CAPPADOCIA: How to make it in a VOGUE shoot
The last month I worked for Vogue Turkey’s January issue, it was an amazing experience. One of the things I love about this issue is the location for the shoot in the central Anatolia Cappadocia. We went there as an international team, literally flew in from all over the globe. KT Auleta, our amazing photographer and her two assistants, Nes, our fashion assistant, Mel and Syd from London, Daniela Paudice, our fashion director, flew in from New York to Istanbul and then we all went to Nevsehir Cappadocia.
First day:
After traveling for 3 hours we finally arrived at the beautiful Hotel Argos and settled in. We unpacked at the double floor suite of the hotel, Daniela started doing the styling in a very dim light and we were done in more or less an hour. The brands chosen were: Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Vionnet, Celine, Preen, Emilio Pucci, Adamo,Gucci,Dior, Alaia, Derishow, Fendi and Loewe.
The second day was about scouting. I must admit 6.30 in the morning is a little hard to wake up at. However around that hour the balloon ride started, it was so far one of the best views I’ve ever seen. After a light breakfast we went around to find locations to shoot in the next two days. Our amazing model Elsa Sylvan arrived at the hotel and was a relaxing day before the shoot.
Third day:
Woken up at 4.30 in the morning to pack the four out of 6 trunks we’ve brought. To do list: Steamer, check. Kit bag, check. Rails, check. Trunks loaded in the van, check. Our coats, check. The hair and make up started at 5.30 to finish off by the time we get going at 7.30 as it was extremely important to start with the first dash of light. Three caravans were waiting for us set up to make it more comfortable to work in the unfamiliar circumstances, but in a couple of hours we were feeling the studio with a dash of music on an iPod. By 3.30 pm thanks to KT Auleta and her amazingly fast and beautiful work we were done with the first day. We’ve shot the Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Pucci, Celine over Preen and Alaia. Beautifully done. All frames done up until then was printed out and photoshopped for possible cover tries and Daniela and KT trying to decide on a possible layout for the magazine.
Fourth day:
The second day of shoot everybody’s a little more relaxed from getting to knowing each other better and working together. Elsa as well as Mel and Syd woke up early to start the preps again and they were ready to be on set by 7.30. This day was a bit harder than the first as Elsa had to climb through the hills, with Le Silla high heel over the knee boots sinking in and out and trying to pose at the same time. At some point men of the team had to use a wooden box to hold her up there, as long as she can handle. And even after this supermodel was running up and down in the most precious of all furs with her tights and sneakers on with full energy! The second day even more amazingly finished at 2.30 pm and we had one of the most peculiar experiences one can have in a desert as Cappadocia. We had a picnic lunch, or even a barbecue I must say, in the middle of nowhere celebrating the work that has been done with the warm summer sun in the end of December. Full layout and cover tries are done and sent to our editor in chief for approval right from the set.
It only makes one mistake to get the whole team down but every single move can bring the end result a whole lot better! To make it in a Vogue shoot I definitely recommend vitamin C in the morning, lot of fresh fruits, a lot of courage and a fun personality. Because when the team hits off, the story hits the charts.
More back stage on Vogue.com.tr
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