Lights, camera, supermodel– action. When it comes to storytelling, filmmakers can’t have all the fun. Before there were moving pictures, there were photographs that told stories that were truly compelling in their own right. Still storytelling is alive today, especially in the hands of some very talented fashion photographers. Besides, what’s a good story without a bit of sex? These fashion photographers tell vivid, exciting stories about life, lust and intrigue with some of the world’s most beautiful women. Here are 10 of the greatest works of naughty, narrative photography of the last decade.
Olga Kurylenko and Greg Williams: a Classic Scandal
View in gallery Whether you’re new to the name or know it well, photographer Greg Williams is one of the best still storytellers in the world of fashion today. Partner his ability with the talent, the beauty of miss Olga Kurylenko, you’ve got a sexy classic on your hands. The Williams/Kurylenko photoshoot tells the story of the woman behind a political scandal in all its early 60s glory. The scene is set down to the detail, the lighting is just right, and Olga Kurylenko fills the role perfectly. (for extra credit, don’t miss TheCoolist’s favorite Greg Williams photoshoot with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley…) Olga Kurylenko by Greg Williams Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Make Love Not War by Steven Meisel
View in gallery Photographer Steven Meisel is no stranger to making bold statements with his fashion photography. Meisel’s venerable career as a photographer has seen him rise to the art’s most recognizable name. His recent editorial for Vogue Italia titled “Make Love Not War” (nsfw) is as strong a statement as it is sexy. This editorial shows American GIs doing what they would be doing in Meisel’s world: fighting for love. A group of sexy fashion models play both sides of the battle for love, the soldiers and their lovely lady counterparts. Make Love Not War Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Domestic Bliss: Brad and Angelina at Home
View in gallery You recognize that model above, don’t you? Hollywood’s hottest couple joined photographer Steven Klein for a 60-page photoshoot titled “Domestic Bliss“. Brad and Angelina play the part of a melancholy married couple stuck in the rut of suburban living. We can’t imagine life being boring married to either one of these two, but Angelina, we’d certainly do our best… This is a set not to miss, as Angelina and Brad maintain their solid acting chops filling the roles of mid-Century American drama. Domestic Bliss Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Amber Valetta: On the Prowl
View in gallery Model and actress Amber Valetta is no stranger to high speed chases and auto-fueled lust. After working with Jason Statham in the film Transporter 2, she was a shoo-in for this role. Amber Valetta is featured here in the driver’s seat of a luxury sports car, on the prowl for a younger man. In the end, she gets what she wants, and the story is truly sexy along the way. Kudos to photographer Michelangelo di Battista for this shoot. Amber Valetta by Michelangelo di Battista Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Daria Werbowy Kicks Ass
View in gallery Daria Werbowy is one model you don’t want to piss off. Photographers Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin shot this high-action editorial with the Ukrainian supermodel (the world’s 9th highest paid in 2007), showing off her martial artistry. Those stunt stand-ins must have left this shoot with lumps, and in spite of her waif-ish frame, we wouldn’t want to be one of them. (although we’re pretty sure we could take her) Daria Werbowy Kicks Ass Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Nell Rebowe: The Hunted
View in gallery In this cat-and-mouse photo story, model Nell Rebowe plays the hunted, photographer Tim Hines plays the hunter. The defenseless Rebowe experiences captivity and escape, fighting to avoid the violent threat of her captors. In true fashion photo style, however, Miss Rebowe does it all in the slightest possible clothing. Those flowing red locks and lacy lingerie make for a tantalizing focal point to this fiery editorial. Nell Rebowe: The Hunted Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
Angelika Kocheva as Amelia Earhart by Giuliano Bekor
View in gallery Amelia Earhart lived an inspired life– and lately, that inspiration is alive in the world of fashion photography. In the last few years, Earhart’s legend has been relived in at least three high-profile fashion shoots. We chose the version by photographer Giuliano Bekor featuring model Angelika Kocheva, an authentic piece of pictorial storytelling that does its job of showing off style and clothing at the same time. This shoot may not be as sexy as the others on this list, but its authenticity is more than stylish enough to be included. Amelia Earhart by Giuliano Bekor Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
The Getaway by Jason Lee Parry
View in gallery Photographer Jason Lee Parry tells the story of two badlands bad-asses, a regular Bonnie and Clyde as they escape an unseen pursuer. The Getaway photo editorial shows love at its most dangerous, a shoot filled with attitude, fast cars and faster emotions. The Getaway by Jason Lee Perry Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery
The Escape Artist by Giuliano Bekor
View in gallery In the case of photographer Escape Artist” featuring model Babs De Jhong. Ms. De Jhong plays the femme fatale in this high-action shoot-em-up, running a one woman bank heist from entry to escape. Bekor’s storytelling chops are exercised perfectly, and the level of production quality in this shoot is unparalleled. Hit the gallery below for just a taste of how excellent this shoot is… Escape Artist Gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery So– what’s your favorite work of sexy, narrative photography from the list above? Have you seen a photoshoot that we should have included here? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments. If you’d like to see more, don’t miss the links in each section above, each will lead to more photos for each shoot. Thanks to Iconology, FashionGoneRogue and TouchPuppet, where many of the above shoots were found. A special thanks, however, to JRameau and the people at Iconology for actively helping us build this list. If you haven’t read Iconology, you’re missing out! Check out these other TheCoolist feature articles:
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