Nose Art

I know, it is not a glamorous name, but it has lead into a lot of glamour in itself!

Let me explain.  It started with a sea monster painted on an Italian flying boat in 1913. From there it was carried on by German pilots in WW I , which was used more as a squadron insignia (Hat in the Ring - US 94th Aero Squadron). 

The Golden age of the genre, and the true nose art appeared during the second world war. It was tolerated because it boosted morale of the troops. The work itself was done by talented servicemen and by professional civilian artists. The insignial for "Flying Tigers" a winged Bengal tiger jumping through stylized V for victory, was developed by graphic artists from Walt Disney Company. Bomber crews, which suffered high casualty rates developed strong bonds with the planes they were flying, and the planes were often decorated with  references to "near and dear" , as in  "Memphis Belle" B-17 Bomber.  Today nose art is becoming popular again, even to the effect that US Air Force unofficially sanctions fully clothed pin up painting on its aircraft.

Pin up, that follows nose art tradition is a great genre for a photographer.  Photo sessions turn out to be fun with silliness abound.  It can be done in the studio with just few props, or outdoors.  List of possible props is endless, cars, trolleys, plane, trains - what ever can be found and is accessible. Picnic basket in the park, or  vintage suitcase will make some great props.  And lets not forget some period clothes, pampering visit for make up and hair style. Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth, Betty  Garble and so on - it would be nice to emulate any of these icons just for one day. And let's not forget Clark Gable, Gregory Peck or Humphrey Bogart either.

It all starts with a call to your photographer - so lets get together, plan and then we shall have the most wonderful photo shoot. Let's make magic!