2. Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

As much as I love Art Nouveau, I have always loved the Pre-Raphaelites even more. The romantic style of painting from the mid-1800s through early 1900s England is just my cup of tea, featuring  strong women, deep emotions, and a nod to idealized Medieval imagery.

I was photographing Anna during her senior session when the whole scene struck me as so very Pre-Raphaelite, so I leaned into the notion with how I placed her in the environment, and how I directed the pose and facial expression. I think it was a success, because when I asked ChatGPT to describe this picture, this is what the AI chatbot told me: 

In her hand, she holds a single red rose, a classic symbol of romance, love, or even longing, which complements the deep red of her gown. Her expression is calm, introspective, and perhaps a little melancholic, as she gazes off to the side. The arched window behind her creates a Gothic or timeless aesthetic, reminiscent of Pre-Raphaelite paintings that often feature symbolic elements and strong feminine figures. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the architectural details, evokes a sense of history and romantic nostalgia.

Pictured here: "The Crystal Ball" by John William Waterhouse (1902)