
Preview Images being
exhibited at
The
Signature Gallery Laguna
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Two and a
half years ago, London born fashion photographer Phillip Ritchie
discovered that his most volatile, affecting imagery was being created
“after hours.” Working with high fashion models who, like him, had
become disenchanted with the non-expressive nature characteristic of
promoting designer clothing and accessories, Phillip decided to propel
his photography---as well as his models---into unprecedented territory.
When a fashion shoot
concluded for the day, Phillip and his models
would use his southern California studio to explore intimate feelings
and sensuality. Each model was afforded the opportunity to be as
experimental as she pleased in conveying innermost aspects of herself
seldom called for in fashion work. The photographic journey that ensued
was intensely gratifying to both Phillip and his models. Phillip
explains, “My desire was to bring out of these models the human,
vulnerable side that is rarely seen and to break the confines of what
is generally expected of them in the fashion world. It was very freeing
for them to discard rules and restrictions and instead create from raw
emotion. This was deeply moving for me to photograph. I think every
woman wants to feel beautiful and sensual and I love giving these
models the chance to do so.”
Phillip considers
himself more of an artist than a fashion photographer
and fuels his inspiration through personalized interactions with his
models. He confesses, “Although it tears my heart to pieces, I need to
fall in love with the individual beauty of each model I work with. Many
times, this beauty is a unique aspect of a model’s personality.
Whatever it is, I find it and stay focused upon capturing it because
there is such a small window of time available to create the imagery
and I will never have this particular model in front of my lens again.”
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Preview Images being
exhibited at
The Old Town
Gallery
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