Spirit of Onna-bugeisha
A series of dynamic feminine portraits inspired by my recent visit to Japan, for the World Photographic Cup in Yokohama.
For this series I wanted to produce a set of dynamic images, which also embody a sense of strength, honour and femininity within a contemporary fashion context. We wanted our fashion model to be inspired by the spirit of Onna-Bugeisha, the strong female warrior of feudal Japan, who history tells us, battled alongside the Samurai men.
Strong in character, these influential women were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honour in times of war. Significant icons such as Tomoe Gozen, Nakano Takeko and Hojo Masako are famous examples of Onna-bugeisha.
Model: Amy of Colours Model Management.
Photography & Postproduction: Lee Howell