Elegant Exposures: A Personal Fashion Photography Project in Norfolk

Fashion Photography Meets Historical Drama: A Personal Project in Norfolk

  • Woman in pink dress with white horse by tree-lined waterway
  • Woman in pink dress holding two white horses by a lake
  • Woman in pink dress posing with two white horses outdoors
  • Young woman posing with white horse by water
  • Young woman standing beside white horse by water
  • Woman in period dress standing with white horse by lake
  • Woman standing with white horse by woodland pond
  • Woman standing between two white horses in countryside setting
  • Woman posing between two grey horses by water
  • Woman standing between two white horses by water
  • Woman with two white horses by countryside lake
  • Woman in period costume standing between two white horses
  • Woman in period dress standing with two white horses by water
  • Young woman leading two white horses by a lake
  • Woman with two white horses by riverside tree-lined landscape
  • Woman in purple skirt holding white horse in garden
  • Woman in purple skirt posing with white horse outdoors
  • Woman in purple tutu posing with white horse outdoors
  • Woman in purple skirt riding grey horse through woodland
  • Young girl in purple skirt holding white horse outdoors
  • Woman in purple tutu leading white horse through woodland
  • Girl in bowler hat with white horse in autumn garden
  • Woman holding two white horses under large tree
  • Woman holding two white horses wearing purple tutu skirt
  • Woman in navy coat riding white horse in woodland setting
  • Woman in black riding white horse through wooded countryside
  • Woman riding white horse in green woodland setting
  • Woman in black dress riding white horse through woodland
  • Woman in black riding gear on white horse, green woodland backdrop
  • Woman riding white horse in black dress near water
  • Woman riding white horse in black coat countryside
  • Woman in black dress riding white horse by river
  • Woman in black dress posing on white horse by water
  • Woman posing with white horse in tree-lined countryside
  • Young woman posing with white horse in countryside setting
  • Rider on brown horse walking through tree-lined country lane
  • Woman riding brown horse on tree-lined country path wearing black coat
  • Young woman in navy coat and black beret outdoors
  • Young woman wearing black beret and jacket outdoors
  • Young woman riding brown horse on tree-lined country path
  • Young rider in black riding brown horse on tree-lined path
  • Young girl in riding hat posing with brown horse wearing halter
  • Woman in black dress holding palomino horse on tree-lined path
  • Woman in vintage dress walking with brown horse countryside lane
  • Woman in black cloak with horse on forest path

The Elegant Exposures Project Overview

Elegant Exposures is a personal project that I embarked on with the talented stylist, Sue Hardy. This project combines fashion photography with the dramatic storytelling often seen in historical series such as Poldark. We set out to capture a series of images that evoke the transformation of Demelza, a key character from the series, as she transitions from a servant to a lady of status. The photoshoot took place across two captivating locations near Bungay, Norfolk, each lending its unique aesthetic to the project.

The Scenic Locations

1. Disused Quarry

The first location was an old, disused quarry, providing a perfect backdrop with its rugged terrain and textured surroundings. The earthy tones and aged stones created an impressive contrast against the costumes, highlighting the essence of each look. This setting infused the images with a sense of drama and history, making it ideal for the storytelling aspect of the shoot.

2. Country Lane

The second location was a quiet country lane near the stables where Sophia, the model for this project, keeps her pony, Jack. This lane, framed by lush trees and dappled sunlight, provided a softer and more serene setting. The natural elements here contributed to the theme of historical fashion, adding a touch of tranquillity to the images and complementing the elegance of the costumes.

Detailed Costume Descriptions

Costume 1: The Servant Era

The first costume captured Demelza’s humble beginnings as a servant in Ross Poldark’s household. Sophia was dressed in:

• White muslin blouse

• Plain brown cotton skirt

• Brown velvet jacket

• Brown boots

This outfit embodied simplicity and modesty, representing Demelza’s struggles and the hardship she faced before her circumstances improved. The earthy colours and modest fabrics were in harmony with the quarry’s rough landscape, creating a cohesive and authentic look.

Costume 2: The Married and Prosperous Era

The second outfit symbolised Demelza’s life after marrying Ross Poldark and the subsequent rise in her social standing. Sophia wore:

• Cerise pink satin dress

• Formal black coat

• Black hat

• Black boots

This attire showcased a shift to a more sophisticated and affluent lifestyle. The vibrant pink dress stood out beautifully against the quarry’s muted tones and the verdant background of the country lane, reflecting the change in Demelza’s life as she moved into a higher social echelon.

Costume 3: Formal Elegance

Sophia’s third look emphasised formality and refinement, aligning with Demelza’s status when Ross became a member of Parliament. The outfit included:

• White blouse

• Long black skirt

• Formal black coat

• Black boots

The formal nature of this ensemble conveyed a sense of poise and dignity, fitting for Demelza’s position as the wife of a prominent figure. The black attire contrasted starkly with the soft lighting and natural backdrop, creating a striking visual narrative.

Costume 4: A Modern Interpretation

For the final look, I incorporated a modern twist that still paid homage to the historical context:

• Purple net skirt

• Tweed riding jacket

• Black bowler hat

• Black riding boots

This combination brought an element of creativity and flair to the shoot, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern style. The purple skirt added an unexpected splash of colour, complementing the rich textures of the tweed jacket and the refined silhouette of the bowler hat.

The Horses

Gagman

Gagman, a purebred Arabian, featured prominently in the first part of the shoot. His racing history is noteworthy; bred in France at Château Lacapelle Marival and initially owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Gagman had a successful sprinting career before being retired at six. Since then, he has proven himself to be an adept jumper, contributing to the overall grandeur of the photoshoot.

Al Mutamarred (Mutley)

Al Mutamarred, affectionately known as Mutley, also played a significant role. Bred in Dubai by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mutley boasts an impressive pedigree. Although trained for racing, he never competed, and I acquired him when he was eight years old. Despite their similarities in appearance, with both horses being flea-bitten greys, they have distinct abilities and temperaments. Gagman is known for his skill and agility, while Mutley’s strengths lie in his visual appeal. They are inseparable companions and share a notable dislike for water, a trait possibly linked to their desert origins. Both horses are fond of carrots, adding a touch of charm to their personalities.

Jack – The Welsh Pony

Sophia’s pony, Jack, brought an element of authenticity to the second location. Jack is a 13-hand, 19-year-old Welsh Section C pony with a distinctive dun coat. He has been a part of Sophia’s life for over 12 years, purchased directly from his breeder in Newmarket. Jack enjoys hacking, hunting, and showjumping, making him a versatile and lively addition to the shoot.

The Heritage of Arabian Horses

The Arabian horse is one of the oldest recorded breeds and plays a foundational role in the lineage of modern Thoroughbred racehorses. Their characteristic endurance, intelligence and refined appearance aligned seamlessly with the theme of Elegant Exposures. The Arabian breed’s legacy added depth to the story, connecting the historical narrative with the timeless elegance and beauty of these horses.

Highlights of the Fashion Shoot

• The use of distinct locations provided rich and varied backgrounds that enhanced the historical narrative.

• Each costume was meticulously chosen to represent the different phases of Demelza’s life, allowing Sophia to embody the character’s evolution authentically.

• The combination of location photography and fashion created images that felt both grounded in history and creatively unique.

• Gagman, Mutley, and Jack each brought their unique presence to the shoot, enhancing the overall storytelling with their notable backgrounds and characteristics.

Final Thoughts on the Elegant Exposures Fashion Project

The Elegant Exposures project successfully fused fashion photography with historical storytelling against the backdrop of Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes. The collaboration with Sue Hardy, along with Sophia’s expressive modelling and the distinguished presence of the horses, helped realise the vision of blending historical inspiration with contemporary fashion. The final images capture a sense of elegance and drama, offering a visual experience that honours both the tradition and the personal touches that make the project unique.

For more on location and fashion photography, and to explore similar projects, visit my website.