Von Unwerth seems less of an auteur directing her subjects than a co-conspirator who intimately knows the inner lives of these girls who want to have fun.
-American Photo
I think that, because I know what it feels like to be in front of the camera, I can be more sympathetic to my subjects. Being in front of the lens, you are very vulnerable. It’s not a nice feeling, and I don’t miss it. But it’s very helpful to know exactly what it’s like. When I was a model I hated when I wasn’t allowed to move, so I love movement and I encourage my subjects to play around, to move and to be silly.
-Ellen Von Unwerth
When it is a good shoot , it is better then a party! Gorgeous girls, loud music and a bottle of Champagne, or two…
-Ellen Von Unwerth
I’m just trying to make beautiful pictures. I don’t see my works as exploitative. They’re just cheeky, they’re fun, and the models aren’t complaining.
-Ellen Von Unwerth
My favourite photographers are Helmut Newton and Jaques Henri Lartigue: one for the strength, sexuality and humour and the other one for the lightness and charm.
-Ellen Von Unwerth
My boyfriend 22 years ago gave me a camera and a crash course about how it works, and that is how I started. I did reportage pictures in Kenya and shot my model friends, after I made them up and dressed them with my clothes. I knew already how to print black and white photos, as we had a lab in our tiny apartment.
-Ellen Von Unwerth
I think that women open up more to a female photographer. It’s like little girls playing around. You can be a bit naughty and do things you wouldn’t do in front of boys. It’s more relaxed somehow. I think it’s an empowering experience – and no, I don’t believe they are objectified.
-Ellen Von Unwerth
William McFadden has compiled an invaluable archive of Ellen von Unwerth’s work here.