magazine

Madonna, Miami, 1998, Ray of Light Album

Patricia Schmid, London, 2005, British Vogue  |  Lady Gaga, New York, 2009, V magazine

Angelina Jolie, Los Angeles, 2004, Allure |  Lara Stone, Paris, 2007, British Vogue

Diana, Princess of Wales, London, 1997, Vanity Fair

TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Engagement Portrait  | TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Official Engagement Portrait

HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2004, Personal Work

HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2005, 21st Birthday Portrait

Mario Testino during his Q&A segment, my favorite part was when he compared being a photographer to being a cowboy and having to draw the "gun at a speed where you don't die", reminiscing about his time on the bus with his friend growing up, when he (who'd always sit by the window) would see something fly by and nudge his friend, but by the time his friend looked, the moment was gone. 

Mario Testino with Helena (L) and Ben (R)

Mario Testino with Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director Museum of Fine Arts, Boston