Extremely rare unpublished "tryouts" circulated privately among some collectors offer fascinating insights into the creative process behind famous photo shoots, revealing what could have been. These lost shoots typically involve models who were considered for a particular shoot but ultimately rejected or whose images did not make the final cut. While they may lack the polish of finished photographs, they provide unique insight into the artistic vision and technical expertise that goes into creating an iconic spread.
One such example is a 1980 Vogue tryout featuring model Jerry Hall shot by legendary fashion photographer Helmut Newton. The shoot was meant to accompany a feature on glamorous dresses from designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, but only one image - a close-up of Hall's bare back and shoulders - made it into print. In the unpublished images, Hall poses provocatively against a black background, wearing nothing but an open white shirt and heels. Her hair is tousled, her expression sultry; she looks seductively at the camera, inviting viewers in.
Another famous tryout is a series of Polaroids taken by Annie Leibovitz during a shoot with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The photos show the couple in bed together, laughing and kissing, their nudity obscured only by sheets. Despite their intimate nature, none of these images ever saw publication until after Lennon's death in 1980. Now they are highly sought-after collectors items.
Unpublished "tryouts" offer valuable insights into the creative process behind magazine shoots, revealing what could have been. They allow us to see how images were captured, how models interacted with photographers, and how different ideas were tested before being finalized. For some, they provide rare glimpses of eroticism or romance that would otherwise be hidden from public view. For others, they offer a fascinating look into the inner workings of an iconic photo shoot.
Extremely rare unpublished "tryouts" circulated privately among some collectors offer a unique window into the creative process behind famous photo shoots. These lost shoots typically involve models who were considered for a particular shoot but ultimately rejected or whose images did not make the final cut. While they may lack the polish of finished photographs, they provide insight into the artistic vision and technical expertise that goes into creating an iconic spread.