Harper's Bazaar by Charlotte Starup-Hansen
A Chance of a Lifetime
As a dedicated photographer, the thrill of capturing the essence of high fashion through my lens for an iconic publication like Harper's Bazaar is unparalleled. This magazine, a beacon in the fashion world, showcases the latest trends and has always been my dream platform. Its long-standing reputation for excellence made the opportunity to shoot for them a career highlight and a fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration. This recognition of my work gave me a golden chance to display my craft internationally.
Alexina Graham in Maschino
Shot by Charlotte Starup-Hansen for Harper’s Bazaar
Shooting Couture in New York
In February 2023, this dream became a reality when I was invited to photograph the latest couture pieces from Moschino, Versace, Dolce Gabbana Christian Siriano and exquisite jewellery from Tiffany. The assignment took me from my base in Germany to the vibrant streets of New York City. The anticipation was immense, and I'm thrilled to finally share this exhilarating experience with you!
The Perfect Backdrop for High Fashion: Studio REIN
The photoshoot was set in the famous Studio REIN, a venue known for its association with leading brands like VOGUE, DIOR, HBO, etc. Stepping into this space, I felt a surge of inspiration, fully aware of the creative legacy that surrounded me. Working in New York for Harper's Bazaar was a dream come true, and the city's atmosphere only added to the magic.
Getting in the Mood
A significant part of our pre-shoot preparation involved creating a mood board. Initially, we toyed with the idea of a black leather theme but eventually settled on a vibrant, colorful, and undeniably feminine palette. This process was not only exciting but also crucial in materializing the vision for the shoot. Our extraordinary stylist, Luca, from Los Angeles, brought this vision to life with an impressive selection of couture and jewelry, perfectly timed for the New York Fashion Week.
This shoot was a massive production involving an incredible team of professionals. From hair and makeup artists to stylist assistants and tech support, every individual played a vital role in bringing this project to life. Directing such a large team was a new and exhilarating experience for me, a stark contrast to the more intimate settings I create in my studio.
Alexina Graham in Maschino & versace
Shot by Charlotte Starup-Hansen for Harper’s Bazaar
The Incredible Alexina Graham
The highlight of this venture was working with Alexina Graham, a Victoria's Secret Angel and supermodel with Elite Model Agency. Alexina was not only a vision in front of the camera, but her professionalism and ability to connect with the camera made the shoot exceptionally smooth. Her dynamic poses and expressions perfectly embodied the mood we envisioned, bringing our creative concepts to life.
Seeing My Work in Print!
Despite the high stakes of shooting for Harper's Bazaar and the challenges of ensuring a cohesive editorial flow, the outcome was incredibly rewarding. I am beyond proud of the photographs we created. The anticipation of seeing our work in print and the tactile experience of flipping through the pages of Harper's Bazaar is a moment I eagerly await.
This journey has been more than just a photoshoot; it was a milestone in my career and a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in fashion photography. Thank you for allowing me to share this remarkable experience with you. Here's to many more moments of capturing beauty and fashion in its most authentic form!
