Beauty with a Little Bit of Ugly

Carrie, the model in this picture, asked me what I liked to shoot. I said, "beauty with a twist." But I don't think that really covered it. I think what I like is beauty with an element of something ugly, unusual and/or unexpected. The burlap as a beauty element is unexpected here; it adds a roughness that usually isn't associated with beauty yet it looks beautiful next to Carrie's pale white skin.

I love texture and I love materials that can add texture to my images. Here are some other beauty shots that add an element that might be considered ugly on their own. Next to a beautiful woman, the items become beautiful.

I have a hard time narrowing down my favorite prop, but the dryer vent ranks right up there! Other props include sweet gum seed pods, saran wrap, snorkel gear, popcorn, catfish, wheat, and honey. When I recently replaced my dishwasher I saved the copper piping to do a beauty shot with. I haven't figured out how to use it, but I will.