The Basement Sessions

In this series I have been working to create an homage of culturally historic portraits of individuals who have helped influence us. It began with photographs of my own children in my basement studio along with my most recent area of interest, the early 20th century. For these portraits I worked with parents to come up with an individual or character to use as inspiration, whether that person connects with the family’s history, their namesake, or just someone whom they enjoy. I then research images to find something that would work within my studio, my available resources such as props and costumes, and what I feel the subject would enjoy. I love working with the parents and children to create a unique experience and a beautiful portrait that they will cherish. While I am not looking to replicate the images exactly, I am striving to create a portrait that is inspired by the original piece. The parents, kids, and I all work together to come up with the costumes, styling, postures and props. It is truly a collaboration. During the busy season here on the Island, I work as a wedding and portrait photographer so I will be offering my services during the off season (January through April) as a fun and unique photography experience.

Milo as Salvador
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)
Spanish surrealist artist

Inspired by a portrait of Salvador Dali, photographed by Philippe Halsman.
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/philippe-halsman-salvador-dali-2

Kira as Lillian
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Lillian Diana Gish (1893-1993)
American Actress during the silent film era.

Inspired by portrait of Lillian Gish, photographed by James Abbe in 1919 for the silent drama “Broken Blossoms”.
https://www.iamfy.co/product/moon-gazer---famous-lillian-gish-photography-1920-witchy-moon-pagan-fairytale-vintage-victorian-dreamy-witch-crystal-ball-art-print

Emilia as Yolanda
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Yolanda Yang aka Yang Fei Yang (born 1989)
Actress in Mainland China

Inspired by a portrait of Yolanda Yang, photographer unknown.
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/10625749113189679/

Josiah as Bill
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (1878-1949)
American Tap Dancer, Actor, and Singer working in Minstrel Shows, Vaudeville, Broadway, Hollywood, Radio, and Television.

Inspired by portrait of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, photographed by Carl Van Vechten.
https://www.biography.com/performer/bill-bojangles-robinson

Kira as Louise
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Louise Brooks (1906-1985)
American Actress during the 1920’s & 1930’s

Originally inspired by a painting by Susan Adams.
https://www.art.com/products/p53772155287-sa-i10150466/susan-adams-1920s-women-swinging-pearls-2016.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqi6QVLAkl4fekKs4-7R7kgn4NVFzaKzFo6kogoKoe4gyoNKZGO

Later I discovered that this painting was inspired by a portrait of Louise Brooks photographed by Eugene Robert Richee.
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/american-actress-louise-brooks-wearing-a-long-necklace-news-photo/3169357

Margo as Billie
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Billie Holiday (1915-1959)
American Jazz & Swing Singer
Nicknamed “Lady Day”

Inspired by a portrait of Billie Holiday, from the Michael Ochs Archives.
https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1256170/the-infuriating-true-story-behind-the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday

Owen as Michael
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Michael Faraday (1791-1867)
English Chemist & Physicist. His discoveries include the underlying principles of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and electrolysis.

Inspired by an engraving of Michael Faraday from 1873, artist unknown.
https://medium.com/@Pratiksha2010/the-father-of-electrical-engineering-micheal-faraday-a6e1d15df0eb

Margo as Nina Mae
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Nina Mae McKinney (1912-1967)
American Actress & Singer. Worked on Broadway, in Hollywood, and internationally in theatre, film, and television.

Inspired by a portrait of Nina Mae McKinney, photographer unknown.
#13 at https://www.essence.com/holidays/black-history-month/harlem-renaissance-hairstyles/#59508

Milo as “L”
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

“L” from Death Note (2006)

Inspired by a portrait of L from the anime series, Death Note, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.
https://fictions-characters.fandom.com/wiki/L_(Death_Note)

Josiah as “Young Man”
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

“Young Man, Half-Length Portrait”
Du Bois was a Massachusetts born socialogist, writer, historian, and civil rights activist.

Inspired by “Young Man, Half-Length Portrait”, photographed by Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt).
https://www.loc.gov/item/99472136/

Kira as Nancy
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Nancy Luce (1814-1890)
Martha’s Vineyard Poet & Folk Artist
“The Chicken Lady of West Tisbury”

Inspired by a portrait of Nancy Luce of Martha’s Vineyard, photographer unknown.
https://burialsandbeyond.com/2020/04/12/nancy-luce-the-chicken-lady/

Kai as Sessue
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Sessue Hayakawa aka Kintarō Hayakawa (1886-1973)
Japanese Actor in Hollywood during silent film era.

Inspired by a portrait of Sessue Hayakawa, photographed by Alvert Witzel.
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/09/10650055/hollywood-sex-symbol-sessue-hayakawa-simu-liu-representation

Nico as Elton
©Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Sir Elton John (born 1947)
British Singer, Songwriter, and Pianist.

Inspired by a portrait of Sir Elton John at the Universal Amphitheater in 1986, photographed by Terry O’Neill.
”The Major Mohawk” https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/donatella-versace-elton-john-best-looks-drag-b1161367.html

Milo as Don
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Don the Beachcomber aka Donn Beach (1907-1989)
An American businessman & Mixologist who is considered to be the “Founding Father” of Tiki Culture in post prohibition America.

Inspired by a portrait of Don the Beachcomber, photographer unknown.
https://donbeachcomber.com/history/

Barry as Shirley
©Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Shirley Temple (1928-2014)
American Actress, Singer, Dancer, Politician, and Diplomat. Appearing in her first film at 3 yrs old in 1934 and her last film in 1949.

Inspired by a portrait of Shirley Temple, photographed by George Hurrell.

Margo as Bessie
© Kelley DeBettencourt Photography

Bessie Coleman (1906-1985)
American Aviator
The first African-American woman and first Native American to hold a pilots license.

Inspired by a portrait of Bessie Coleman, photographed by George Rinhart/Corbis.
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman