Cara Phillips is a Brooklyn-based photographer who captures fascinating unusual portraits.
In her series ‘Ultraviolet Beauties,’ she uses ultraviolet light to reveal charming imperfections across the face. These candidates were unassuming pedestrians on the streets of New York. Phillips help up a sign which read, ‘Free Portraits’ and participants agreed to pose under UV light.
Phillips was inspired by medical photos found in doctor’s offices and on websites. The subjects appear vulnerable, as if the viewer was looking into the depth of their soul to try and understand them as a whole. This series bans the use of retouching, which is an uncommon and sometimes dangerous move in commercial work. These images show the raw beauty that lies behind the makeup and proves that true beauty is something to be appreciated and exposed.
Grayscale Ultraviolet Portraits
Cara Phillips Captures True Beauty in Her Series of Portraits
Trend Themes
1. Grayscale Ultraviolet Portraits - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of ultraviolet light in capturing unique and unretouched portraits, showcasing the raw beauty of individuals.
2. Unassuming Street Portraiture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize unconventional methods, such as holding up signs for free portraits, to capture authentic and captivating images of everyday people.
3. Raw Beauty Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Challenge the norms of retouching in commercial photography by promoting and celebrating the natural, unfiltered beauty of individuals.
Industry Implications
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3. Advertising and Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Challenge traditional advertising standards by showcasing authentic and unretouched images that resonate with consumers seeking genuine and relatable content.