You might be a little confused as to why I decided to refer back to the Renaissance for my current project as mothers nowadays tend to want modern trends for images of their bumps, similar to Demi Moore’s pregnancy cover for Vanity Fair. However, I was drawn to the elegance and femininity of the Renaissance paintings and decided to research how to include those kinds of aesthetics in a more modern interpretation.
Beyonce’s pregnancy and birth announcement influenced me to use the Renaissance within my maternity photography and her photos exemplified how I could put a modern twist to Renaissance techniques. I was drawn to Beyonce’s pregnancy Instagram post because of the style: she was presented as the Madonna with a veil and surrounded by flowers. However, Beyonce was photographed in bra and knickers- a much more modern approach! I liked how it might have been an interpretation of one Renaissance painting in particular, A Madonna and Child by Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens poses the Madonna with her child surrounded by a circle of flowers which is both very feminine and yet extremely grand.
Researching artists, I found a Franz Xaver Winterhalter painting of Carmen-Ida Marie Aguago y MacDonell, painted in 1860. Winterhalter also uses an oval frame however, his was much more elaborate than the frame I intend to use. The painting reminded me of sunny blue skies and of spring whilst the pose of the woman is beautifully elegant. The lady holds flowers, and her hair is styled with a low bun giving a classy and regal atmosphere.
This inspired me to use flowers within my photographs and to not have the model always looking into the camera.
Using the Renaissance period in art and photography is not a new or unique idea. However, I believe my style and technique is nevertheless very much my own interpretation. For example, photographer Nemi Miller has used the Renaissance theme within her own photographs, using hand painted backdrops and stiff fabric to wrap around the expectant mother. Her lighting is elegant, and I was inspired to use fabric within my own photograph but with much lighter texture. Looking at some of Miller’s photographs, she retouches the model’s skin and, whilst there is nothing wrong with this, I want my portraits to be more natural, including perceived imperfections such as stretch marks in my project.
Well, there you have it guys, an insight into my own inspirations, who has inspired you?