When planning out the moments I always save the original image in a folder so I can plan ideas of the shoot; what I need, where am I doing it etc. and research context to write something vaguely interesting! This week turned out to be rather fun; for silly reasons. March 16th & Marilyn Monroe only brought me one find, this magazine cover for Life.
This series of photos if one of my favorites. There’s something about the simplicity of her look, the private setting and natural poses that just oozes calm and content. No crowds, no array of flashing bulbs, just a girl and a sun lounger.
1953 was a great year for Marilyn. Niagara had just been released, filming began for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Advertising Association named her The Most Advertised Girl In The World, and well, the list goes on and on. I spent hours trying to get my hands on a copy of this magazine. To find the article: The Softer Side Of The Showgirl … it sounded like it was going to be a wonderful, honest read, something more intimate than the glamorous side of her fame that was growing by the day.
But I discovered the images were taken by Alfred (Elsie) Eisenstaedt in May 1953…. Even though the magazine cover was dated March 16 153.
How could this be?
Well, the above cover is a FAKE. Made specifically for the 2013 movie adaptation “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” In which Ben Stiller plays the title role, a photo editor working at Life. (Read more about that here)
Aha, well that’s how it looked so legit?! And kept appearing in my frantic searches. It’s amazing how quickly we can believe whatever is on the cover of a magazine. Another pointer proving the media really has an astonishing, and unfair, unhealthy influence on all of us.
When I was younger I would spend so many £‘s on magazines, giving my opinions on ‘who wore it best’ gossiping with friends about celebrity romances and what make-up I wanted to cover my terrible hormonal skin. And except for the occasional paper Backstage or New York Times, I can’t remember the last time I brought a copy of Glamour or Cosmopolitan.
Anyway, off my soap box. I stuck to my plan for this weeks moment. Media can be phoney, and I’m technically the canal street of Marilyn… and I didn’t need to buy anything for the shoot. BONUS.
So here’s my 2021 take on the 1953 cover, that never actually was.
WARDROBE ALERT: Do you own a black turtleneck? I think its an absolute must for everyone’s wardrobe that is truly timeless, classy and flattering for all!
I’m so excited to share some upcoming moments over the next month!
And if you’re still here reading. Thank you. I appreciate your time, and support.
That’s all for this week beauties!
S
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