For our 2025 Style Issue Photographer John Helmke decided to organize a day-long photo shoot featuring two local models. John, who owns Pictures of People Studio (with offices in Vernon and West Hartford), is a Connecticut-based artist specializing in creative photography, particularly headshots, fashion, and portraits.
John creates a comfortable atmosphere during his sessions, ensuring a delightful experience for his clients. His work reflects his dedication as a serious artist, with a keen eye for detail and a unique artistic vision.
He describes fashion shoots as "big, chaotic, fun," but they're also meticulously organized commitments spanning days of preparation and hours of live photography followed by hours more of post-shoot editing.
"On the glossy pages of fashion magazines, it's easy to focus solely on the final image—a flawless model in designer clothing, perfectly lit and captured in a moment of elegance," he says. "But behind every stunning editorial is a complex web of creative professionals, each playing a vital role. A fashion photoshoot is less a solo performance and more a symphony, where success hinges not just on individual talent, but on the deep connections and seamless collaboration among the team."
At the center of the shoot is the photographer, the creative director behind the lens. The photographer crafts the visual story, shaping light, composition, and mood. But they never work alone.
Ultimately, a fashion photoshoot is a balancing act of vision, trust, and collaboration. No role stands above the others; every contribution builds the whole. What makes the shoot successful isn’t just talent — it’s connection, communication, and the willingness to adapt for the greater creative good. When each person feels heard and seen, the results transcend the sum of the parts, creating images that not only dazzle but resonate."
This year's photo shoot was held at a studio in Middletown and featured two models who are Connecticut natives. Featured on the following pages wearing fashion designs provided by Sarah Landry Design is Anna Haggerty, a West Hartford native. She is signed to Tina Kiniry Management in Farmington. The shoot was overseen by the Manson-Miller Production Team: Evelyn Manson-Miller, Director; Landon Schlossinger, Styling Coordinator,; and Brittany Rivera, Lead Make-Up Artist.
Jessica Leah Filbrick was on site chronicling the shoot with behind the scenes photos.
Anna Haggerty:
I was born and raised in West Hartford and started my modeling career with Tina Kiniry Management after meeting its president, Tina Kiniry, when I was a teenager. From my first assignment my eyes were opened to a whole new world. I remember watching videos of runway shows and learning about the supermodels at that time. I was hooked into the fashion industry instantly. Since then, fashion and modeling have been a major presence in my life. It has been 10 years since meeting Tina, and I’ve accomplished so much and cannot wait for what is to come!