Apronology Photo Shoot

Editor Amanda Nolan was selected to be the model for the initial photo session. She has already had a fair amount of modeling experience during her time at Stampington & Company, having been featured in issues of Belle Armoire Jewelry modeling bracelets and cuffs. Amanda was coached through the shoot by Creative Director Raquel Joya, who created the final sketch based on the photos from this session, and our in-house photographer and designer Michelle Taylor.

“We knew that the most important part of the process was getting the pose right,” said Raquel. To help Amanda nail the perfect pose, Michelle and Raquel referred to vintage photographs that they found on the Internet. “By incorporating these vintage-style poses, we were able to create a look that was retro but still had a modern feel,” noted Amanda. Michelle used camera angles and lighting effects to highlight all of the unique details present in the apron. “It was challenging to find an angle that would compliment the tie in the back while still showcasing the front of the apron, but I think we really made it work,” said Michelle.

Once the final photo was selected, Raquel began the process of creating the sketch. “I initially tried to freehand my sketch based on the photo, but the results didn’t quite have the feel I was looking for,” said Raquel. Using the photo as a guide, she traced the basic shape and added in some simple details. Once she had completed the initial sketch, she scanned it and brought it into Photoshop for the finishing touches. She clipped the apron from the original photo and layered it on top of the digitally-colorized sketch to create the final image. “It was essential that the sketch didn’t overshadow the apron, so I kept the style of the sketch bare and simple.”

Apron•ology will debut in Spring 2009, and this quirky title has already become a staff favorite. Says Amanda: “Apron•ology is going to be a really fun and playful magazine, and everyone here is looking forward to seeing it come to life over the next few months.”