The Editorial

These photos show a model posing in various scenes with a puzzle that has different portraits of herself on it. In the portraits she has simple hair and makeup and when standing with the puzzle she wears extravagant makeup and couture, illustrating the different sides and ‘pieces’ of herself. For each scene the puzzle is rearranged and the model interacts with the different puzzle arrangements. Each individual puzzle piece was hand crafted and together they form an approximately 9 ft x 6 1/2 ft puzzle.

The Idea

Using the same model in the portraits on the puzzle as the model who interacts with the puzzle was a key part of the concept for two main reasons. First and foremost because of the surrealistic visual quality it would provide.

The second reason I chose to use the same model is I see it as a true statement about the nature of our public face vs private selves. It is about the nature of personhood, how complicated we can be on the inside. We are like a bunch of different puzzle pieces scattered about that can still be assembled together in a presentable way. The editorial still feels light and playful because even though we don't necessarily feel comfortable showing our true selves to the world, this doesn't have to be viewed with such an intense and heavy negativity. It can just be looked at as something that is how it is. It can even be kind of a raw and beautiful thing about being human.

Concept to Final Image

For this particular shoot I spent a lot of time searching for the right model. Ideally I wanted someone who would be very comfortable playing with the puzzle pieces. In the end I decided upon a model who also had a theatre and dance background and I could not be more happy with my choice.

Additionally, the opportunity to problem-solve, innovate, overcoming challenges, experimenting with different techniques, and finding creative solutions during the creation of set designs is satisfying and supports personal growth.