Over the past few weeks I’ve been struggling to come up with a wishlist for my birthday, but suddenly the floodgates of ideas opened and I was buried in a deluge of things I’d forgotten I wanted. The most exciting of which is a collection of books about the classic photographers from the golden age of Hollywood, primarily Clarence Sinclair Bull, George Hurrell, and Horst P. Horst (I swear, that’s really the guy’s name.) I love this style of photography – their use of lighting and attitude were just astounding. Naturally, I added these books to my Amazon Wishlist and went about my business.

    Earlier this afternoon I thought it’d be fun to put my wishlist up on my blog, if for no other reason than you could look at those books and learn a bit more about my favorite photographers and such. I was going to take a quick snapshot of myself posing quite ludicrously as a 1950’s advertising model – you know, with that surprised “Oooo!” look. But somehow, while goofing around, I stumbled into the perfect shot. It was as if the souls of Bull, Hurrell, and Horst had come down upon my lowly bedroom… to arrange my lighting.

    As I looked at the interesting shadows my new camera had captured, I was struck with an idea. I hastily gathered my vintage hat collection and started snapping more pictures. After all of my unsuccessful attempts to mimic the styles of these great photographers, I would just happen upon it by accident. Twenty photos later I decided to go whole hog and make things a bit more dramatic: I threw on the darkest lipstick I could find and went to town.

    I was so overjoyed with the results of my impromptu photoshoot that I decided to create a custom web gallery for it. It took me a while, but I think it’s hilarious! The pictures are just so ridiculous, then having them paired with quotes from classic film noirs, it just kills me. And it’s so perfect that I finally have recent photos of myself that are unique and representative of me, all right before my 20th birthday. Does it get any better than this? And to think, it all started cause I made an Amazon Wishlist.

    Take a look at the Noir gallery and don’t forget to comment and let me know what you think. Also, check out my Amazon wishlist and look through the photography books. They really are full of some amazing and beautiful work. And if you’re feeling generous, I’d love you forever if you bought me a present. Okay, I’m just kidding, I’ll love you anyway even if you don’t buy me a present. 🙂