Let me start with how I got here. Basically a few months ago when I was preparing for my photo school admission exam I started to research Hungarian photographers and found her website. Well it didn't take a long time for me to get to like her, she is very young, sweet, humble and extremely talented while already considered as the future of Hungarian fashion photography. I loved her work and I felt like I could really relate to her so I decided to stalk her... :D No I didn't actually stalk her, but I did go to an event solely because I knew she would be there and I was hoping she would help me out with some advice for my exam. Well I couldn't find her and when I was just about to leave SHE stopped ME!! Like a crazy person I started grinning and talking way too fast about how much I love her work, how great she is, how I'd love to learn from her... of course she had no clue who I was and what I wanted from her, she just stopped me to see if she could take a photo of me as she was responsible for taking street style pics of the event. (remember this? :) So she was supernice and all, but I was 100000% sure I would never hear from her again until a few days ago a little note landed in my inbox asking me if I was still interested in working with her? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! And there I was just a few days later helping her shoot the girls for ELITE Model Management....
So basically ELITE does this model of the year competition once a year and the winner of the Hungarian round gets to participate in the world competition... 15 girls (All between the age of 15-18 and well below 100 pounds) scared like little Bambis hoping to become the next Gisele Bundchen lined up while hairdressers pull their hair, make up artists do their Bridget Bardot makeup, the room is full of people and eveyone's superbusy...
We shot in a tiny tiny hotel room which really showed me how you really have to see through the mess to create something beautiful... I mean we were standing in hills of clothes and bags (yes! yes!) 2 stylist, the model, the photographer and me.. not to mention the ocassional model, hairdresser... eg visitors... I really felt like someone through me in America's Next topmodel and I'm trying really hard not to be in the way of Nigel Barks while finding ways to help him.... anyway I'm getting off topic here... so there was no nice studio or professional backgrounds, we were shooting in a big mess with a Canon 40D and a real professional flash. That's all. We had pretty girls, fabulous clothes, professional hair and makeup... it does make all the difference you know... next time I'll certainly take some before and after pictures of the girls! Shocking... :)
So what did I actually do on my first day as an assistant you ask?
- I took behind the scene pictures
- I moved some cables
- I smiled at the models
- I went to grab lunch and coffee
- I handed out business cards
- I helped to pack the kit
- I helped with changing the SD cards
- I moved some stuff around
... but most of the time I was trying to stay out of the way.
I felt like Alice in Wonderland... I felt this feeling rising in me. Like... that's it... you know? Like I get it! This is it! I wanna be a photographer so badly!!!
I feel like someone has opened a closet that has been inside me for a long time but noone looked at it. You wanna know the stupidest thing? I have tears in my eyes while I'm typing this! TEARS!!! I swear I am crying!!! I was waiting for something to click in me for some time now... I felt like there was this something I want to do so badly but I didn't know what it was!!! Have you ever felt this way!? Now I know what I want. I want to assist Vivienne and learn as much from her as possible, I want to go to school, I want to live the life I want to live. I want to be a photographer! :)
14 comments:
Gabby,
This reflective post is beautiful. I think you almost made me cry but instead I actually had a very gentle grin on my face especially towards the end of your post. "I was waiting for something to click in me for some time now... I felt like there was this something I want to do so badly but I didn't know what it was!!!" Now this is a pretty powerful realization that something is missing in one's life. I also feel like something is missing my zest for something is faded, but I would like to get it back. However, I transgress here let's talk about your post instead. I'm utterly happy for you and very hopeful that you will get as much out of this experience with Vivienne as you need to move on further and have that fulfillment in your photography and life. Your approach to finding her and a bit of destiny here I think of course played a role too by her actually also meeting you half way and choosing you for a picture. Enjoy this part of your life's journey :)
@Efrutik... thank you so much honey.. one of the nicest comments ever!!!! Much much appreciated! :D
gabby - this is amazing! I am honestly so happy for you! I know I'm still searching for something I truly love but am sure that I'll find it one day!
These photos are amazing and could it be that they were taken at the alta moda fashion hotel? That's where we stayed :)
XOX Vicky
Bikinis & Passports
gabby, this job sounds absolutely fantastic! i hope it is always as fun and incredible as today ;).
xoxox
@Vicky!!! Yes I was thinking of you while I was there.. it was in the Alta Moda! :)
Oh Gabby! I love it! And I love your writing... scared like Bambis! Cute... I understand how you feel. On Saturday I went to Barnes N Nobles for green tea and photography magazine research. I was staring at all the stunning work... so jealous. Gosh I wish I had these amazing lenses! And those feelings like you want something to work so bad. :)I just love this post, and I'm so happy for you!
PS. It's encouraging to hear about the hotel room. I have the worst lighting in my apartment and get so frustrated. All things are possible with a little vision and the right tools!
Congrats on your 1st shot. I'm slowly making my way into fashion photography as well. I look forward to seeing more shots in the future from you. Thanks for sharing.
LOx
That is so cool that you got this opportunity. I became interested in photography when I made (and sent out my 1st ever) Holiday card. It was my daughter's 1st Christmas. This past school year I was asked to take pictures of events all year round in Pre-k (my son)and make the DVD for the grade show at the end of the year. Not the same as your experience but it was a great year of learning for me. Your pictures came out great. I especially like the 1st one with you in the mirror behind the photographer.
I love your post - I also had tiny tears in my eyes while reading it... Its great to hear that you have found that one passion that makes you complete and happy. You can call yourself lucky! And the best is that you already have taken action to fullfil and live your dream!! go ahead, take the road!! looking forward to be part,
viele gruesse, kristina
That is AMAZING! I love photography too-- (my mister is a photog, and seriously, it's completely addictive). So excited to find your blog, dahling! Can't wait to see more from you.
I really envy your new job. Is amazing! I wanna do that. Good luck :)
Your talent is growing, Gabby! I love watching your photography grow and develop.
xo m
Thank you for the amazing comments ladies... your support means the world to me!
Gabby...I've just read this now. Just wanted to say I love you and I'm proud of you so much. Now go on and start living your life whilst inspiring others to do the same!
Zs x
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