fancy snaps /// The blog of San Francisco Photographer Sarah Jehan

Fashion Friday: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012

2012-01-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012. I wouldn't be a fashion photographer if I didn't have a thing for fashion, but it's unusual for me to post fashion photos that don't have a bit more "photo" to them if you know what I mean. I love how sleek and polished all of the looks are, but all mixed with varying degrees of sporty with a pinch of play. Well done, 3.1. Well done.

a'fresh

2012-01-10T17:48:00.001-08:00

Model: Emmalee with JE, MU and Hair: De Linda Artistry, Photo/concept: Me. No editing on photo on the right.

Feels like it's going to be a good year.

Break the Rules to Make the Rules

2012-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Model: Emmalee with JE Model, MU and Hair by De Linda Artistry, Concept and photo by me

Some people may think these photos are improperly lit, but I say to hell with the rules. I am the artist, and I will make my own. The truth is, when it comes to art, you only learn the rules so that you can properly break them afterwards. This isn't a chem lab.

I was stoked that my makeup artist and model were so on board with the idea even as we looked over our photos at the end of the shoot. I love the way they came out - in my head there's something a little alluringly dark about them. Part two of the shoot is coming soon...Katie and Nikki, if you guys are reading this, don't worry, there are plenty of more normal, lovely headshots of Emmalee that I will be posting and sending to you :)

Preview: Emmalee

2012-01-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting the lovely Emmalee with JE Model. It's hard to believe she is my first JE model since shooting Bryce back in August! Emmalee was a breath of fresh air - extremely easy to work with and overall just a sweet girl. My right hand woman Michelle did the makeup and hair, of course. There were two segments to this shoot. First, some interesting shadow play, and then this more acceptable beauty session. I'm equally excited to show you both. Coming soon to this blog!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T23:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, kiddos!
I hope you all had a memorable and safe New Year's Eve evening. I know I sure did watching Santogold and Beats Antqiue! It was as awesome as this, plus live belly dancers:

Musical Inspiration: Let it Die

2011-12-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

Andre

2011-12-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

One shot from my shoot with Andre. I really like the sense of vulnerability in this photo.

Musical Inspiration: Cigarettes

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

Courtney Love Gets Evicted, but First Does House Tour

2011-12-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know I have a serious obsession with Kurt Cobain and anything to do with him including but not limited to (1) the grunge movement (and again) (2) his daughter (3) even his wife, Courtney Love. I even went to his house when I went to Seattle. I guess I should make a blog tag or something to get it all together. Cobainism? Nirvana? I don't care that, sometimes, it's hard for me to relate my love for Cobain to photography.

Anyway, the point is, apparently Courtney Love is being evicted from her $27,000-a-month West Village Townhouse in New York. The funny thing is, as Oyster Magazine pointed out, it's not for throwing a ridiculous party and wrecking the place. On the contrary, Love is being evicted for home decorating - she painted and applied wallpaper to the walls without asking her landlord permission. I guess there is more than one way to break the rules, huh? However, we also have the comfort of knowing that she is apparently also being evicted for owing over 40k in unpaid rent and accidentally setting fire to the bedroom. Oyster Magazine said that it would take 12 weeks and $100,000 to reverse the damage. Ouch.

So what does the wife of grunge frontman Kurt Cobain do? She gives xoJane.com a house tour. It's amusing to me that the lady of grunge has developed a knack for home decoration and a penchant for antiques. Why, I would go as far as saying that the house looks lovely, in like a weird tacky flea market chic kind of way (the only way to decorate, in my books). The occasional Kurt Cobain image doesn't hurt it either. Sigh.

On a note actually related to photography, how awesome would this place be as a shoot location?

And the before images...

Personally, I kind of love it. She said that one room was a "prayer room," but with all the creepy dolls, sculptures, and candles, I'd say that the whole thing looks like some sort of alter-kitschy-prayer room. If anything, you can say it reflects her personality.

Source: Oyster Magazine

The Years in Review

2011-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure exactly what came over me, but today I decided to look at my past blog posts and I came to the realization that - well, I've been doing this for a long time! It's crazy to look back and see how far you've come and how much trekking you still have ahead of you. It's daunting and exciting at the same time, no?

I started shooting in July 2007 with my best friend. She had borrowed her sister's 35mm Canon Rebel and had a few rolls of fill. I was working at as an intern at a local newspaper at that time, and when she called me and told me to meet me at her house after work for a "photo adventure," I agreed with zero reluctance. I hadn't really thought of this "photo adventure" concept, but what happened was this: We dressed in duds we had recently found at a thrift store (see thrift store adventure) and went to a grassy hill with the single camera and a few rolls of film. We ran across a busy street onto the hill, passing the clear "no trespassing" sign on our way.

We looked like country folk - her in some riding boots, a crochet dress and a hat, and me in a button up in a blue vest. We passed the camera between each other, each posing as the other one's models. It was fun! And it was amazing how quickly each of us found a new shot for the other. We kept this up for a little while before we started dabbling in street photography, and then coming back to fashion. We arranged our first shoot with actual models right before I left for a year long trip to Egypt. I had got a taste and I loved it...but I had to go.

As for this blog,I started it in February 2008. At this time, I was living in Egypt studying Arabic and working as a news journalist. I knew that I loved photography and with no subjects to photograph, I decided to start this blog to at least have an outlet to talk about it. I had hung images in my room that I found inspiring and took photos of them, and then I posted them on this blog and talked about why I liked them. I finally got a digital camera and started shooting self-portraits since no one else was around...I wanted to shoot people so badly! As soon as I arrived back in the states, I started arranging shoots and working again.

Even with bouts of silence, somehow I managed to keep this blog up for almost four years now. Wow!

That said, It's going to be around for a lot longer. I love photography and fashion, and I know there is always room for improvement, always room to grow, and always more to shoot. It's amazing to see how much work has and hasn't changed in the last couple years. I guess I can say I have a style! I have to say I am glad I decided to back away from the crazy retro edits!

Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Here's to an awesome 2012.

2007:

2008:

2009:

2010:

2011:

Sharlene

2011-12-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I never posted this photo of Sharlene with City I took back in August or so. It was just a simple afternoon in the street in front of my house, duds from Urban, Sunglasses stolen from my older brother. It's one of those photos I happened upon after this long and realized I really like it.

Weekend Instagramage: Nature Time With Sarah Jehan

2011-12-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my mother's birthday, and she gets no greater joy than going to parks and generally discovering the sites of California. This time, I made sure to bring my 35mm Holga, but conditions were dark and again my iPhone and Instagram proved to be handy. I think my favorite picture is the second from the top, my brother and my sister-in-law walking ahead. Promise to upload some real photos soonish...

Also, one inspiring song right now. It's been so long since I listened to Johnathan Rice. I totally forgot what a beautiful man he is, both in body and soul. I miss him pre-hipsterdom.

Daphne Groeneveld by Peter Lindbergh for Numéro #126

2011-11-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

Daphne Groeneveld by Peter Lindbergh for Numéro #126, photographed alongside french actor Pascal Greggory. Via Fashion Gone Rogue.

Instagramage

2011-11-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have discovered instagram and I love it. Insofar, I have decided to keep all photos black and white. Today I went to a regional park with my parents, and much to my dismay I forgot my film camera. When it comes to landscape, film is paramount - the texture, the depth, the emotion. But I have an iphone now so I decided to roll with it.

Jay-Jay-Jayinee

2011-11-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

I reunited with my friend Jayinee and her boyfriend Charles for a quick shoot a little bit before I left for Seattle a few weeks ago. The sun went down quickly and there wasn't a whole lot I could do but snap away. Photos are a'comin, but here's one of the last photos of the evening. Jayinee was obviously looking at her boyfriend :)

Bryce

2011-11-17T23:17:00.000-08:00

Images from my last shoot with Bryce Jamison with JE from back in August. Styled by Ashley Abtahie, the inspiration was John Varvatos. We ended the shoot with a very hardy burger meal at a random dinner near half moon bay with a big rusty dinosaur in front of it.

Alwyn

2011-11-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

I had an epic, awesome shoot last Sunday with model Alwyn from Stars Model Management, styling thanks to Paula Renee, and makeup by De Lina Artistry. This image was literally the first image from the shoot, and I kind of love it. It's not even the best. Just wait until you see the rest...The editorial will be in Bambi Magazine in a few weeks and to my knowledge it's called First Rite.

In Front of the Lens

2011-10-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

So this was interesting - for the first time since my best friend tried her hand at photography, I was asked to be in front of the lens. I happened to meet photographer Chloe Aftel at Cheeseboard back in July and she asked to photograph me. It took two months for the card to move from my wallet to my desk, but when it finally did I recognized her work and of course, had to e-mail her. Anyway, this is the first photo from it. It's pretty gnarly, right?

endless nameless

2011-10-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being so MIA lately. October has been a crazy, crazy month for me, topped off with a trip to Seattle next weekend to celebrate Halloweekend with my friends Sacha, Matt, Bryan, Kyle and Kyle. I'm sure there will be many photos to show. Otherwise, here's some music I find inspiring right now.

Kelly Rose

2011-10-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Images from last Saturday's shoot with Kelly Rose from Stars Model Management, MU and hair by De Linda Artistry, and photography and styling by mememememe.

Behind the Scenes with Kelly Rose

2011-10-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

I had a brief shoot with fresh face Kelly Rose from Stars Model Management today. After shooting what seemed to be the same three models over and over again for the last few months, it was a breathe of fresh air. This was Kelly's third shoot, and I love her unique and beautiful face. Do you see those freckles? Easy going and easy to work with, we finished four changes in addition to makeup in just three hours. You know what else was neat about today's shoot? I styled all of it. With my main stylist, Ashley, gone to seek a new life in NYC (I miss you, Ash!), I am trying to build some new connections, but also take a better hold of styling myself. Joe always told me not to become dependent on a stylist. A few pieces came from my own clothes, but otherwise most pieces came from Crossroads Trading in Berkeley. Photos are coming soon!

MU by De Linda Artistry.

Coney Island Through a Plastic Lens

2011-10-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

I've been slightly obsessed with Coney Island since my American History class back in junior year of college. Popular from the mid-1800s to just before World War II...Coney Island may be a neglected and slightly creepy amusement park now, but it used to be a destination point and vacation spot for all New Yorker due to the fact that it was just the right distance away - not too close, not too far. It may look dingy in these photos, but the area used to be a major resort, a place where people of all classes could find something fun to do in the summer. I kind of wish I had been there to see it in its glory days...but a quiet Saturday morning before opening works too.

Cailin Hill by Jeff Bark

2011-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Via Fashion Gone Rogue...Cailin Hill by Jeff Bark for Bullet

Central Park Through a Plastic Lens

2011-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Walking through Central Park was probably my second favorite part of my NYC trip. Totally my accident I ended up doing it twice in one day, first by myself in the morning and then again with my friend Eyad in the evening. It was beautiful both times, but of course I enjoyed it a little bit more with a friend.

Lincoln Center

2011-09-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

So here they are, ladies and gents, all three photos I took at fashion week. Late? Yes. I had some difficulty getting this roll of film developed which put me back a few weeks. I wish I had taken more photos and got them developed faster...but let me tell you: The space outside Lincoln Center is pure, absolute madness.

Oh, oh! Also crazy story! A year or so ago I became familiar with the online store Filthy Magic through the store's account on Model Mayhem. I loved the styling and wished the person behind it was nearer, and I also wanted some shoes from it, which didn't end up working out. In the aftermath of my trip, I realized Ria, who I met at Lucky FABB and then ran into in front of Lincoln Center, is the owner. Total weirdness.

Christine, Sabla, and Ria

I don't know who this dude was but I'm diggin' the hair-matching-shoes look. Swag.

Okay, so this was the funniest occurrence to me. These two models walk outside of Lincoln Center and one photog gets them to start posing with the reflector. Then all the photographers there...no really, all of them, start photographing her too. Notice the typical "model face" that the girl is giving them. Obviously she's a model, right? The funny thing #1 is that somewhere in the middle the original photog asked her name (it was Gabriel), meaning beforehand he didn't know who she was #2 I wouldn't event request this girl if I saw her on one of my agency websites. Yawn boring #3 We're a funny breed and industry aren't we?

Sometimes In the Evening

2011-09-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

My housemate Suk-Ann playing guitar in the evening.

More Stuff Sarah Likes

2011-09-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

Yummy inspiration

Only You, All Mine

2011-09-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

FABB

2011-09-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

Spent last week in New York. As my first trip ever to the big apple, I have to admit it was pretty substantial in size. I spent a lot of time getting lost even though I have the wonderful HopSpot in my pocket. I had the chance to go to the Lucky Magazine FABB conference, and I also did some site-seeing. You won't believe how lovely Coney Island is in the morning before anyone is really there (photos shortly). I also went to the Lincoln Center and briefly mingled with Fashion week. The style bloggers pretty much attacked me, which was awesome. Until next time, NY. Luff you. You'll see me again soon.

Behind the Scenes with Bryce

2011-09-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

A few behind the scenes shots with my favorite stylist Ashley and model Bryce Jamison with JE. Bryce always looks so graceful when he is in the process of putting his hair into a ponytail haha.

Did I mention I'm off to NY on Tuesday?

Come As You Are

2011-08-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

From my grunge shoot back in January with Brianna from Look SF, MU and Hair by Jennifer Pons, styling by the amazing Ashley Abtahie. Grunge is glorious.

Annabelle

2011-08-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

A few shots of my shoot back in early June with Annabelle with Ford. MU was by De Linda Artistry, styling and photography by yours truly ;)

Too Far

2011-08-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

The digital images from my shoot last week.

Model: Sharlene (City)
Photography and styling: Sarah Jehan

Remember to Let Go

2011-08-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Pale Blue Eyes

2011-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

:)

2011-08-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to shoot some musicians for the first time in my life, which was pretty exciting for me. Oliver, a model with Ford who I have shot before, also is the CEO of a record label called Our House Records. When he asked me to do this, obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. Photos soon, but in the meantime, here's a little shot of one of Austin's tattoos.

Nobody's Right if Everybody's Wrong

2011-08-18T21:43:00.001-07:00

A song that's currently inspiring me...

Sharlene

2011-08-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Preview from today's shoot with Sharlene (City)

How to Heal

2011-08-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Model Jayinee
No MU
Photography Sarah Jehan

Frances Bean Cobain is 19 years old

2011-08-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Frances Bean Cobain by Hedi Slimane

.

2011-08-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Jillian

2011-08-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Model Jillian (Stars)

MU and hair by Jennifer Pons

Photography Sarah Jehan

Over

2011-08-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

Model Jillian (Stars)
MU and hair by Jennifer Pons
Photography Sarah Jehan (obviously!)

Hair Did

2011-08-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Jillian (stars) getting fixed up by Jennifer, pre-shoot.

Creepin' In my Creepers

2011-08-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

High fashion creepers? Dream come true.

musical inspiration #2

2011-08-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

doll mouth, doll heart

2011-08-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

model Jayinee

photography Sarah Jehan

Stuff Sarah Likes

2011-08-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Clothing I wish I had, photos I wish I took...and other stuff I like. Yum-my.

Alley Cats

2011-07-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

My shoot from May with Oliver, Micah, Jayce and Gabe (all Ford SF) has been published in the Chaos Magazine Daily Dose for July 28th.

Styling: Ashley Abtahie
MU: Jennifer Pons
Hair: Sonja Eckre

Thanks, guys!

Bryce

2011-07-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

A few photos from a quick shoot back in June with Bryce (JE), MU and hair by Jennifer Pons. I love that Dali shirt he's wearing (it was his!). As seen on the Fashionisto.

jayinee...

2011-07-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Pink Monster of the Night

2011-07-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Page Ruth yesterday.

Silly Models

2011-07-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

My three muses (Page Ruth, Alexandra Abercrombie, Bryce Jamison) being silly.

musical inspiration #1

2011-07-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

venice beach

2011-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

One of my LA shoots from my trip in April...

Model Ashlyn (Vision LA)
MU Noel Nichols
Hair Luis Payne
Styling Rodellee
Photography Sarah Jehan

lights

2011-07-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

the beach

2011-07-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Took a little trip to Moss Beach, California

lithium

2011-07-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

I love that my ipod shuffle knows how to group all my grunge music together.

American Spirit

2011-07-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I had a new spread with Page Ruth (Look) and Liam (JE) published in C-Heads Magazine. It was styled by Arianna and makeup and hair was by Nikol. Check it out! It starts here on page 144.

The Land of Sarah

2011-07-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

So lots of pretty freakin' cool things have been happening in the land of Sarah as of late. So friggin' cool I haven't even had time to blog about it. One was the fact that I've moved on over to Berkeley for work reasons, and one of the many cool things about that is being closer to a bunch of my photographer and model friends. That said, me and little Page have been shooting on random days of the week just because we live so close to each other now. This here shoot was done a few weeks ago at about 5:30 (clothing thanks to Crossroads Trading). I've had the chance to hang out with my photog-friend William and one of my models even dropped by my house for some ice cream the other day. Location, location, location. All about location.

I've been laying off shooting too much lately as a bunch of personal occurrences have put me behind in my editing. I'm almost there though! One more shoot to edit and I'll be back on track. Not that it matters...I'm shooting Page again on Monday and my gorgeous friend, Jayinee, on Thursday.

I'm Famous

2011-07-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm totally honored to have been featured on both Elle.com and Refinery29.com for my Pitchfork street style! Oddly enough, my favorite outfit was my second, which didn't make the cut for Elle.com even though I was photographed for it. Not complaining! Check out the roundup blog post I did (almost all photos by me), as well as some street style!

Page

2011-06-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Some shots from yesterday with Page (Look). The shoot became an ice cream run which became dinner which became the night. Love this girl!

Models Off Duty

2011-06-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago (the day after the end of the world, to be precise), I had the pleasure of shooting four Ford models in an unreleased shoot with inspiration from the Outsiders, Interpol, and James Dean. Needless to say, they were feelin' it. While I am pushing for publication, enjoy these behind the scenes pictures. It was unlike any shoot I've ever done before because, well, boys will be boys.

Thanks to Ashley Abtahie for styling, Jennifer Pons for makeup, and Sonja Eckre for hair!

Music + Pictures

2011-05-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm obsessed with pairing my photos with music they remind me of, or with the music that inspired the photo in some cases.

A few of these pictures are from my LA trip at the beginning of April. I didn't take a whole lot of photos of my friends, but these are just a few of a day spent wandering around Echo Park. It's amazing how quickly life becomes memory, isn't it? Photos are the preservation of moments.

The New Face of New Faces

2011-04-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

As seen on the Fashionisto, these images are from a shoot I did a few weeks ago. Signed with JE at the young age of JE, I think anyone who sees Bryce Jamison's face knows he is going places. His look is as unique as it is high fashion. As a person, he's very personable, interesting, intelligent, and enjoys reading in writing. While these may not seem important, as I have been shooting for the last couple years, I have come to know that a model's looks don't mean much if the rest of the team can't seem to vibe with him - it shows in the photos. Fortunately, this wasn't a problem. We weren't able to get a makeup artist on the shoot so Bryce was shot all natural (honestly, he didn't really need it), and the team got along really well. Basically, I can't wait to shoot this kid again. This shoot was styled by Paula Renee.

Little Alex In Zooey

2011-03-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Little Alex (aka Alexandra Abercrombie NEXT LA/LOOK SF) holding our spread in Zooey Magazine at B&N :)

This is No Sienna Miller

2011-03-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Via FashionGoneRogue

I'm a sucker for Jason Lee Parry's work. I mean the guy even has his own tag on my blog, because I have blogged about him before and knew I would again. I find this editorial for No Magazine #13 to be slightly more dark than his usual work, which is usually very, very California. I'm a little shocked that there is not toplessness, or bottomlessness for that matter, which is very un-Jason Lee Parry-esque if you do a quick search for his work. Personally, I haven't seen much from Parry since his incredible editorial for Tokion Magazine (which is now Factory Magazine, btw!) The spread still has several distinctly Lee Parry marks though - seemingly effortlessly beautiful photography, a distinct taste of hip, and a model with a I'm-hot-fuck-you attitude. Parry's style is to photography as Kate Moss is to stylish dressing - it seems to be something that just sort of happens rather than something planned to the last inch. And that makes it more perfect and intriguing than any outfit Sienna Miller ever planned.

P.S. In case you haven't noticed, I hate Sienna Miller. I realize this is understood also totally unrelated.

P.P.S. I also hate Cory Kennedy

Alexandra Abercrombie + Joseph Tran

2011-03-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

I've blogged about my current favorite model Alexandra Abercrombie (Look SF/Next LA) and favorite photographer/mentor/friend Joseph Tran before. They're both special and killer at what they do. I met Alex late last year and have shot with her a couple times. She's stunning in person and in photos, but what really stands out to me, far beyond those big blue eyes, is her overwhelming enthusiasm for what she does, to succeed, and overall, just being a very personable model. Really, she's extremely cool, driven and open to communication while shooting (on both sides). I really haven't met a model before quite like Alex. I'm certain she's going to go far and I am so excited for her future!

I found Joe (or he found me?) randomly on Model Mayhem some years ago. The technical side of his photography as well as his post-processing, are both beautiful. But the main thing that stand's out in Joesph's work, in my opinion, is the way he is able to connect with the models. You can really tell in photos when a model is uncomfortable or not feeling the photographer, even if she's trying her best to get her model on. Joe is able to bring the best out of the model by bringing her personality out, every time. Really, it's part of his style. As I keep growing in my photography (and Joe keeps answering my incessant questions) I'm hoping to be able to do this more and more, and I think I'm getting somewhere with it.

The photos above are the latest collaboration between Alex and Joe, while the photos below are the first. Both sets are beautiful but I'm particularly loving the photos above because I think they perfectly depict how Alex has grown as a model. Alex, it's your time to shine.

The Girl that Glitters

2011-03-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

A little over a week ago, a much talked about shoot with Ms. Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style finally came to be, a shoot for the upcoming Glitter Guide. Taylor and I spent a couple weeks talking about the shoot, and she had endless amounts of cute inspirational photos, her favorite being a particular Kate Spade ad. I felt like I understood her idea quite well. My girl Michelle of De Linda Artistry did makeup as we pretty outside of the Bookshop in Hayward (yes that's it's name - big thanks to the owner, Carl!). Michelle and I loved working with Taylor - she's incredibly sweet, stylish, and down to earth. As a model, she was really easy to work with and took direction really well! Of course, I am working on editing the photos Taylor needs and look forward to seeing them on the Glitter Guide!

Boyz and Girlz

2011-03-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

A few more preview images from my shoot with Ms. Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style for the Glitter Guide. There is more coming when the Glitter Guide is finally turned on, so stay tuned! Thanks again to De Linda Artistry for makeup and the Hayward Bookshop for allowing us to use their lovely bookstore!

A few images from my test shoot with Liam JE a few weeks. It may look sunny but it was gloomy, gray and cold. What a trooper!

Words cannot describe how goofy my makeup artist Michelle is, and it certainly doesn't show in this photo. Michelle was trying to be, as she calls it, "Serious Model!" She did pretty well, do you think? This one was my favorite from our film roll.

Dreaming in Shades of Pink

2011-03-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

Via Style.com

Via the Skinny

Urban Outfitters March 2011 catalog

Valentino

I'd like to say it all started with Charlotte Free, the 18-year-old 5'7" new comer who had everyone at fashion week whispering, "Who is that girl?" Discovered late last year in a Souther California arcade, Charlotte Free has reached the pinnacle of the fashion world, already signed with IMG despite her height and with less than a year's experience of modeling. However, while no one can deny that she is beautiful, Free's defining feature is less about her and more about her head. A mix of Special Effects in Virgin Rose and Cupcake Pink and Manic Panic in Hot Hot Pink and Cotton Candy keeps Free's ombre looking quite, quite pink. But instead of this being troublesome, she actually walked Jeremy Scott, Charlotte Ronson, and Richard Chai in this past Fashion week. It's not a downfall, it's a downright fashion statement and who knows, maybe technicolor hair will be the next big thing.

That said, Free is not the first model to have hot pink hair...or at least isn't the first to be photographed with it. Pink hair models are a love of mine, something I mentioned weeks before Free's fashion week debut on the Thrifted Blog. Even my inbox was delighted to see that the new March 2011 catalog featured a model with some hot pink mixed into her hair. While they come in varying shades of pink, the fashion world is no stranger to technicolor models, though here's to hoping it becomes more acceptable as a permanent dye after Free's walk.

Giggles Under the Sun

2011-03-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

More from my shoot with Madeline last Sunday - these are mix of film and digital. I'm sure you can tell which are the film shots - those with more saturated colors, more texture, more depth (basically, the hat change). Both digital and film have their strong points and weak points I suppose. The shoot happened after much difficulty planning but I met up with Madeline and her mom in front of the park and MUA Aliya Qazi was nice enough to do the makeup, even though the shoot was planned so last minute. I wanted her to look soft and natural, but slightly doll-like. As we walked into the park, Madeline asked what words I'd use to describe the shoot. I guess these are the words I'd use to describe most of my shoots - young, natural and fun. She took the idea and ran with it I guess! It's always my goal to make the "fun" part of my shoots look natural. I usually do it but making the shoot actually fun (or by getting someone to tickle the model). Needless to say, I was overwhelmingly pleased when the agent at Ford called me this morning to tell me she loved the photos.

Madeline

2011-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Preview from my newest shoot with Madeline with Ford SF, makeup by Aliya Qazi, styling by me. Just a simple test shoot – I asked Madeline to have fun and be herself and I got a model literally jumping around! I can’t imagine anything better! It was just a brief portfolio builder, but with Ford, always a pleasure!

Wandering Star

2011-03-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

When my makeup artist Noel told me she was going to be visiting the Bay Area again around Christmas time, I knew I had to plan something around her trip. A killer makeup artist, Noel is as cool and she is talented, and her and my stylist-friend, Ashley, are pretty much twins. We settled on the day after Christmas. One of my newest muses, Alex A. with Look SF/Next LA, was on my too-shoot-with-(again) list and agreed to come back from her vacation early for the shoot. Alex has an unrivaled enthusiasm for modeling coupled with a can-do attitude and beautiful eyes. As a result, we’ve actually become friends and I hope to continue shooting her. As I said before, this girl is going to be big!

The changes went quickly, all pulled courtesy of Labels in Walnut Creek. We ended the day with a meal at Buffalo Bill’s, which is now the place we always eat at whenever we shoot in the area.

Naturally, I was thrilled when W25 Magazine picked up the spread. And yes, I named the spread after the song by Portishead. If you must know I named the "What's Golden" shoot after a song by Jurassic 5! Both great songs if you haven't heard them!

Behind the Scenes Stuff...

2011-02-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

My stylist, Ashley, and her rack that goes everywhere

Brianna getting fixed up, second look.

Ashley explaining the outfits to me...after the shoot was over

Making energy for the day's shoot

One of my favorite models, Alex (Look/Next) getting her make up done by the lovely Noel.

Alex looks through the day's outfits

Our perfect location

Alex getting fixed up by Ashley and we're good to go!

Right before our mandatory post-shoot dinner. Yum, nachos! Noel and Ashley, my lovely make up artist and Stylist

Shooting the What's Golden spread. On the left, assistant stylist Aleksa and right, Noel, my make up artist behind the brilliant pink lips

It was my first time shoot with Ashley (left), my fabulous stylist. Glad I found her! And Aleksa doubles as shoot comic relief

Fourth look, Ashley getting Nekole (City) ready

Last look - Noel Fixing up Nekole for our last look

From another unposted shoot, stylist Chesley and make up artist Janet fix up Ellen (City)

In case you didn't know, models eat! Snacking while changing hair

She was one of the cutest models I've ever worked with. It was a pleasure, Ellen!

I have a couple shoots right now that I've had to hold off on posting for now, but I just wanted to share some behind the scenes pictures so you guys know I haven't stopped shooting! I have some good stuff planned for 2011 and am looking forward to its surprises as well - I also just shot Taylor Sterling for the Glitter Guide so look out for that! I also have some great editorial ideas being planned out for March.

Michelle

2011-02-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

I spent the day with my friend Michelle today, clicking away between conversation. She usually does the make up for my models. Today we both had this artistic itch but we had no model...so Michelle did make up AND modeled. She's pretty good huh? We've been working together since May so we know each other pretty well - which allowed for some natural, fun portraits.

Taylor

2011-02-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

I did a brief test shoot with Taylor with Ford SF last Sunday, make up and hair by Aliya Qazi. I love how little time it takes to do men's make up. The shoot and make up just a little over an hour. It was part digital, part film, all fun. I wanted Taylor to look a little edgy, a little myterious, a little messy...but really he's just a nice high school kid who happens to be 6'1". Thanks again!

Jesus Don't Want Me For a Sunbeam

2011-02-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

Kurt Cobain's house

Hanging out in front of Kurt's house may he rest in peace...

It is said Courtney Love poured some of Kurt's ashes on this beach. It's now a memorial for him and people all over the world leave him notes, stickers and cigarettes. I sat on it and thought about him. Does that count?

Cigs for Kurt

Leaving Seattle for the day to explore an abandoned army bunker at Port Townscend...

My never before posted photos from my trip to Seattle last October. Talk about late...but then again I'm not sure how interested people are in my personal photos. I went to visit my good friends Sacha and Matt and met their friends Kyle and Byran (and we quickly became friends). It was my second time going to Seattle so there wasn't a lot of tourism needed. To be honest, I am a fairly low-maintenance guest. I just want to be somewhere new, experience that place and be with my friends. Space needles and fish markets don't interest me, just hanging with Sacha, Matt, Kyle and Bryan. To be fair I did a lot more with them but don't have photos of them. We went to the scariest haunted house I've ever been to in my life and saw a real life antique herst in a grocery store (as part of the halloween decorations). Most of the above photos are actually not from Seattle itself, but at Port Townscend, in a regional park there with a seriously creepy abandoned army bunker in it. The photos are all film, which means I wasn't able to get any photos in the bunker since it wasn't very well lit. My only tourist-y demand for Sacha was that i wanted to see Kurt Cobain's house as Nirvana is my favorite band. We went there and lounged on the nearby grass in Kurt's memory.

Hopefully, I will be going back to Seattle to visit Sacha, Matt, Kyle and Bryan within the coming months. Can't wait to make some new memories...

The Stars Align

2011-02-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Preview from a shoot back in December with three of my favorite people.

You may remember my extraordinary stylist Ashley and make up artist Noel from my What's Golden shoot. The day after Christmas, we got together and did it again, this time with the very beautiful Alex with Look/Next, one of my new favorite models. This is one of my favorites from the shoot...I love the soft blur around her hair and the angle. It's also one of Alex's least favorites haha. Funny how that happens. Anyway...hopefully, I can post this shoot for you guys soon.

Page and Deavon

2011-02-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Two tests last weekend with two girls I really like, both from the latest Modcloth campaign. Page Ruth (you might have caught her on Thrifted.net) and I got together for a night time editorial, but before that we did a quick, natural head shot session. I love her roundish face, dolly looks and platinum blond hair. Heart heart heart!

I also worked with the cutest little model, Deavon with JE, for a brief test – lovely girl, lovely eyes, and I love her teeth. I told her to be herself, and I got a smiley, giggly goofball.

I See France

2011-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Free people's newest catalog made me insanely jealous. I know that it's a cliche, but I'd die to do a fashion shoot with the Eiffel tower in the background and soft tones...

(Also added in a of my other favorite images set in France).

Abbey Lee Kershaw

2011-01-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Abbey Lee Kershaw is my new favorite model. I love those glass-like blue eyes, tousled hair, angular face...and the piercing leads me to like her attitude.

Family Matters

2011-01-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to do a shoot on December 27th, but it ended up falling through. Instead, I went with my family to Monterrey for the day and left the digital camera at home and opted for film. The results with remarkably refreshing...

At the end of 2010 I finished shoots with Alex from Look SF/NEXT LA, Page Ruth, and Ellen from City Models in SF. I meant to go out with the bang. I'm currently pedaling the photos of Alex to magazines and working on editing the other shoots. I'm also shooting with Brianna from Look this weekend. You may remember her from my minnie mouse shoot last year...

I spent this past weekend having lunch with one of my favorite models, Nikkie S. from Stars agency and shooting a different type of project...more on that soon.

Testing, Testing, 1, 2

2010-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

I think I mentioned some time ago that I've started testing with some new agencies. I'm super pleased to see my work on JE and Ford's Websites...and as the main images for the models!

Once More with Feeling

2010-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

After weeks of trying to plan various different shoots, I finally got a chance to shoot with two models I really liked. Alex at Look SF/Next LA might just be my new favorite model. And the same goes for Andrew with Ford SF in terms of male models. Both stellar, both beautiful, both a ball to work with. It rained as we shoot these photos and we kept shooting as long as we physically could before the rain became too much to handle. After less than 45 minutes of shooting, we called it a day and went out for some lunch at a local Thai spot. Make up was done by Padi Arvin. While I don't mean to talk up my own work, I must say I'm pretty pleased with how this set came out. See my facebook page or flickr for more photos.

In November I also tackled some brief tests with Leanna at JE and Aleksandra at Ford. I'm overwhelmingly pleased to be testing with these two agencies.

Overall, the last month has been quite difficult for shoots as it's been raining a lot and all of my locations are outdoor. Basically, I have to plan shoots and cross my fingers for good weather, which is very hard because there are so many parties involved who have to clear their plans for the day and a stylist that has to pull looks (at least five if we're trying to shoot an editorial). I'm hoping to start tackling from spring editorial spread so I am hoping the weather looks up - I know we need rain, but just for the days I am shooting haha. My stylist extraordinaire is moving to LA in just a little more than a month so I'm desperately trying to get as many shoots as I can with her until then...while also looking for a few new stylists who are as versatile as they are pleasant and dependable. If this is you, feel free to e-mail me, admin [at] sarahjehan.com.

Christmas for the Creepy

2010-11-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

via Vanity Girl

One of my friends recently called Halloween "Christmas for the creepy." Couldn't have put it better myself. Happy belated Halloween (again).

Fashion that'll Kick Your Ass

2010-11-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Images via Things in the Closet

Upon first viewing the first image from this spread from Vogue Paris, I thought it was pretty cool. As I kept looking, it soon became overkill. My feelings moved into annoyance and then I became slightly distraught. Vogue Paris, this is a fail. This spread is just stupid.

Happy Halloweekend

2010-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

My pre-school homies and I circa 1989 or so

Ahh. Halloween. It's pretty much my favorite holiday (though I usually say this about whichever holiday is coming up next). Scary stuffs, freaks in the streets, men wearing make up, babies dressed as skunks, and all these hair-dos that would typically be socially acceptable suddenly become cool. But just for one night.

While I usually prefer my shoots and own clothing to be a little more playful, I can recognize the appeal of black/scary shit. I want to be Amy Winehouse (assuming I go out for halloween tonight), and I want to share these scary photos with you guys.

In addition, I just wanted to wish my friend and killer stylist Lindsay of www.Thrifted.net a happy birthday. I already did via Twitter, Facebook, again on Facebook and in person but ya'knowwww!

I actually have been ridiculously neglectful of my blog. So much so I forgot to post my own images from my latest and first publication in the fall issue of C-Heads Magazine. To see it in its full glory, go to C-Heads and turn to page 46. The spread was five changes and is called "What's Golden."

This was my so-called dream team shoot - fabulous stylist Ashley Farnaz, amazing and cool make up artist Noel Nichols who was visiting from LA, and models Kyla Moran with Look and Nekole Kemelle with City. A hair stylist was supposed to do hair but he very strangely bailed the morning of - he has requested that his name not be mentioned here as a "defamation of his character." Very weird. Regardless, hair was a joint effort between Ashley and Noel. We ended up shooting as the sun went down so it probably worked out better - we would have been that much more late, and it would have put a damper on my dream team. This is my first couple shoot since my first shoot with real models back when I shot only film in 2007, so it was pretty exciting. I have worked with Nikki before so I was thrilled to have her on my team again as she as a fabulous model and recently started shooting for Thrifted.net. Kyla is absolutely stunning and was on my to-shoot list for a while. I was equally excited to have her on board and she also has recently started modeling for Thrifted.net, so watch out for her! Her eyebrows are incredible!

And a few unpublished outtakes I really like...

I have so much more to say about my trip to Seattle earlier this month, but I'll leave it for later. I had a few shoots this month but I've mostly been taking it easy - once in a while, a break to spend time with family and friends is required, otherwise you run the risk to burning out. It's nice to have a Saturday spent blogging while listening to classic Arabic music. I have a very busy November ahead of me. Until next time x

Rock Star Power Couple

2010-10-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I don’t care what anyone says. I love Pete Doherty and Kate Moss together. They were the epitome of a rock star couple – both young, hot, and too out there to care about what’s in…as well as what’s acceptable. Watching their facades was like watching a car spin out of control right before it crashes. It was like a movie played through in tabloids. It was a love that had its own 15 minutes of fame.

I want to do a shoot in this attitude. I want to capture the experience that was Pete Doherty and Kate Moss. Most of all I want to take a picture like the one here at the top…if only it could look as natural. I want my stylist to style clothing the way they rolled out of their beds.

Running Circles Around Myself

2010-08-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a text message from a close high school friend.

"My mom passed this morning."

To do list for the day:
-Buy Shampoo
-Buy birthday gift for ----
-E-mail ----
-Send shoot brief to ----
-Thread eye brows
-etc, etc, etc...

Sometimes, I get the feeling that I am running circles around myself. I keep myself so busy I hardly have the time to stop and look around, to hug my mom in the morning, to take a breather and relax, to just STOP. I think we're all like this to an extent. What are we so busy with that we don't have time to just not be busy, if only for an hour or two on a Sunday? And beyond that, how important is it? And beside that, how important is it to just stop and take a looksie and what's around you.

I slept through the text message since it was only 8 a.m., but what awoke me was a ring from what I presume to be a wrong number.

In life, there's no room to second guess your accomplishments but only to move forward to achieve more. In death, of course, none of that even matters. I'm not saying that you shouldn't move forward with your goals in life, I'm just saying that when you're on your deathbed and once you have passed, how much money you accumulated, how much fun you had, how many countries you've visited - these things won't matter to you anymore. What I do think matters is how good a person you have been. I don't think I've written this on my blog before, but I am Muslim. I believe in God and afterlife, and I believe that how good of a person you are and what you did to help others are the only things they echo to eternity. Not even my photos will last that long.

I try not to speak to much about my personal life in this blog. It is supposed to be for professional purposes only. I just felt that if there was ever a time to let you guys know about my personal life, this is it. I'm writing this for me, but I'm also writing it for you.

I want to live life to the fullest. I want to experience and know. I want to meet and see. I want to laugh and smell. I want to keep going, to push things forward. I want to life and feel that I've done everything that I've wanted to do - that I've lead a life that, throughout it, I've felt so starkly ALIVE. But I also want to feel like I've helped someone, like I did something of worth that serves someone beyond myself. I want to buy sandwiches for homeless people and spend Saturday morning crying with a friend on the phone - because once I'm dead, how alive I felt won't matter anymore.

Running circles around myself - this is how much life for the last year or so has looked. Today, I held my mom and dad really tight and told them both I loved them. I'm still going to finish my to-do list, but I think I'll also take them out for a walk around a lake, and I'll add visiting a particular friend to the schedule for the weekend, even though she told me she didn't need it.

Take Your Camera Everywhere

2010-08-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Outside Bay Street Coffee, we sat on the curb in the dark and thought about what was, what is and what will. She sipped a French soda and I had a latte. A million places, a million faces passed us by from the Middle East to Paris to Downtown San Jose. We wonder how this could be when we are still so young. The light shown behind my sister like a halo glimmering around her face and back. I stopped taking my camera everywhere a while ago because it was too heavy and was hurting my back, but tonight I was glad I thought of throwing it so haphazardly in my bag.

Outside of Your Skin

2010-08-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Finally some photos from last week's shoot with Alexa H. from Look Model agency. Alexa rocked the look while her cutie mom blasted whatever we wanted to her from her car stereo - all in all, we had a wonderful time. And a special treat, some behind the scenes pics:

Dream Become Reality

2010-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

My shoots are fun. That's why I shoot - because shooting is fucking fun. The team had an absolute blast yesterday. Michelle of De Linda Artistry did hair and make up and www.thrifted.net provided wardrobe and styling. The model was Alexandra H. from Look Model Agency, a model I've been wanting to work with for a fairly long time. It was nice to see the dream become reality - the shoot itself was planned in maybe as far back in February, but we just were never able to shoot it for multiple reasons.

Alexa is best friends with Selin, who I have shot with a couple times and adore. Our shoot involved a telephone prop yesterday and Alexa kept yelling into it imitating Selin fighting with her boyfriend and then her boyfriend's response. Hilarious! We ended up shooting as the sun went down. By the time we wrapped up the shoot it was 9 pm - I ended the evening with Chipotle and I came home exhausted, wishing I had a hot tub in my house. Photos from this shoot will come shortly.

In addition, I completely forgot to blog this, but I recently did an interview with C-Heads Magazine. Christine from C-Heads is totally sweet and it came out pretty well. I was so flattered by the things she said about me too. Take a second and check it out.

Like Arabian Day...

2010-08-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

When I got the latest Free People catalog in the mail, it sparked a whole new trend for me. The photos are beautiful – amazing light, amazing models, and the cutest camel that must exist in the country (have you seen a camel before? They’re rank!). I love the sand dunes, the layers and layers of clothing, the textures, the messy hair, the patterns, the jewelry. In fact I find the fifth outfit to simply be perfection. I’d wear it.

Other images are from Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and one image from the Bantu Swim line look book.

Maria, Maria

2010-08-11T23:56:00.000-07:00

Finally some photos from my last shoot with Maria. Maria lives about 5 minutes from my house, so we planned a mini shoot in just a few days. I picked her up and we shot on a Sunday morning in front of her high school. I pulled clothing from some things I had just sitting around in my closet (as well as a denim jacket that just happened to be in my car. The results were a lot of fun and a lot of great pictures. We were playing Crystal Castles from my iPod player while we snapped away. Hopefully you'll all be seeing more more Maria on this blog very soon.

The Cat's Pajamas

2010-08-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

via Bear Ca LA

I love this photo spread from Vogue Nippon of Devon Aoki (You may remember her from Fast and the Furious). I personally remember her from when she was featured in Ellegirl:

I decided at the time I did not like her or her face. But with this spread, I'm feeling inspired, and you know, I actually like her face. It's amazing how she looks like a giant when she's only 5'5". I love seeing little models making it.

This spread is the kind of series that makes me wish I had been the one behind the camera. Oh well, there will be other days.

The Littlest Super Model

2010-08-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

About a week ago I did a shoot with the littlest, superest model. I highlight her height because Maria is actually the smallest model I have ever worked with - but her height holds little importance next to her beautiful features, bubbly personality, modeling talent and drive to succeed. There aren't quite so many high school students I admire as much as this little-engine-that-can.

In addition, we did another shoot just a few days ago. I can't wait to show you guys.

The Soft Pack

2010-07-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Lately, I'm really into softish stuffs packed with emotional and sometimes almost candid facial expressions. I want to capture this. And I'm also loving the black and white. Soon, my childrens.

Roots

2010-07-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

I've been missing my film roots a whole lot lately - so when I saw an unopened 1980s film point and shoot, a Kodak s900, I knew I had to buy it. I mean, it just looks so funny with its two lenses. The photos are everything I imagined them to be, meaning a little bit grainy, a little bit overexposed, a little bit weird.

She Was An Americana Girl

2010-07-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Photos of my favorite model, Nikkie S., in an Americana styled photoshoot - shot on the fourth of July. Can the situ be more perfect?? Haha, and how cute is her dog!