Everyone is a photographer these days, or so we think. But the true talents are the ones putting their innovative spins to visual culture as we know it. In the second of a three-part series titled Behind the Lens, fashion photographer Shavonne Wong discusses her pivot to the digital art form, creating human-like virtual models, and setting up a virtual model agency
A familiar name in fashion and advertising, photographer Shavonne Wong has built a successful career over the past 10 years working with global publications and brands the likes of Vogue and Sephora, and shot Hollywood names such as TV show Pose’s Billy Porter and Netflix’s Riverdale actor Rob Raco.
But when the pandemic struck and international travel was halted, and photo shoots out of the question last year, Wong had to think outside the box. “If I can’t photograph real models, I’ll just make my own,” she shares matter of factly during our Zoom interview.
That was the start of a deep dive into 3D art “to learn how to make virtual models—and make them realistic”, from YouTube tutorials and tinkling on her computer for hours on end. This is nothing new for the self-taught photographer, who is always up for a challenge. Before this, she created a series of photo-video hybrids called Living Stills to bring her images to life.
When she was finally happy with her progress, Wong set up the Gen V Agency in August last year. This virtual modelling agency of sorts now has three 3D models in its stable, with two more in the works, available for photo shoots, campaigns and other creative work with clients. “In 3D, everything has to be created manually, from the apparel to the accessories, to even the make-up. The more complex it is, the more time it takes to create,” Wong explains.
NFTs are the future. What you buy offers an insight into who you are.
