The Spire’s Muse: Fashion Portrait Photography in NYC
‘The Spire’s Muse’ by Savannah Photographer Charles Maring
The Spire’s Muse: A Journey in Fashion Portraiture
I’m a photographer based in the charming city of Savannah, Georgia, but my lens has taken me far beyond the oak-lined streets of this charming city. From the fashionable city of LA to NYC —where I once lived in the vibrant West Chelsea neighborhood—I’ve spent my career capturing the essence of style, power, and personality. My work has graced the covers and editorial pages of international magazines, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing United States Presidents, celebrities, and business leaders. But whether I’m shooting a global icon or a local dreamer, I give every client the same star treatment—because every story deserves to shine. Today, I want to share the story behind one of my portrait titled: The Spire’s Muse, created on the terrace of my photography studio in West Chelsea.
The Vision: Capturing Timeless Elegance
The idea for The Spire’s Muse came to me during my time living in West Chelsea, a neighborhood that buzzes with creativity and inspiration. I had the perfect setting right at my fingertips: the terrace of my apartment / photography studio, with a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. I envisioned a portrait that would blend high fashion with the iconic Empire State Building, a symbol of dreams and determination that I could see from my terrace on clear days.
I wanted the photograph to feel timeless, so I chose to shoot in black and white. There’s something about monochrome that strips away distractions and lets the viewer focus on the emotion, the texture, and the story. The model’s wide-brimmed hat, with its intricate weave, became the centerpiece of the composition—a nod to classic elegance, but with a modern edge. Her wavy hair cascaded naturally, and the chunky necklace added a touch of boldness, balancing the softness of her look with a hint of urban grit.
The Setting: My West Chelsea Terrace
Living in West Chelsea gave me a front-row seat to New York’s electric energy. My studio was my creative sanctuary, and its terrace offered an unparalleled view of the city. The Empire State Building stood tall in the distance, a constant reminder of the city’s ambition and history. On the day of the shoot, the sky was overcast, which was perfect—it softened the light and gave the scene a moody, almost noir-like quality.
I positioned the model on a chair on the edge of the terrace, her hand resting lightly on it, as if she were gazing out over the city, lost in thought. The skyline stretched out behind her, a mix of sharp angles and towering structures, with the Empire State Building as the focal point of the background. From my terrace, I could feel the pulse of the city—the hum of traffic below, the distant honks, the energy of West Chelsea’s art galleries and creative spaces. It all fed into the atmosphere of the shoot, making The Spire’s Muse a true reflection of New York.
The Process: Bringing the Vision to Life
As with all my shoots, I approached this one with meticulous care. I’ve learned over the years—whether photographing a President in their home, or a celebrity on a red carpet—that preparation is key, but so is flexibility. Since I was shooting on my own terrace, I already knew the space intimately. I tested angles and lighting in the days leading up to the shoot, ensuring I could frame the Empire State Building just right. I used a medium depth of field to keep the focus on the model while letting the cityscape blur ever so slightly, creating a dreamy backdrop that complemented her elegance without overpowering it. The contrast between her poised, almost statuesque presence and the bustling energy of the city below was exactly what I wanted to capture—a moment of stillness amid the chaos.
The black-and-white filter was applied in post-production, but I shot with that aesthetic in mind, paying close attention to contrast and texture. The weave of her hat, the sheen of her necklace, the soft waves of her hair—all of these elements came alive in monochrome, adding depth and drama to the portrait. I wanted The Spire’s Muse to feel like a piece of art, something that could hang in a gallery or grace the pages of a high-fashion magazine.
The Meaning: A Muse for the Ages
To me, The Spire’s Muse is more than just a photograph—it’s a story. It’s about the way fashion can transcend time and place, how a single image can capture both the individuality of the subject and the spirit of a city. The Empire State Building, with its Art Deco grandeur, has long been a symbol of aspiration, and I wanted the model to embody that same sense of ambition and elegance. She’s a muse not just for the spire, but for anyone who dares to dream big. Creating this piece in West Chelsea, where I lived and worked, made it even more personal—it felt like a love letter to the city that shaped so much of my creative journey.
This portrait also reflects my philosophy as a photographer: every client, every subject, deserves to feel like a star. I’ve shot for some of the biggest names in the world, but I bring the same passion and attention to detail to every project, whether it’s a magazine cover or a personal portrait session. My goal is always to create something that resonates, something that tells a story and evokes emotion.
My Journey: From West Chelsea to the World
During my time in West Chelsea, I was surrounded by inspiration—the neighborhood’s art galleries, the High Line, the creative energy of the people. But my career has taken me far beyond New York. Now based in Savannah, I travel worldwide for assignments, collaborating with international magazines, brands, and personalities who share my love for storytelling through photography. I’ve photographed everyone from business tycoons to Hollywood icons, and each experience has taught me something new about the art of portraiture.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to make every client feel seen. When I’m behind the camera, it’s not just about the shot—it’s about the connection. I want my subjects to feel empowered, to see themselves in a new light. That’s what drives me, whether I’m shooting on my terrace in West Chelsea, in Savannah, or halfway across the world.
Call to Action: Let’s Create Your Story
The Spire’s Muse is a testament to the power of fashion portraiture, but it’s just one chapter in my journey as a photographer. I’m always looking for new stories to tell, new faces to capture, new dreams to bring to life. Whether you’re a brand looking for a striking editorial image, a personality wanting to make a statement, or someone who simply wants a portrait that captures your essence, I’d love to work with you.
Based in Savannah but available worldwide, I’m ready to create something extraordinary for you. Explore more of my portfolio, or reach out to book a session. Let’s make your vision shine—because every story deserves the star treatment.