What is a "monster?"
In fiction, it's an imaginary creature born from a need to express ideas too challenging to imagine in human form.
Concepts such as: Mortality, Loss, Trancendence, Passion, Science, Humanity, Longing, Suffering, Unbelonging, The Unknown, etc. are some of the emotionally and mentally laborious staples of horror classics. All of these themes can be found in one of my favorite novels: Frankenstein (written in 1818 by Mary Shelley), which tells the story of a young scientist's unorthodox experimentation in the reanimation of sapient life.
These spooktacular themes have always been the most intriguing concepts to me. Not to mention the aesthetics of such mysterious musings speak volumes to my little goth girl heart. AND it's October...
So, to celebrate the launch of my new website with my passion for creating portraiture, the past week has been dedicated to the 1st installment of my annual Halloween portrait series. This year's theme is "Classic Monsters."
Get some halloween inspiration and enjoy these portraits, which include photography, styling, hair, and makeup by me, Nicolette Nunez.
“There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand.” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN
“Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
WEREWOLF
“No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and dear to his heart and eye the morning can be.” ― Bram Stoker, Dracula
FRANKENSTEIN'S CREATURE
“There is love in me the likes of which you've never seen. There is rage in me the likes of which should never escape. If I am not satisfied in the one, I will indulge the other.”
― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
VAMPIRE
"It will take a bit of effort...a bit of sweat and perhaps...a bit of blood."
― F.W. Murnau, Nosferatu (Film)
COUPLE OF THE YEAR
“How mutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging love we have of life even in the excess of misery!” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
UNDEAD MUMMY
“I suppose a cry does us all good at times - clears the air as other rain does.”
― Bram Stoker, Dracula
DEMON
“Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?” ― Robert Eggers, The VVitch (Film)
I had such a fun time planning and creating these portraits.
Special thank you to:
Lena (The Werewolf), Margot (The Bride of Frankenstein), Morgan (Frankenstein's Monster), Samaria (The Vampire), Olivia (The Undead Mummy), and Ashley (The Demon), for being such willing and wonderful muses.
MODELS' INSTAGRAMS:
Stay tuned for #behindthescenes fun on my instagram: @NicoletteNunez.Portraiture