AUTHENTICITY MONTH ‘Raindrops with Mara’ by Dastardly Dave 10.08.12
Mara is, and always will be, very special to me. She is beautiful but that is the least of her appeal. Mara is a very real person. Creative and intelligent and strong and vulnerable.
I first met Mara when she and a friend walked by the studio where I shoot. Her friend was a young photographer and they were on their way to an exhibit at the local art college where Mara would be attending the following September, it was then May or April.
Her friend and I talked about the studio and what went on there and the conversation turned to my work. He asked if I was on Model Mayhem and I said yes, he asked what I went by and I told him. Mara then shoves him out of the way and says I know your stuff and I would love to shoot with you. I asked her her age and she replied seventeen. I said I would be happy to shoot with her but her mom or dad would have to accompany her. She said, “Fuck that. My birthday is soon and I’d rather wait.” We continued talking about photography and the studio and her friend wound up applying and getting hired as an intern.
A few weeks later I get an email from Mara, “I want to get naked for your camera, when can this happen?”
That was the beginning of a long and fruitful friendship and working relationship and I have had the distinct pleasure of watching an amazing model blossom.
This set was a spur of the moment shoot this afternoon and I really hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed making them.
Mara: www.modelmayhem.com/1222550
Dave’s work is always spectacular. Always uses perfect lighting.