Alumnus captures 12 months worth of pin-ups
Ryan Monroe photographing a model
What does a restaurant mogul, a pin-up girl, the year 2012, and CCAD have in common? Ryan Monroe is the answer.
Monroe is a 2011 photography alumnus of CCAD who just wrapped up a shoot for a pin-up style calendar benefiting Planned Parenthood.
The calendar theme derives from the sponsor of the shoot, Liz Lessner, a Columbus restaurant owner. She owns Betty's Fine Food and Spirits which centers around a pin-up decor and 1950s motifs.
The calendar will feature 23 male and female models, all employees of Lessner's restaurants.
"Shooting pin up is very specific and if things aren’t right, it can look tasteless instead of classic," Monroe said.
"I had to be sure to set the lighting up right, use the best lens and gear for the job, and have the energy and charisma to guide and capture the model in that sublime decisive moment."
Monroe was the only photographer working on the calendar shoot. He worked closely with a graphic design and layout coordinator, but the imaging and branding relied on his keen eye. Elizabeth Solinger is the creative director of the shoot, assisting Ryan along the way.
“We are thrilled to have Ryan working on the project,” Solinger said. “He's energetic, dynamic, enthusiastic, and does great work.”
“I have gained a strong work ethic from my time at CCAD,” Monroe said. “There isn’t much downtime in my professional projects and CCAD really helped prepare me for that.”
The calendar will be available for purchase the week of Nov. 23, 2011. It will be sold at all of Lessner’s establishments, online, and at other Short North retailers.