Sarah Anne Ward

Criterium

2012-02-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Another cocktail in my drink series that will run throughout LaCucina Italiana magazine this year.

Leg Makeup of the 40s

2012-02-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

A New York Times headline from November 10, 1942, was short, snappy, and to the point: “Old Stockings Good for Socking Hitler.” Almost a year into the Second World War, Americans were already busy gathering rubber, tin, fat, and rags in scrap drives across the country, and now women were asked to sacrifice their silk and nylon hosiery. Silk was needed to manufacture powder bags for the Navy’s guns, and paratroopers relied on parachutes made from nylon stockings. Women enthusiastically heeded the call. A nationwide salvage drive that took place in the three months prior to June 1, 1943, collected 1.5 million pounds of used stockings.

Replacing those stockings was another matter entirely. Manufacturers’ supplies of silk and nylon were diverted to war usage, and hosiery production halted. Today, bare legs are chic in almost every setting, but 70 years ago fashion etiquette demanded sheer hose. What was the well-dressed woman to do?

Women in war-torn England were the first to hit on the idea of using makeup to mimic stockings. Months before the U.S. entered the war in 1941, a London paper reported on a “bare-leg beauty bar” where women could “have their legs sprayed with sun-tan lotion” (this is certainly one of the earliest references to spray tanning). Seamless stockings were a decade in the future, so a line drawn down the back of the leg with eyebrow pencil completed the illusion (an assistant with a ruler was key for this tricky step). A Times stringer based in London reported that from “a distance of more than five feet the deception is fairly successful.”

Similarly, Manhattan glamour gals could “learn to paint on smooth, flattering stockings” at one of the “stocking schools” offered at a number of salons and department stores around the city. Lord & Taylor’s “Golden Calf” room, for example, had “specially trained operators” who offered foot baths followed by a puff of “deodorant dusting powder,” massage, waxing, and pedicures in addition to leg makeup application. The price tag: $5.00 (by contrast, a gallon of gas cost about 15 cents).

For most women, though, the application of leg makeup was strictly a DIY proposition. According to the beauty mavens, for best results, the legs first had to be shaved, waxed, or depilatoried. Then, working quickly to avoid splotching (if she was using a liquid; leg makeup also came in cream and solid forms) and not forgetting the spaces around her ankles, the backs of her knees, and the backs of her calves, the user spread the makeup over her legs. Once it dried, all that was needed to “achieve that nylon look” was “a little gentle polishing” with a buffer, or so said a Times beauty columnist in 1945. (For women who were willing to go bare legged but balked at giving up their girdles, special knitted bands were available to keep unanchored garters from flapping uncomfortably on the thighs.)

There were glitches, to be sure. Early brands dried too quickly, making them difficult to put on smoothly. Once the makeup was in place, it frequently rubbed off on skirts, dresses, and perhaps most embarrassingly, on a date’s trousers (as the two of them spun around the dance floor, of course). A sudden shower on a spring day might leave one’s “stockings” spotted with rain.

Even with its faults, leg makeup gave war-weary women a morale boost, but once the fighting was over, they gave it up with alacrity. On the morning that the first large shipment of postwar nylons went on sale at the Manhattan outpost of Gimbels in January, 1946, 5,000 women along with a handful of men were waiting in line when the store opened. By the end of the day, the store’s entire stock of 26,000 pairs had been sold—one per customer.

Cutting the Cheese

2012-02-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Boulevardier

2012-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Cocktail Assignment for NY Times Mag

Personal work to Print

2011-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

My vintage cocktail series I started last year was picked up by La Cucina Italiana. This is one of the Italian inspired cocktails I shot with food stylist by Amy Lord ans prop stylist Stephanie Hanes. Other Italian inspired cocktails to come in issues next year!

Fall is here! Homemade Bitters & Sweet Potato Pancakes, mmm

2011-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Food styling by Lauren LaPenna, prop styling by Maya Rossi

PASTA

2011-09-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Pasta Tools Feature for LaCucina Italiana, prop styling by Stephanie Hanes

Dark & Stormy

2011-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Food styling by Lauren LaPenna

Mociun Skirts

2011-07-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I photographed a few of fashion designer, Mociun's beautiful skirts. There is nothing like the cool breezy feeling of wearing a light, airy skirt on a hot summer day! These skirts were definitely made to move!

BUST August/September

2011-07-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Fashion designer, Samantha Pleet, offered her lovely studio and adorable self for this DIY dress form article. She was a pleasure to work with and her designs are absolutely beautiful.

And DIY veggie sushi styled by Lauren LaPenna

La Cucina Italiana July/August

2011-07-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

FOB shots with prop stylist, Stephanie Hanes, and food stylist, Rebecca Jurkevich

"Just a Bunch of Intelligent Women with a Sense of Humor"

2011-05-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

A lovely quote from Tina Fey about a shoot she did in 2004 for BUST Magazine made me think of a recent shoot I had with BUST. A section that a shoot for the quite frequently, Museum of Femorbilia, this time was about corsages. With help from stylist, Stephanie Hanes, art director, Erin Wengrovius, and of course my lovely model friends, Margot Cavin and Ross de Peloubet. We were able to pull this shoot off with minimal costs from Ross' dashing suit and Callie Watts' (BUST's Lovely "Crafty Lady") fabulous prom dress. It is always a pleasure to work with talented women with a passion for producing a publication with issues that women really want to talk about!

Tina Fey's quote in Bossypants was in reference to what she says was "her best Photoshop job ever from a feminist magazine called BUST in 2004." Before explaining the feminist Photoshop process she explains, "It was a low-budget shoot in the back of their downtown office. There was no free coffee bar or wind machine, just a bunch of intelligent women with a sense of humor." This feminist and fun atmosphere is why I always love being a part of the magazine and have had the pleasure to work with some really lovely and inspiring women.

Fey continues to recall the shoot when she asks "We're all feminists here, but you're gonna use Photoshop, right?" "Oh, yeah, they replied instantly."

"Feminists do the best Photoshop because they leave the meat on your bones. They don't change your size or your skin color. They leave in your disgusting knuckles, but they may take out some armpit stubble. Not because they're denying its existence, but because they understand that it's okay to make a photo look as if you were caught on your best day in the best light."
- Tina Fey, Bossypants

La Cucina Italiana FOB

2011-04-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

New client, La Cucina Italiana, was a fun one with prop stylist, Stephanie Hanes.

Cosmo!

2011-03-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Food stylist and good friend, Lauren LaPenna, shows off her garnishing skills!

More Indian Themed Shooting

2011-03-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am always on a cultural or time period theme when testing. This time prop stylist, Maya Rossi, and I have been having fun with Indian food/things!

BUST Food Feature

2011-03-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Food photographs done by myself with prop styling by Stephanie Hanes and food styling by Lauren Lapenna. And always with help from the miniature pixies!

PMDD, Psychological or Emotional?

2011-03-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

I made these images awhile ago, but never had the urge to post them because they can be a bit disturbing. In honor of Women's History Month, I think I will share them to my blog world.

Shabd

2011-01-31T18:24:00.000-08:00

I was never a big fan of tie dye until I saw and photographed these limited edition designs by Shabd. Stylist, JoJo and I went with a ethereal and anthropomorphic feeling in contrast with an edgey more origami feeling to show the versatility and texture of Shabd's beautiful designs. Enjoy!

Pour it on

2011-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

The weekend is coming up and there is nothing like a lazy pancake brunch. Try this DIY syrup recipe that I photographed for BUST. Food styling/pouring by Lauren LaPenna and prop styling by Stephanie Hanes

Want S'more?

2010-12-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Who does not love marshmallow, gooey and chocolaty goodness. Especially with homemade marshmallows by stylist Kat Friedman. Being a chocolate snob like myself I usually shy away from Hershey's. However, they do make the perfect chocolate bar for s'mores, proven with recent shoot with Kat Friedman.

Indian Food with a Modern Twist

2010-12-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

Indian cuisine does not have to be a gloppy, gooey mess as one would usually think. Proven with two images from a recent shoot with food stylist, Lauren LaPenna and prop stylist, Maya Rossi. Dishes made were Bhindi Bhaji, an okra dish, and rice pudding with dried blueberries, and cinnamon. More to come.

Miss Popularity?

2010-11-29T04:04:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Femorbilia section of BUST Magazine is always my favorite section to photograph because the vintage products or games they feature are always pretty hilarious. This Miss Popularity Game that "all girls loved to play," was especially funny and disturbing at the same time. Get the scoop on the game from Mike Motzart of the Toy Channel here.

Prop styling by Stephanie Hanes and art direction by Erin Wengrovious.

Classic Cocktails Continued!

2010-11-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

Two new classic cocktails to add to my series. Also two of my personal favorite drinks. The standard Screw Driver and the not so healthy but delicious, White Russian. Using a cinnamon stick for garnish and to stir adds a seasonal touch. Enjoy!

Let it Snow!

2010-11-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

BUST holiday issue is out with great gift ideas and DIY crafts. Last month I photographed the holiday craft feature shown below with prop styling by Stephanie Hanes and art direction by Erin Wengrovius.

Crafts featured were fabric Christmas trees, popsicle stick snowflakes, pom pom garland, fabric wreaths and little light up houses. These sexy little elves shown above were donated to the shoot courtesy of Tiny Things are Cute. If you know me on a more personal level or have been to my apartment you may know that I LOVE everything miniature, so I fell in love with these creepy little things and the website they came from:) Unfortunately, they were a bit too seductive to make it into the final shots, but I could not resist photographing them. Enjoy!

Got the Munchies?

2010-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

A fun article photographed for BUST Magazine on some tasty snack ideas when you have a certain type of hunger...the article subtitle pretty much speaks for itself:) Food styling by Lauren LaPenna and prop styling by Stephanie Hanes.

Fall Craft Ideas

2010-11-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

A fun story I photographed on how to decorate your own mugs for BUST Magazine

Old Fashioned

2010-10-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Progress on my classic cocktail series has been a bit delayed due to other work. However, after Mad Men season 4 coming to an end, I felt compelled to pick up the pace. And what better drink to make and photograph then a timeless and tasty old fashioned. To check out more drinks from this series check out the links on the right of this page or Sarah Anne Ward Photography.

It is more of an Obsession than a Passion

2010-09-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

In lieu of my Bed & Breakfast project that I started last year, I began documenting moments and things that surrounded me in Brooklyn this summer. I was a bit busy with commercial work here this summer, so I was not able to continue the B & B project like I had planned. However, I did make time to enjoy summer and make images for my own personal gratification. I have come to the realization that I always have the need(obsession as some of my friends and colleagues say) to make still-lives of the things, lights and moments that surround me on a daily basis. The image below along with one other was selected for "Capture Brooklyn,"opening tonight at powerHouse Arena. The show runs through October 13th.

The Start of Fall Tear Sheets

2010-09-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

OH, SNAP! That's right, another successful shoot with my longest and most loved client, BUST Magazine! Check out the October/November issue with this fabulous recipe with Snap liqueur. What a tasty treat thanks to food stylist, Lauren LaPenna.

As much as I love the comfort of my studio, it was quite refreshing to photograph this knuckle ring outside along the noise and chaos of Eastern Parkway at rush hour. I love the outfit choice thanks to prop stylist, Stephanie Hanes. Next time I won't forget my sandbag for the scrim...thanks Erin Wengrovius for being a human sand bag and art director!

So this shot is not so much fall themed...but I felt like sharing because it is for may favorite section of BUST Magazine(Museum of Femorbilia) Who does not get a kick out of old sanitary products...oh how we have evolved through the years!

Just for Fun

2010-08-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

As a freelance photographer, there are days when I am not photographing. Possibly planning, prepping or reflecting on other assignments. Or in this case just plain relaxing on the roof after a good shoot. There are not many days and moments that I am alone because I love the company of others and often work with a handful of people on set. However, when I find myself alone, I usually feel the need to have some sort of camera in hand. Documenting and experimenting with the light and things that are right around me is very therapeutic and inspirational.

I am also fortunate enough to be able to wander down to Prospect Park on sunny days when I just have to make a few phone calls, write emails or take a quick lunch break.

And then there are these days, that I have to be on location in DUMBO for a job at 6am. However, I cannot complain when this is the view. I figured, why not wake up a few minutes early, sit and sip my coffee, listen to good tunes and read the paper before the job. All while looking at this wonderful scene. There is no better way to mentally prepare for a long day.

This is my form of Art Therapy

Mai Tai, Anyone?

2010-08-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sadly summer is coming to a bittersweet ending. Food stylist, Lauren LaPenna and I could not resist getting one more classic summer cocktail in. So, after watching a re-run of Mad Men, I noticed a beautifully styled Mia Tai and had to include it in my classic cocktail series. Typically garnished with a pineapple and maraschino cherry, LaPenna and I decided to give it our own twist, while keeping it simple, classy and vintage. As always we could not end a beverage shoot with out a few fun outtakes seen below. Fall and Winter classic cocktails with a Sarah Anne Ward touch are next on the shot list!

MAD MEN inspired shooting with no budget

2010-07-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

"Your inspiration for this shot is MAD MEN" was the direction I received from art director Erin Wengrovius at BUST Magazine a couple months ago. This shot is for the fun and fabulously nostalgic Museum of Femorbila section that is in every issue. This Museum of Femorbilia article happens to be on one of the first typewriters that was geared towards women in the 60s. Fortunately, I happen to love MAD MEN and between prop stylist Stephanie Hanes and my personal collection of 60s objects we pulled this off with no budget. The desk lamp happen to come directly from my mother's old drafting table when she worked as a designer at an advertising agency in the 60s, so it truly played the part.

I think we were really on a retro 60s theme for this next pasta shot too. Even though the images were for different articles, they go together in some ways. This overhead shot made it into the magazine. However, prop stylist Stephanie Hanes, food stylist, Lauren LaPenna and I did a second full page option that we were trying to push instead (below). Go check it out on stands now!

Edible Brooklyn Winos

2010-06-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I was called to photograph various Brooklyn wine stores for Edible Brooklyn's summer story "Stomping Grounds." The original assignment was just to photograph the stores and their displays. However, last minute the editor asked if I could get some quick shots of the store owners. The interesting part of that request is that most clients pigeon hole me into being a "still-life" photographer and would be hesitant to ask me to do this. Yet, I still enjoy photographing people and if you do know me on a personal level I am a people person. I love meeting new people, especially other people that enjoy wine like I do! The ironic part of this assignment is that nothing that I was originally asked to shoot made it into the story...only the portraits. Regardless, it was fun and I met some really interesting "wine guys." Some of the Brooklyn stores included Red, White and Bubbly, Sip, Thirst and Brooklyn Wine Exchange.

Paige Novick Fall/Winter Collection

2010-06-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished a week long job photographing Paige Novick's new Fall/Winter collection. Paige is a wonderful and very talented designer. She was a very inspirational woman to meet and work with. Check out her new designs soon!

Its Electric

2010-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Blue Lagoon or Electric Lemonade...however you call it. This cocktail is certainly a classic. Probably not my favorite classic, but it is definitely a summery 80's inspired drink to include in this series.

BUST Music issue

2010-05-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

The June/July issue of BUST magazine happens to be their music issue. As a still-life photographer, I photograph many of their DIY projects. This one is about how to make a birdcage ipod-dock and speaker holder. Pretty cool, huh? Art direction by Erin Wengrovius and prop styling by Stephanie Hanes.

Additionally, there was a blurb about a Letter Press Kit. This shot shows one of the any uses of the crafty tool...Birthday cards. Cupcakes were provided by Lily & Fig Bakery in Brooklyn. The same creative gals I listed above were a part of this image.

Do you like Pina Coladas?

2010-05-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Food stylist, Lauren LaPenna and I certainly do! This is another addition to our classic cocktail series. It is the beginning of summer time, so we figured it would be a great time to test some classic tropical cocktails. Look out for our Blue Lagoon, which is next on the list. Blended drinks like this are very hard to accomplish without using fake ingredients. However, Lauren was able to make and style this drink with all natural ingredients. I prefer this natural method as well because it makes it easier to drink them after.

Sasha Rhett Bracelets

2010-05-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

A few images from Sasha Rhett's new bracelet line I photographed

Mint Julep

2010-04-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful addition to my vintage cocktail series is a crisp Mint Julep! This cocktail was suggested by food stylist, Lauren LaPenna. Next on the list to shoot is a Pimms Cup and a Pina Colada. Let us know if you have any yummy traditional cocktails worth adding to this series.

Spain through the B&B culture

2010-04-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I just returned from an incredible trip to Spain photographing B & B's.
It was short but amazing, as these trips usually are. My good friend, Marvin Orellana, accompanied me this time around.

We flew into Madrid bright and early on March 18 to start the journey. From there we went to Salamanca, Girona and Barcelona. One of my two favorite places we visited and photographed was Casa Migdia, which was located in a beautiful little village outside Girona called Saint Jorde Desvalles. Mary and Sebastian, the owners welcomed us into their family immediatly.

From Girona, we arrived at another beautiful B & B in Barcelona, to be greeted by the wonderful owner, Raffaela. She has 3 wonderful flats in the heart of Barcelona. Marvin and I stayed at Guadi B&B. We had such a wonderful time in Barcelona due to Raffaela's wonderful hospitality.

Spain was a perfect addition to this project and we were so lucky to find such perfect B & B's with an attention to detail and warm welcome that could never be experienced in a standard hotel

Words cannot describe how amazing this trip was so hopefully the images do
www.sarahanneward.com

Sexy Seafood

2010-04-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

This shoot was done a few days before I left for Spain with the wonderful foodie, Lauren LaPenna. I was too busy getting things together for Spain that I forgot to post these images. This shoot was inspired by brother, Dan who loves oysters. Whenever I am visiting my family in my hometown of Rockville, Maryland my friends and I usually go to Clydes Restaurant where my brother orders raw oysters and I order wine. Oysters are an acquired taste that I love! A direct quote from my brother is "they taste like the ocean." However, I have always considered oysters to be a more masculine food. Therefore, I decided to make oysters seem feminine in this shoot. After showing these images to a colleague he brought up the point that oysters physically have feminine characteristics....and maybe that is why men like them so much....well there is a little food for thought...literally!

Vintage Cocktail Fun

2010-02-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, My good friend and talented food stylist, Lauren LaPenna, and I had some fun shooting cocktails. This is the beginning of another on going side project I started. We plan on shooting many more vintage inspired cocktails...so feel free to send your input our way. This was the first shoot so there is much more to be done and these images still have a bit of post work to go through. These were just two of my selects. Lauren spent a lot of time and effort with various different garnishes and styles, which I will share with you soon! We always have a good time on set, especially when there is alcohol involved, as you can tell by a few behind the scenes shots:)

South American Themed Shooting

2010-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

I recently did a shoot for BUST magazine on yummy South American munchies. They have been a steady client of mine for awhile now. BUST is a fun, quirky, feminist magazine. I always enjoy collaborating on assignments with the crafty ladies that work there. Here is the final image with prop styling by Stephanie Hanes, food styling by Lauren LaPenna and art direction by Erin Wengrovius. To get the recipe go buy the magazine in stores now.

After the shoot, Lauren and I were inspired to do another image of plantains on our own. We went with a more nitty gritty feel to the image and a bit harder light and messier styling. Here it is!

Sasha Rhett

2010-02-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

At the end of last year I picked up a new client, Sasha Rhett. Their website recently launched with the images I photographed of her products. She designs watches with interchangeable straps and hair accessories. I really enjoyed working with her because she lets me have a lot of creative freedom. Especially with her hair bows. I used these funny old high school portraits. I thought it would be really cute to shoot the different bows on different pictures. Check out her site to see more of her fun designs and my images.

Bed and Breakfast Project Planning in Spain

2010-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

As many of my friends and colleagues know, I have started a personal project photographing B & B's around the world. The project kicked off last year in Italy with a good friend and fellow photographer, Ross de Peloubet. Here are a few of my favorite images from Italy.

One of our favorite places we stayed was, Castello Malaspina, a beautiful castle that was converted to a museum and Bed and Breakfast. It was located outside of Tuscany in a town called Massa. The owners were Pietro and Vanni(two brothers) and their lovely wives Maddalena and Susanna. This is one of my favorite images that Ross took of Vanni and their adorable dog Banana. Oh and yes, that was just one of the mesmerizing views from the castle.

Because Italy was such a success, I decided to continue the project in Ireland. It was a short, but amazing trip too. A few of the places that I visited and photographed were The Highfield House, The Waterloo House, The Cullintra House and The Shelburne Lodge. Here are a few of my favorite images from Ireland.

While I was in Dublin, I met another photographer, Tomasz Bereska. He is a photographer based in Dublin who specializes in Music Photography. It was nice to meet another photographer and discuss images while sipping a delightful cup of Irish tea. Keep him in mind if you ever need a photographer in Dublin.

Okay, well enough about the previous trips. I am currently planning the Spain Route for March. This time I am traveling with a dear friend of mine, Marvin Orellana. We are headed to Madrid the 18 through the 19th or 20th, then probably to Salamanca. From the 23rd we fly East to the Girona area to see some of the Coast. From the 25th through the 28th we will be in Barcelona. I think I am looking forward to staying at The Gaudi B & B the most, as of now. The owner, Raffaela, seems so delightful and helpful. However, I am sure every place we visit will be just as wonderful. This is a very tentative plan so feel free to give us any comments or recommendations.

If you want to see more of the project check out the B & B section on my website.