Stephanie Swanbeck | pre-rafaelite muse

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“I may be a princess, but don’t call me quaint.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“Look, here she comes now. Bow down and stare in wonder. Oh how we love you. No flaws when you’re pretending.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“She’s cool and she’s cruel, but she knows what she’s doing.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion. Like how a single word can make a heart open. I might have only one match, but I can make an explosion.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“Blurring and stirring the truth and the lies. So I don’t know what’s real and what’s not. Always confusing the thoughts in my head so I can’t trust myself anymore.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“I bore myself. I bore others. But, most importantly, we bore each other. I never wanted to be princess and I don’t want to be queen. Should I relinquish my title and find a new dream?” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“I don’t know what I want, so don’t ask me ‘cause I’m still trying to figure it out. Don’t know what’s down this road - I’m just walking.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“I’m alone, on my own and that’s all I know. I’ll be strong. I’ll be wrong. Oh, but life goes on.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“She can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“Good vs Evil - Which will she choose?” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“Decision made. Why rule one country when you can rule the world?” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

Pre-Rafaelite Photo Shoot by Oralia Creative Photography in Silicon Valley | Model: Stephanie Swanbeck | Photographer: Amanda Quintana-Bowles

“And so it begins.” - narrative by Stephanie Swanbeck

"Amanda was prepared for anything, whether it be a costume malfunction or a last minute theme change. It really helped our photoshoot go smoothly. Amanda is prepared, professional, and easy to work with!" - Stephanie Swanbeck • model

 

the session

Ever since I was young, I have been in love with artwork from Pre-Rafaelite masters. I respect the richness of the colors, the usage of light, the narrative and the little details that capture the imagination. 

I approached Stephanie Swanbeck, a San Francisco based model, for a collaborative session. I really wanted to try out some editing techniques and work at an beautiful outdoor setting near me at golden hour. She readily agreed, and we did a back and forth with ideas and mood boards.

When the day arrived, I had been going through more of my moving boxes and found my box of brand new tiaras! I pulled a couple to take with me, along with faux flowers, silver globes, an extra burgundy gown and several yards of throw fabric. We met up, and one of the two gowns she had rented had a bad zipper, so we decided on adding the burgundy gown instead. I pitched the idea of doing a royal shoot, and we went full in. Keeping my mind on the work of Pre-Rafaelite artists, Evelyn De Morgan, Marie Spartali Stillman and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the session flowed. 

Editing this session was a treat. I did some composite work on a few to create fantastical locations and situations. Stephanie created a lovely narrative for each image she posted on Instagram.

Enjoy the final set! - Amanda