“I got my nails done yesterday, woke up today and got my hair cut and highlighted, came here, and saw all my clothes laid out; I’ve got my own personal stylist — it’s like a day in the life of Kim Kardashian,” our secret celebrity told me between set changes. As she spoke one of Jenny’s hair and makeup artists put finishing touches to our client’s hair at the crown to ensure her freshly curled tresses would have the perfect amount of body for her next set of photos.
Our model, who’s opted to withhold her name from this spotlight, was the first to book Jenny’s most indulgent Celebrity Package, which includes an editorial magazine experience (which means it takes place either throughout her entire studio or on location), two photographers, and a cinematographer. The package also comes with a “cinema bite” that showcases behind-the-scenes footage of your day of shooting, a disc of your entire collection of photos including printing rights, a full day of hair and makeup artistry, and a classy Italian portfolio carrying fifty of your favorite and most stunning images (are you drooling yet?).
For this first celebrity shoot, our guest chose to be done up and photographed at her all-American lake house, equipped with vintage cars, scenic nature, and horses. When I arrived at the shoot, the smell of springtime was in the air. I wasn’t sure where to find Jenny and her staff, but I just had to listen. (If I’ve learned anything about anything Jenny does, it almost always involves music!)
I walked into the space where everyone was stationed, which I can only describe as a barn, paved with nice beige flooring. A table holding a giant trunk of makeup and tons of photography equipment stood next to our model, who sat casually atop a stool with curlers in her hair as the stylist swept glistening shadows across her lids. She did a phenomenal job of making our client’s beautiful green eyes pop under a flirty frame of new eyelashes. (Ladies, those lashes really do make all the difference.)
Not too far away, a countertop covered in lingerie, heels, and accessories beckoned (Umm, let me just mention that the client spend over $900 at Victorias Secret!!!) It was like a dream mini-closet of Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection. The cinematographer (the only male Jenny will ever let near a shoot!) swooped around silently, catching these details on camera.
“Are you nervous?” I asked, suddenly feeling very plain in comparison (let’s face it — there’s just something about wearing elegant intimates and spunky stilettos that makes you feel like a whole new person).
“Of course!” our guest exclaimed. “I mean, who wouldn’t be? I’m going to try and ease myself through the outfits, ’cause I feel most comfortable starting out covered up and revealing more as the shoot goes on.”
After her makeup was done and her curls were let down, she set off for the bathroom to slip into her first outfit. As soon as I heard the bold first notes to Britney Spears’s “Toxic” blast from the surround sound, and our client stepped out in a bedazzled, lacy black “all-in-one” with garters that held up thigh-high stockings, I knew this marked the beginning of an unforgettable photoshoot.
Jenny eased her into the shoot with a few standing poses at the entrance to the barn, experimenting with different effects of her new flash equipment. They’d really lucked out with a terrific sky that cast a beautiful light on our secret celebrity, who was a natural! I could tell she was nervous starting out, but she stood on those vampy black stilettos with plenty of confidence and shot smoldering glances at Jenny right off the bat. (I was duly impressed — not easy to do when you’re put on the spot!)
They moved to an expanse of grass and continued with more standing shots, as Jenny crouched and climbed to get different perspectives for a better array of shots. (She is hilarious, by the way, blurting out self-deprecating comments as she works. She was all paranoid about hurting herself before she hopped onto a tall planter holding a palm tree. Fair enough, I suppose, coming from the girl watching from the earth below!)
Soon enough, it was time for our secret celebrity’s second outfit, a black-and-white lacy pushup combo with a matching bodice belt and translucent black bikini bottoms. Jenny suggested everyone move toward the dock overlooking a small lake, where she modeled a series of seated poses. This is where Jenny’s expertise really kicked into gear, with plenty of verbal direction and physical guidance. She was everywhere, crouching low, lying down, squatting . . . it was like watching a frenzied yogi. (Seriously, she gets a workout.)
Meanwhile, our client followed Jenny’s direction seamlessly and cast us flirtatious glances that were reminiscent of actual Victoria’s Secret models, smiling with an expert tilt of her head. I couldn’t even believe it when she told me she had no idea what she was doing because she really looked like a star. As the shooting went on, you could tell she had relaxed, as her rapport with Jenny became more playful.
Our secret celebrity’s next shoot would take place in front of an area framed with large rocks. She changed into a soft white babydoll and a long dreamcatcher necklace, carrying a pair of coral pink heels as she stepped down the rocks into the grass. The client fluffed her hair and shot coy looks at Jenny and Cory as they captured her on camera, looking surprisingly relaxed out there.
Back inside the barn for another touchup, I asked our secret celebrity for further comment. “The nerves wear off, and I think that eases my shoulders, so I take better photos.” Then, she added, “I’m in my underwear. I can do anything!”
She slipped on a pair of brown leather boots. Jenny and Cory tentatively slid themselves under the electric fence after her to join her for some shots with the horses. (I decided to play it safe and watch from the other side!) There was a gentle breeze that provided an amazing windblown quality to her hair; I’m convinced Jenny made a pact with Mother Nature for ideal conditions that day.
During her next makeup change, the secret celebrity simply gushed — “I feel like this would be the best present ever from a significant other; it’s not another necklace or bracelet, or flowers . . . it’s a whole day of you feeling like a celebrity. You can’t put a price on it.”
“What do you plan to do with the prints?” I asked, wondering whether this was more a gift for herself or for her special someone. “I’ll probably give them to my boyfriend for his birthday,” she said.
Then came the most unique of all the sets: shots of our model in glimmering white on her powder pink vintage Ford T-bird, which she leaned against, drove in, and lay upon for some sultry and smiling shots.
As the shoot drew to a close, our secret starlet changed into a vivid neon bra-and-panty combination that looked stunning against her recently bronzed skin and the spring green of the surrounding grass. She was at the height of confidence, blowing kisses to the camera and offering coy winks and smirks. She had really, truly transformed into a celebrity that day . . .
Good thing, too, because about five minutes later, the rain came down . . .
