Ellen Von Unwerth -
Photographer Extraordinaire
German-born Ellen Von Unwerth, the creative photographer behind the catchy
Guess ad campaigns, has proven she could have the best of both worlds: That
is, sashay down the ramp with a long list of modeling credentials, as well
as take beautiful photographs fit for magazine covers.
After being discovered by a photographer on the street, Von Unwerth modeled
for a decade and learned the photography craft from renowned lensmen. She
discovered her interest photography after her boyfriend gave her a camera.
She started taking photos of her friends, and thereon developed the passion.
Since then, Von Unwerth's photos have appeared in American, British and
Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview, The Face, Arena, L'Uomo Vogue and ID
among others.
In 1991, she was awarded first prize at the International Festival of Fashion
Photography.
Her frustrations in modeling were seen in her photos. Says Von Unwerth in an
online article: "[Modeling] was not as much fun, but it was interesting and a
bit frustrating. I was really bored and wanted to do silly things and they'd
say, 'Don't move.' I'd think of the great pictures we could do, but I was
supposed to stand there."
For her photographs, Von Unwerth obviously wanted movement, spontaneity, and
above all, color. These and more elements are now present in her photos, and
are highly evident in the Guess Style for Spring 2004 ad campaign, which she
recently took in Las Vegas.
Nevada's city of temptation provided the perfect backdrop for a lively road
trip adventure with a handsome guy and four lovely ladies. The friends cruise
the desert highway, stopping to test their luck at roadside casinos, and spent
late nights filled with fun at retro motels. The gals glam it up one night and
go gambling at a glitzy casino. With more money to spare, the group steps it
up to a new level of luxury.
Directed by Paul Marciano, the campaign goes from the hot and steamy desert
roadside to the more relaxed and laid back, pastel-hued motel rooms. Then it's
off to the candy colored beauty parlor where the whole crew primps and gets
dolled up for a night at the craps tables. When the sun sets, the glamour of the
bright lights compliments the Guess girls as they get ready to strut their stuff
down the strip. All the locations come together to create an intriguing and
provocative adventure where everyone spend the time of their lives.
Von Unwerth captured every instant of the story as it unfolded, catching
spontaneous moments that gave the campaign, as in her previous ones with Guess,
her signature style. Emotions ranged from sweet innocent smiles to sexy seductive
glances as the models let their guard down in front of the camera. Von Unwerth
depicts Las Vegas in all of its glory with old-school vintage charm, mixed with
the modern-day razzle dazzle. The campaign primarily consists of full-color shots
filled with rich saturated hues and colorful brightness. Added to the mix are
stunning black and white images that bring to mind the early shots that launched
Von Unwerth to international acclaim with Guess in the early nineties.
Von Unwerth also dabbled into films, directing videos and even writing a book.
But it's her photography that keeps her alive, she says. And with the looks of it,
Von Unwerth seems drawn to the beauty of her images. As in her recent project
with Guess jeans, the gorgeous model will sure come up with crazy, sensual and
more playful images soon. And that's whether or not she's down the ramp.
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