This Is How One Dress Looks When Photographed On Different Models By Eleven Photographers
Most of you probably remember the famous novel and movie about the traveling symbolic pair of second-hand jeans which fit a group of four girlfriends perfectly despite their different shapes and sizes. This story popped up in my mind when I found out about an idea a UK-based photographer came up with, except in this experimental project, another piece of clothing was the traveler – a beautiful dress. And even though it wasn’t a magical one-size-fits-all friendship garment, it carries an interesting message.
What would happen if several photographers did a fashion photoshoot with the exact same dress? In January, Danielle Reeder gathered a small group of 11 photographers to find the answers. The photoshoot idea, called “The Travelling Dress Collective” was to pass one dress around between 11 photographers working in a variety of genres and styles across the UK. A diverse group ranging from studio to location and from posed to documentary, photographers ensured that each photoshoot told a completely unique story of the same designer dress.
More info: daniellereederphotography.com | Facebook | Instagram
Image credits: besidetheseasidephotography
Each photographer had 5 days to implement their vision for the photo ideas of the dress before passing it along to the next artist.
“There were no rules other than not to get it wet due to its delicate nature! It’s been amazing seeing all the creative photos finally come together, each completely unique in their vision and style,” says Reeder.
Each of the participants later shared their experience with the gorgeous traveling dress and the ideas behind their stunning pictures.
Danielle Reeder
Image credits: Danielle Reeder
“I instantly fell in love with this dress the moment I first saw it! It is the dress of absolute dreams! I thought I had my time with the dress planned, but as is sometimes the case, things do not go to plan . . . sometimes they get better!” says Danielle Reeder.
Image credits: Danielle Reeder
“We got together a few days later than planned and although it was only mid-February, we were lucky enough to have a relatively warm day with pretty perfect lighting conditions. I’d initially planned to hold the session indoors with a completely different feel so I didn’t really have any preconceived ideas for this particular day. We had lots of fun exploring the location and making the most of the stunning surroundings, which all worked beautifully with the dress.”
Image credits: Danielle Reeder
Gary Hill
Image credits: Gary Hill
“When Danielle came up with the idea for the Travelling Dress I just had to get involved. I knew the majority of the photographers were available light and location photographers so I knew I had to studio shoot it,” says Gary Hill.
Image credits: Gary Hill
“When the dates came around it was perfect, I had a collaboration shoot booked with Simone Stocks photo model and a designer so it was ideal to shoot the traveling dress at the same time. Due to work commitments I never actually had time to unpack the dress until I got to the studio on the morning of the shoot!
When I did so I just knew it would fit on my styled portrait set up, so after a discussion on hair and make-up, 15 minutes later we were done. Simple effective set ups and Simone nailed it! Very happy with what we produced and really excited to be able to share them now. What a wonderful idea!”
Image credits: Gary Hill
Sophia Benham
Image credits: Sophia Benham
“My model was sixteen year old Tara Yasmin Holland. […] Tara seemed like she had all the right attributes to help pose and be photographed in the ‘travelling dress’ whilst dancing and performing too. […] With pointe shoes and dancing tights she put on the dress and came alive as if ‘dancing’ to a score whilst on stage. The passers by were in awe, many asking questions and telling us their own dancing connections,” says Sopia Benham.
Image credits: Sophia Benham
“Our setting used was The Square Tower in Southsea, Portsmouth. The beautiful sand coloured wall backdrops really echoed the colour of the travelling dress and also Tara’s hair colouring too.
I thoroughly enjoyed the traveling dress collective experience and it really has made me more confident in an area I am really passionate about. I really hope to collaborate with other dancers in the near future.”
Image credits: Sophia Benham
Francesca Low
Image credits: Francesca Low
“The style of the dress reminded me of a cross between 1920’s Gatsby style and bohemian chic. I do love the Gatsby style, but I already had a vision in my mind of how I wanted to portray the dress which was more in line with the boho chic look so that is what I decided to use as inspiration for my photography shoot,” says Francesca Low.
Image credits: Francesca Low
“When I think of the anything bohemian, I think of open fields, light, freedom and love. For this exact reason I decided to venture outdoors with the dress to a local woodland.”
Image credits: Francesca Low
Rebecca Challis
Image credits: Rebecca Challis
“I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful dress in time for a weekend away with my oldest school friends. We were traveling to Camber beach for a weekend away. We always spend time on this beautiful beach and I’ve wanted to do a proper photo shoot there for ages. My gorgeous friend Paula agreed to model and our other friend was my able and very helpful assistant and stylist! The light here at the beach is so pretty and the skyline and beach is so vast that I knew it would make a stunning backdrop for the photos,” says Rebecca Challis.
Image credits: Rebecca Challis
“We had such a fun time on the beach and playing around in the sand dunes and I love the tones in the photographs. Paula was a brilliant model, up for trying everything and I think really enjoyed it. I love how these final photos show off her joy and love for life!”
Image credits: Rebecca Challis
Elora Viano
Image credits: Elora Viano
“When I saw the dress in the group, I was amazed by its sparkle, its stylishness and the plunging neckline, because I knew that I could use it in the way I had imagined,” – says Elora Viano. “When I planned this session, I wanted a mum who was still breastfeeding her baby. I wasn’t interested in the child’s age, because that doesn’t matter. I wanted to show how beautiful, comforting, and natural breastfeeding is, no matter where you are, or what you are wearing!”
Image credits: Elora Viano
Image credits: Elora Viano
Lauren Shepherd
Image credits: Lauren Shepherd
“As soon as I saw the gorgeous dress we were using I knew I wanted my shoot for the project to be at the beach. So the dress traveled to Balmedie beach, near Aberdeen, along with my friend’s beautiful teenage daughter Isla as my model. We arrived at our destination just before sunset on what turned out to be a pretty cold and overcast May evening. Luckily the rain stayed away and Isla was still happy to do the shoot despite the cold!” says Lauren Shepherd.
Image credits: Lauren Shepherd
“I love how the impending storm clouds add a dramatic effect to the images. I also loved using my Lensbaby for part of this shoot as I don’t usually use it. It was fun having the creative freedom to use it for this project!”
Image credits: Lauren Shepherd
Jo Haycock
Image credits: Jo Haycock
“I thought about this dress for quite a long time before it arrived on my doorstep. Being someone who is quite taken with people’s relationships and how they connect with others, or the spaces around them. I already knew that the dress was going to come on a journey with me, to physically join me everywhere I went for the time we’d be spending together,” says Jo Haycock.
Image credits: Jo Haycock
“It was important to record a ceremonial moment of the dress arriving, welcoming it into our home. I looked at it for a while just hanging there before tentatively tried it on. Then quickly took it off again. I took it with me on a photoshoot at a female artists’ retreat, Michelle was drawn to it so she tried it on. At the end of its time with us, my 12-year-old daughter told me she loved the sparkles, so she played in it for a while.”
Image credits: Jo Haycock
Ashleigh Shea
Image credits: Ashleigh Shea
“I knew from the start that most were going to be using an adult model for the project but I decided from the moment I joined that I was going to use my 13-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, I got the date for my turn wrong and all my planning in my head went to pot as I had the dress the weekend before I thought!” says Ashleigh Shea. “So after a busy day shooting, we quickly dashed up to the woods on a chilly Sunday to have a bit of fun and see what we could get. I’m actually pleased it turned out this way as my original plan was to have her hair done and a little light makeup and use it as her last shoot before she was 14. The way it ended up was much more natural and much more Leah!”
Image credits: Ashleigh Shea
Image credits: Ashleigh Shea
Chantal Storrs-Barbor
Image credits: Chantal Storrs-Barbor
“I wanted to create a bit of a 70’s grungy vibe with the image. The dress is so versatile for both style and shape that it was easy to create the right atmosphere with a bit of help from lighting and prism to shoot through. I used a continuous LED to light the model and also set up some fairy lights behind to give some depth to the image,” says Chantal Storrs-Barbor.
Image credits: Chantal Storrs-Barbor
Image credits: Chantal Storrs-Barbor
Andrea Bradley
Image credits: Andrea Bradley
“Initially, when taking on the Travelling Dress Project, I was going to get a model in to do the shoot but was intrigued as to whether I was brave enough to model myself. Anyone who knows me will know I’m the quiet type, the one who likes to just merge into a background and be hidden from the world. I am a photographer and a newborn one at that. I am so much more comfortable behind the camera with a squishy baby or child than in front of it,” – says Andrea Bradley. “I still wanted to shoot it myself with my camera, so decided to use a remote control to capture the shots. […] I wanted lights, colors, and smoke to add some drama. It would be done in the studio with gels and a smoke machine.”
Image credits: Andrea Bradley
“I was completely embarrassed and self conscious to begin with but tried my best to relax, and actually it was fine. My stage fright subdued and I did the shoot and survived. I thoroughly recommend everyone to do this at least once. Book a portrait shoot. Be in front of the camera, do a photoshoot for yourself. It’s enlightening and actually fun!!!”
Image credits: Andrea Bradley
1Mviews
Share on FacebookTo be honest if they are a pick of eleven professional photographers I think you are better keeping your money and having a go yourself.... most of them were god awful ideas or just trying too hard, that is only my opinion. I kept scrolling waiting for something good, but there wasn't much. I think Francesca Low did the best with the contrast glamour shots and Chantel Storrs-Barbor definitely stood out as the one who understood the project best, especially that second shot, absolutely spot on. The rest seemed either amateurish or perhaps they couldn't get their vision right in the time given. We all appreciate different images so obviously these opinions are mine alone, but I've seen friends holiday snaps better than the rest of them.
I thought so too. Looks like we'll be downvoted, but I was underwhelmed by all of them.
Load More Replies...Much preferred the shots that went for a less sexual look. As for the photos emphasising lots of cleavage and the high slit, they all seemed rather tacky having a cheap soft porn element to them. 'Professionals' are you sure?.
Apparently, most of the models couldn't afford to buy underwear. ;)
Load More Replies...Chantel Storrs-Barbor set up was intriguing but I also like Rebecca Challis' last pic on the beach with the dress on backwards - not the traditional wearing
What if Rebecca Challis was the only one wearing the dress correctly? Thought the deep 'V' looked far better on the back than front...
Load More Replies...A good photographer can make a potato sack look gorgeous, these missed the mark I'm afraid. Cool idea for a project though.
seemed like a crappy dress that was difficult to put support in. Any larger chested woman knows exactly what i mean. nothing on the women, it happens to me too. it has to do with proper undergarments
Seriously I was hoping for a mind-blowing revelation, but.......... in my POV, the dress is still the same dress even with all the different settings, "up-schmuck", lights, surroundings, models & whatnot. Or maybe I am not the target audience ;-)
was this supposed to be about the dress? as it was lost in quite a few and became portraits, in which case why the title about the same dress shot differently
I'd be afraid of accidentally flashing someone, with that low neckline.
All of these ladies were lovely but I'd have to say Sophia Behnams model was the prettiest to me, its those stellar blue eyes.
I also like her photos the most. It's not just the model but the idea is the best. Those "glamour shots" people here seem to like are so boring.
Load More Replies...You could have told me this was all the same model and photographer and I would have believed you.
I actually like the dress, both being worn the right way or backwards. However, I think it's a dramatic dress that needs a dramatic model with a strong personality. Do not see any of that in none of those pics, Chantal's maybe getting the closest.
The retouching on some of these is horrendous. Looks like a cheap instagram beauty filter...
I was extremely excited to see the headline for Bored Panda's write up of your "Traveling Dress" project. My excitement quickly turned to dismay however: there is nothing "diverse" about the portrayal from shot to shot. EVERY model in this could be cousins: same body types, age range, and most disappointingly, race. We have a responsibility as artists to represent the truth of the world. There is NO truth or anything worth saying that pushes a homogenous, white supremacist view of beauty. We must do better #representation
All the models were withe, why? If was me, I put an African/American to wear that dress. It would be espectacular because of her.
Keep in mind that this is in Europe, where the African American population is likely much smaller than the US or other places
Load More Replies...Some of these photographers need to learn the fine line between sexy and sexual.
It’s really hard to think of these people as professional photographers! It makes me really appreciate the work of some fashion photographers!
So much white bread.........the best photo for me was the picture of the dress on the stairs.
Hit me up when you have more diversity representation . A native american, Mongolian or African would have made it more interesting.
... I do not understand the point? it's still the same dress, it looks no different regardless of where it's being photographed or who is wearing it, especially as all the models are the same size and have very similar features. The only one looking different was the one wearing it back to front... only because she was wearing it back to front
This goes to show that a super low cut and a super high slit on a dress really are impractical in most non-commercial fashion environments. Plus the dress is pretty cheaply made, so it doesn't dress up very well. Not a win.
I like Rebecca Challis set on how the model decided to wear it. Same dress, different people, different style.
I am sorry but I am honestly disappointed by these shoots. I don't know what these professional photographers were thinking, did they not put enough effort or just didn't care about the results, because the brief was super easy - use this dress - and they still managed to make all these photos look absolutely amateur. Compositions, body positions, even some of the actual photo-shoot placements seemed just ridiculous.
I like the Rebecca Challis shots - nothing cheesy. A feeling of joy radiates from the friend she used as a model, and how clever to turn the dress front to back to create something different! Also like the first of Sophia Benham's shots - the action of the dancer and the costume quality of the dress really work.
For most of those poor models, NO NO NO NO NO don't even take it off the hanger -- good on the one who wore it backwards.
Now is this a white and gold dress or black and blue?? (I have to say, that is one butt ugly dress. the only pic I liked is where it is l<ying on those old steps)
Truly shocked at some of the nasty comments on here. I must be looking at different images to them because I see a beautiful project from a group of incredibly talented photographers. Back in your boxes please trolls.
They all have pretty much the same body type?? I didn't get the point
Hi, does anyone know the title of the novel about the magical pair of jeans mentioned at the beginning of the piece? Thanks for helping😊
These pictures are very creative and beautiful (some more beautiful than others). If I was choosing a photographer, I think these pictures would help me decide which one to choose. After all, each one had to use the same dress.
I think Rebecca Challis is the only one that put the dress on correctly. It looked much better one her than anyone else.
I liked it. Watched all the photos. I think the dress looked best in the outdoor settings. I would not mind trying it on myself.
I think it’s a nice dress and I like Rebecca Challis’ shots the most.
I'm not very fond of this dress, would be prefer a blue one... oh wait, what? Is this one already blue?
It seems that dress doesn't suit to any of these ladies. And I don't think the problem is with the models or with the photographers.
I liked the second pic by Francesca Low best and the the dress(which was bloody awful frankly) looked better when worn backwards ,the way Rebecca Challis did it.The rest of the pics were...Meh.The last 4 collections were very ordinary ,or trying to be "Arty" and sadly failing.
I thought the dress was fugly, but I really liked the girl reading the book, while dressed in her mom's 'dress up' clothes. That was the only way I could stomach the dress.
I think some people are failing to understand the concept. The point was to highlight the difference a dress will look on different people. See it as, how would a painting look in different households. I certainly feel as if the point was proven and I most definitely see how different the same piece of clothing looks on different people. Well done!
Different people? They're all white with the same-ish build #diversity #representation
Load More Replies...Stunning lack of diversity. How is it 2019 and no one had a problem with this...?
They're all white girls. I was expecting something mind blowing. You could use some diversity. How about introducing women from all backgrounds ( asian, hispanic, black, indigenous, mixed) of different sizes and ages. A very dissapointing post. #represantation
Keep in mind this is Europe, where the population is primarily white due to location. There can't necessarily always be diversity. mean this is what, Sweden? If this was in the US, you'd see all kinds of backgrounds
Load More Replies...To be honest if they are a pick of eleven professional photographers I think you are better keeping your money and having a go yourself.... most of them were god awful ideas or just trying too hard, that is only my opinion. I kept scrolling waiting for something good, but there wasn't much. I think Francesca Low did the best with the contrast glamour shots and Chantel Storrs-Barbor definitely stood out as the one who understood the project best, especially that second shot, absolutely spot on. The rest seemed either amateurish or perhaps they couldn't get their vision right in the time given. We all appreciate different images so obviously these opinions are mine alone, but I've seen friends holiday snaps better than the rest of them.
I thought so too. Looks like we'll be downvoted, but I was underwhelmed by all of them.
Load More Replies...Much preferred the shots that went for a less sexual look. As for the photos emphasising lots of cleavage and the high slit, they all seemed rather tacky having a cheap soft porn element to them. 'Professionals' are you sure?.
Apparently, most of the models couldn't afford to buy underwear. ;)
Load More Replies...Chantel Storrs-Barbor set up was intriguing but I also like Rebecca Challis' last pic on the beach with the dress on backwards - not the traditional wearing
What if Rebecca Challis was the only one wearing the dress correctly? Thought the deep 'V' looked far better on the back than front...
Load More Replies...A good photographer can make a potato sack look gorgeous, these missed the mark I'm afraid. Cool idea for a project though.
seemed like a crappy dress that was difficult to put support in. Any larger chested woman knows exactly what i mean. nothing on the women, it happens to me too. it has to do with proper undergarments
Seriously I was hoping for a mind-blowing revelation, but.......... in my POV, the dress is still the same dress even with all the different settings, "up-schmuck", lights, surroundings, models & whatnot. Or maybe I am not the target audience ;-)
was this supposed to be about the dress? as it was lost in quite a few and became portraits, in which case why the title about the same dress shot differently
I'd be afraid of accidentally flashing someone, with that low neckline.
All of these ladies were lovely but I'd have to say Sophia Behnams model was the prettiest to me, its those stellar blue eyes.
I also like her photos the most. It's not just the model but the idea is the best. Those "glamour shots" people here seem to like are so boring.
Load More Replies...You could have told me this was all the same model and photographer and I would have believed you.
I actually like the dress, both being worn the right way or backwards. However, I think it's a dramatic dress that needs a dramatic model with a strong personality. Do not see any of that in none of those pics, Chantal's maybe getting the closest.
The retouching on some of these is horrendous. Looks like a cheap instagram beauty filter...
I was extremely excited to see the headline for Bored Panda's write up of your "Traveling Dress" project. My excitement quickly turned to dismay however: there is nothing "diverse" about the portrayal from shot to shot. EVERY model in this could be cousins: same body types, age range, and most disappointingly, race. We have a responsibility as artists to represent the truth of the world. There is NO truth or anything worth saying that pushes a homogenous, white supremacist view of beauty. We must do better #representation
All the models were withe, why? If was me, I put an African/American to wear that dress. It would be espectacular because of her.
Keep in mind that this is in Europe, where the African American population is likely much smaller than the US or other places
Load More Replies...Some of these photographers need to learn the fine line between sexy and sexual.
It’s really hard to think of these people as professional photographers! It makes me really appreciate the work of some fashion photographers!
So much white bread.........the best photo for me was the picture of the dress on the stairs.
Hit me up when you have more diversity representation . A native american, Mongolian or African would have made it more interesting.
... I do not understand the point? it's still the same dress, it looks no different regardless of where it's being photographed or who is wearing it, especially as all the models are the same size and have very similar features. The only one looking different was the one wearing it back to front... only because she was wearing it back to front
This goes to show that a super low cut and a super high slit on a dress really are impractical in most non-commercial fashion environments. Plus the dress is pretty cheaply made, so it doesn't dress up very well. Not a win.
I like Rebecca Challis set on how the model decided to wear it. Same dress, different people, different style.
I am sorry but I am honestly disappointed by these shoots. I don't know what these professional photographers were thinking, did they not put enough effort or just didn't care about the results, because the brief was super easy - use this dress - and they still managed to make all these photos look absolutely amateur. Compositions, body positions, even some of the actual photo-shoot placements seemed just ridiculous.
I like the Rebecca Challis shots - nothing cheesy. A feeling of joy radiates from the friend she used as a model, and how clever to turn the dress front to back to create something different! Also like the first of Sophia Benham's shots - the action of the dancer and the costume quality of the dress really work.
For most of those poor models, NO NO NO NO NO don't even take it off the hanger -- good on the one who wore it backwards.
Now is this a white and gold dress or black and blue?? (I have to say, that is one butt ugly dress. the only pic I liked is where it is l<ying on those old steps)
Truly shocked at some of the nasty comments on here. I must be looking at different images to them because I see a beautiful project from a group of incredibly talented photographers. Back in your boxes please trolls.
They all have pretty much the same body type?? I didn't get the point
Hi, does anyone know the title of the novel about the magical pair of jeans mentioned at the beginning of the piece? Thanks for helping😊
These pictures are very creative and beautiful (some more beautiful than others). If I was choosing a photographer, I think these pictures would help me decide which one to choose. After all, each one had to use the same dress.
I think Rebecca Challis is the only one that put the dress on correctly. It looked much better one her than anyone else.
I liked it. Watched all the photos. I think the dress looked best in the outdoor settings. I would not mind trying it on myself.
I think it’s a nice dress and I like Rebecca Challis’ shots the most.
I'm not very fond of this dress, would be prefer a blue one... oh wait, what? Is this one already blue?
It seems that dress doesn't suit to any of these ladies. And I don't think the problem is with the models or with the photographers.
I liked the second pic by Francesca Low best and the the dress(which was bloody awful frankly) looked better when worn backwards ,the way Rebecca Challis did it.The rest of the pics were...Meh.The last 4 collections were very ordinary ,or trying to be "Arty" and sadly failing.
I thought the dress was fugly, but I really liked the girl reading the book, while dressed in her mom's 'dress up' clothes. That was the only way I could stomach the dress.
I think some people are failing to understand the concept. The point was to highlight the difference a dress will look on different people. See it as, how would a painting look in different households. I certainly feel as if the point was proven and I most definitely see how different the same piece of clothing looks on different people. Well done!
Different people? They're all white with the same-ish build #diversity #representation
Load More Replies...Stunning lack of diversity. How is it 2019 and no one had a problem with this...?
They're all white girls. I was expecting something mind blowing. You could use some diversity. How about introducing women from all backgrounds ( asian, hispanic, black, indigenous, mixed) of different sizes and ages. A very dissapointing post. #represantation
Keep in mind this is Europe, where the population is primarily white due to location. There can't necessarily always be diversity. mean this is what, Sweden? If this was in the US, you'd see all kinds of backgrounds
Load More Replies...
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