Like most snow storms in the 573, many of us get snowed in when they happen. For me, living out in the middle…snow is both a joy and a curse—but I do love getting snowed in. It gets quiet and peaceful for me, gladly letting the world shut down for a day or two. For some reason, this time, getting snowed in was different for me. This time, something fell on me, and it wasn't snow.
As a photographer and filmmaker, I know that today, with all the new technologies, it is easy for someone to take nice photos and videos. Instagram and TikTok are wonderful places to share your passion in snapshots. Today, billions of people take pictures and videos that look super cool on a cell phone and then swipe to the next one—most of it is emotionless documented eye candy.
Sitting here snowed in, sinking in my sunken sofa, and swiping away on Instagram, I'm reminded that there is a big difference between taking photos and making emotionally charged imagery—emotionally charged imagery? You no longer see much of it around anymore—we live in a snap-and-post world. Post anything and hope it goes viral—viral, meaning a million people look at it for two seconds, then an emotionless swipe to the next one. Emotionally charged imagery doesn't work that way. An emotionally charged image grabs you by the collar and shakes until your heart hits the floor. You will stare at it and wonder what the subject was thinking. You'll buy or keep the image and maybe hang it on your wall. You will wonder about how it happened and who made it. You wish it were yours. It is impossible to capture that kind of human emotion by taking selfies and running them through a beauty app—if you know of one, please send it to me, and I will say I'm wrong.
Welcome to Hannah Politte's first experience in front of a camera as a model.
Sitting here, I'm thinking, certainly emotionally changed imagery still has value—or does it? It has to, right? That's when I remember meeting a young woman who told me she wanted to be a professional makeup person and a model someday—it turns out I knew her dad from years ago while working in the fashion industry in St. Louis—yes, there once was one. So, I made a call and set up a shoot to help this fashion warrior get a start in her new career. We will use the snow. Like I have said a million times, I am always amazed by the talent hiding in these hills. Meet Hannah Politte—musician, dancer, makeup artist, and model. Let's go MAKE some images.
Last minute adjustments before it begins.
Hannah wanted to do her own makeup—she did an amazing job.
My name is Hannah Politte. I was born in Farmington, and I've lived here in Park Hills my whole life. I love music, especially KPop, and I've played piano for 14 years. I also play guitar, violin, and ukulele. My other love is dancing. I began with ballet at age 7, then did Irish dancing for 6 years. I earned 1st place at several North American regional completions and was a North American Nationals qualifier. I also enjoy Polynesian dance- it's my heritage, along with Irish. I've danced in many musical productions and love performing on stage. When I dance, I connect with the music- everything makes sense- it's my art.
I always love that moment when I watch a new model go from harboring buried fear to the realization that she's got this!
See all the images taken on the day.
Abandoned train tracks make for appealing images.
I love it when it snows, especially when we get a lot of snow! My favorite thing about snow is its silence. You don't hear any cars or noise, just the gentle sound of the falling snow. I also like to play in it like I did when I was a kid—sled and throw snowballs!
A little action before sets. Time to change the look.
Keely Hawkins adds a furry hood.
Hannah is hitting on all 12.
Doing the shoot was amazing! I've always wanted to model. At my kindergarten graduation, the teacher had us all come out on stage and tell everyone what we wanted to be when we grew up. I said, "I want to be a model," which surprised the audience!
Time to add some snow.
Yes, it was cold under the highway!
Sit in the snow... Hannah was willing to do whatever it took to make a good image.
Keeley adds some peacock feathers to the scene.
Time to add more snow.
Peacock feathers add warmth to this cold scene.
My parents were both international fashion models as young adults, and I've always been interested in fashion. I love being photographed, and this shoot was so exciting and hopefully the first step in pursuing my dream career. Shooting in the snow was both really fun and really challenging. I think it was the coldest I've ever been in my life! The clothes were great—I especially liked the dress and how it just flowed.
Sometimes letting things not be perfect is perfect.
I don't know who created this masterpiece, but thanks. It made a great backdrop.
The sun popped out for a few minutes. Click. Click.
Modeling is also an art for me, allowing me to express myself in a different way than music or dance. I am so grateful for this opportunity—it's literally a dream come true and, hopefully, just the beginning…
We're cold and we're out of here.
We wish Hannah the best in her career journey. She has the passion and the drive. We'll keep you posted.
Now, Get Out There! Do something. Do anything. Learn something new. Spend your 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. You can do it. If one person can do something, another person can. The gaming chair will not miss you.
Wardrobe captured at Dress 2 Impress in Farmington
Dress 2 Impress Resale and Hope 4 Autism in Farmington provide a secure and supportive space for teenagers and adults with autism to enhance their social skills and acquire valuable work experience. Their unpaid internship, spanning 120 hours, is offered at no cost and involves training conducted at Dress 2 Impress Resale. Consider donating now to sponsor an intern at hope4autism.org
Makeup by Hannah Politte
Styling and photo assist by Keely Hawkins
Pics & words made by T. Smugala
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