Smoking Hot Photography
Cigarettes are one of the most iconic "props" in photography and film. We all know why it was so prevalent in the media. As I was growing up through the 90's I would watch old 70s and 80s films with my parents, and everyone from that era smoked.
It was an addictive product worth billions and subliminal messaging became an all time high. Just as you could count on Coke or Pepsi to make a cameo you could always count on a character never going a NY minute without taking a puff.
Because of that, the 3 inches of rolled white paper has become one of the most widely used props in all of media and I don't think I could truly call myself a photographer unless I teamed up with Model Elizabeth TenWolde and took some of my own "smoking photos."
Model: Elizabeth TenWolde Photographed by Bryan Wark, Binghamton NY
Setting The Scene
Elizabeth and I had been planning this photoshoot for weeks. We both wanted to bring back the smoking trend of the 70s and 80s, but with a modern twist. She was wearing black with ripped denim jeans and black hat as I shot her in front of my camera leaning on a simple bar stool in my quiet blacked out studio.
She was a natural, after taking that first puff, Elizabeth's persona shifted. The confidence in her eyes changed to power as she took each drag like it was second nature to her. Her movements were precise and graceful; there wasn’t one wrong move or pose throughout our entire shoot! With each snap I captured, I knew we would create something iconic together—something that would show off just how powerful cigarettes can be when used right (not necessarily in terms of health benefits).
Model: Elizabeth TenWolde Photographed by Bryan Wark, Binghamton NY
Sexy & Bold
Cigarettes have long been a part of portrait photography, as they have become an iconic symbol of power and sexiness. Smoking is seen as a way to escape from the everyday pressures of life and take on a certain level of control and independence. The ritualistic act of smoking can be viewed as cathartic, allowing us to tap into that sense of power within ourselves. Additionally, the smoke emanating from the cigarette can create an air of mystery and sophistication, while highlighting our physical features in portrait shots.
For many people - particularly women - smoking has become associated with independent courage; it is a powerful statement that speaks to our strength even under pressure. They provoke feelings of rebellion against society's norms; by puffing away on them defiantly we feel more fearless and daring than ever before. It makes us feel sexy, confident and carefree - like nothing can bring us down.
Model: Elizabeth TenWolde Photographed by Bryan Wark, Binghamton NY
Cigarettes & Portrait Photography
Cigarettes are still very much part of portrait photography today – even if those trying out this trend worry about what their peers or parents say about it – because they add so much to any image: romance, glamour, attitude. All with just one small prop!
Smoking portrait photos give us a glimpse into our subject’s inner world, showing the confidence and intensity of their character. It can be used to convey anything from deep sorrow to intense joy; it all depends on how you use the smoke in your portrait setting and what kind of message you want to portray.
Model: Elizabeth TenWolde Photographed by Bryan Wark, Binghamton NY
Bringing Back Smoking Hot Photography
Although smoking is now widely frowned upon in modern society, it can still add a whole new level of intrigue and mystery to portrait photography. As modelled by Elizabeth, smoking depict sex appeal, sophistication, and an air of rebellion against convention. It also symbolizes independence and an attempt to break away from the everyday pressures of life.
By adding a cigarette into our shoot, we tapped into that sense of power and freedom. The smoke emanating from her cigarette creating a mysterious ambiance; highlight her physical features while also creating a certain level of mystery and drama.
So why not give cigarettes a shot in your next photoshoot? The possibilities are truly endless! Whether you’re looking for a sexy portrait or an edgy shot, cigarettes can help you bring your portraits to life. After all, portrait photography is all about capturing the essence of a person - and what better way to do that than with an iconic symbol of power and sexiness? So go ahead – shoot!
Remember, smoking can be dangerous to your health and those around you. Be responsible.
