A Chipper Model

Kayla L.

Photography, Panasonic Lumix S5

• Artist Statement

  This summer, mid-hike, I made an appointment with my chipper model at Pinnacles National Park. He was well-endowed with a luscious tail and warm-toned fur—and, boy, did he know it! When I crouched down to the ground and snapped some pictures of him, he offered several different poses. And, after a few minutes, he rewarded my patience by leaping atop a branch (as you see in my final submission), finding his window, and striking a smoldering stare. Soon after we scored this shot, we bid goodbye, and my model scampered off. No Photoshop needed for this photogenic babe, though I did spend some time accentuating the warm greens and yellows of the scene around him. A few years into my photography career, I think that I now know an industry secret: plump chipmunks make the best models!

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is what makes humans different than robots (or—ahem—AI, even). For me, it means ”painting with light,” also known as cinematography.