April 12, 2007
catalog stories
Got a comment from Paige asking about this little girl in our latest catalog. And Danie asked about the location. So here goes...
The catalog team shot the book in Puerto Rico. They travelled all along the north east coast, visiting San Juan, Ceiba, and El Yunque rainforest. They were driving through a beach town, saw the rooster mural on the side of a building and thought it would be a cool place to shoot. This little girl kept riding her bike by and watching the models. The FP girls asked her to be in the photo but the girl was super shy. Eventually she warmed up to them and decided to be in the photo if she could hold the model's hand.
Comments
awww, that is so cute! She blends in really well with the models and the background- I love it! You should do stuff like that more often! ;)
Posted by freepeople girl on April 12, 2007 6:26 PM
What a touching story. Brings such a warm quality to the picture.
I have a question:
What is the name of the gorgeous model on the right? Is she Persian or Indian. She is absolutely stunning.
-Sanaz Ebriani
Posted by Sanaz Ebriani on April 12, 2007 9:47 PM
i love hearing the story behind the photo! had a chance to visit el yunque rain forest a year ago. it's quite stunning. and the photos look great!
Posted by jinius on April 13, 2007 10:36 AM
thanks!!!!
Posted by danie on April 15, 2007 2:09 PM
I just got the catalog, and I found the picture creepy. Sure, the child is adorable, but fashion has always done this--used local people as "colorful" props when they go on shoots abroad. People aren't props. Makes me feel not so good about supporting Free People.
Posted by carla on April 16, 2007 7:40 PM
Hi Carla. I can assure you we do not view people as props. They didn't go into the location looking for local people. The girl happened to be interested in the shoot, and our team thought the girl would enjoy being in the photo. It wasn't just a photo opportunity. I hope this photo does not tarnish your perception of a company that truly values people.
Posted by fpgirl on April 17, 2007 9:16 AM
Thanks, fpgirl. It certainly seems as though this is a company that does, which is why I was surprised by the image. I study photographs so believe me, there is a loooooong history of this kind of representation born of less-than-respectful intentions.
Posted by carla on April 17, 2007 7:19 PM
What is the name of the model on the right? She is beautiful!
Posted by R. on April 19, 2007 9:16 AM
I agree..Who is she/where is she from? She is absolutely gorgeous..(i have my money on persian ;) )
Posted by M on April 25, 2007 12:34 AM
Incidentally, did her mother sign a model release?
Was she paid as a professional model would be for the shoot?
Gotta agree with Carla on this one. The image seems a little neo-colonial to me. (Shudder)
Posted by Genie X on May 1, 2007 8:40 PM
I also would like to know the name of the model on the right! :)
She is so striking.
:)
Posted by Denise on March 17, 2008 6:21 PM