Lulus.com Fashion Blog

You know that feeling when you first discover some hidden talent in the world? It's sort of like falling in love.

Elated by my new favorite photographer, Jenny Woods (a.k.a Bunny Jenny) I am pleased to share her with you in this inspiring interview.

But first, please indulge!

First of all, your website says you’re only 18. Is that true?

I sure am! I'm just a baby still.

Where is your home base, and do you travel a lot?

I live in a small town entirely made up of sugar cane. I prefer the country to big cities, at the moment. It keeps me inspired and my own. I feel like bigger cities are so fast paced and you can lose yourself if you're not careful. My town keeps me sane when it comes to art. I don't do a lot of traveling outside of South Florida. I hope to one day though.

Do you remember your first camera?

My first camera was a Olympus film camera. I got it for my 16th birthday. The sad part is that I just recently started using it a couple months ago. It's amazing to shoot with. I absolutely love film.

Where do you get some of the concepts for your photo shoots, like "A horse with no name" where did that idea come from?

I keep a journal with me at all times and I jot down whatever comes in my mind. I get really inspired by music and old black and white movies. I had the idea when passing a horse pasture; I thought combining a woman's delicate body with a horse's would be mind blowing. They're both so beautiful and soft. I wanted the model to feel as if she was a part of that horse; to be one with it.

What do you look for in a model?

I don't really look for anything specific when looking for a model. I just try to look for one that matches each idea perfectly. They're all just really playing a part when being photographed. I like to tell my models a story before shooting and I tell them to play that story in their mind while shooting. It makes the photos feel more natural and real, than just a pose. I try to bring stiff bones to life.

How long does it take you to prepare for a shoot?

I'm VERY controlling when it comes to my shoots. I don't like using stylists or make up artists, unless absolutely necessary. It takes me a couple months to plan out one idea. But that's also depending on how difficult the idea would be to create. In my mind, you never stop planning a shoot.. even after the shoot is over with. You always come up with new ideas or things you should have tried; it eventually evolves into a new photo shoot.

Is there anything you splurge on for your photo shoots?

Oh geeze.. haha, I buy all of my own props/clothes/camera equipment for shoots! That's where all of my paycheck goes. I don't remember the last time I bought something for myself. My mom gets so mad at me, too, because I don't get paid for any of my photo shoots. She doesn't understand though. I don't like shooting for money... I feel like you lose your passion for something once you start getting paid to do it. You stop doing it for yourself and forget the reason why you loved it, in the first place. I don't think I'll ever be able to accept money for taking pictures.. It doesn't seem right to me. I have rates up on my Model Mayhem site right now, but I don't ever see myself actually telling someone to pay me, ya know?

A lot of your photography is very fashion oriented; are there any current fashion trends that you’re into?

I'm digging florals! Haha, I love color and flowers; they make me in such a good mood!

How did you come to be known as Bunny Jenny?

It was a nickname in high school! My best friend used to call me her "little bunny" and I guess it just stuck? I don't think anyone calls me by my real name, actually. I like to think of it as my alter ego; you know, the artistic me. I've thought about changing it and just using my real name, but I love it too much. 'Bunny Jenny' will always be part of me. It's who I am.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

"You only have one person to make happy in life: yourself."

If you just fell in love with Bunny Jenny, like I did, see more on her website!

You've all seen the work of Annie Leibovitz, whether you knew it or not.

One of the most prolific and well-known photographers of our time, Leibovitz shoots regularly for Vogue, and has been working for Vanity Fair since 1980 creating only the most exciting and richly developed covers and spreads!

As a young woman in Berkeley in the 70's, Leibovitz signed on to work for the budding Rolling Stone magazine, and within three years graduated to chief photographer.

Going on tour with The Rolling Stones or to an interview with John Lennon to take pictures and cover shots was commonplace, and Leibovitz grew into a style all her own. See below an early picture of the infamous dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The most amazing thing about the work of Annie Leibovitz is that she has an uncanny talent for telling you something intimate about someone.

Beyond just a simple snapshot, Leibovitz would study her subjects for hours or days in order to get a shot that was honest and revealing.

Look at this perfect shot of Cate Blanchett on a bicycle. The lighting, the way her hair is blowing and the expression on her face all come together for that split second!

Part of an Alice in Wonderland shoot for Vogue.

Look at all of these Hollywood starlets in one room! It's no accident that we see a sort of backstage scene exposing the rolling Hollywood hills and perhaps, a window into a little part of these women's lives that we don't ever see.