SELF PORTRAITS


LIFE IMITATING ART: BARBIE PINK


Inspiration 

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America Ferrera for The Cut  

Published July 2023


Inspiration Photo Credits


Photography by Emmanuel Monsalve

Styling by Jessica Willis

Hair by Sonny Molina

Makeup by Linda Hay

Manicure by Nori Yamanaka

Set Design by WayOut Studio

Tailoring by Zunyda Watson

Production by Kindly Productions Interview Location Swan Room at Nine Orchard


About the subject: If you told me a few years ago that 2023 would be the year of celebrating Barbie, I don’t know if would have believed you. However surprising, it was definitely a film with which I connected. I am reminded of the importance Barbie played on shifting child play from pretend motherhood to imagining a life with a career or interests beyond parenting. Barbies were a big part of my play as a child, allowing me to process my world and practice social situations. 


I appreciated America’s role in the film and her perspective on Barbie itself. In The Cut article, she says of her role, “Ultimately, it was about giving myself permission to let go of expectations that had been placed on me." She speaks slowly and reluctantly. "I was trying to meet those expectations and be my true self. And those things were at odds, and something had to give."


As a mother, I related this a lot. There were times as a SAHM that I felt I was beginning to lose myself in motherhood. It’s a challenge to give your best as a mother, but also keep your own personal hopes and dreams beyond motherhood. With the love and support of my Ken, I began working on the things that I felt made me, me again. Realizing that life is always a balancing act. 


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My Technique: 


This photoshoot happened organically as my son had requested one. He chose this pink backdrop and after I took some portraits of him I remembered these photos from this article. It was also an opportunity to test some new gear. In some photos, I used a 35mm with natural light. In the others I used an 85mm with continuous light. 


#lifeimitatingart

Portrait against a pink backdrop featuring a dreamy tulle dress, dark tights, and delicate earrings in a soft studio setting.
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