Up, down and out

Photographers Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton not only work together, but also live in their small bohemian apartment in the center of Brooklyn. Their relationship is reflected in their work: it is not love, it is something more fragile and natural. In their photo project “Up the Stairs, Down the Stairs and Out”, each photograph conveys purity, lightness and emotion.

They are known for their style, with photographers Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton photographing stars such as Kate Winslet and Uma Thurman. Damiani magazine published a project by these two photographers called “Up the Stairs, Down the Stairs and Out.” (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

The main characters of the project are three girls who are accustomed to intimate photographs. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

To create an intimate atmosphere in the images, Gage and Betterton photograph the girls in their own home in Brooklyn. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Nudity seems to be a natural complement to clear skin and fresh fruit. And although the models are undressed, it does not seem vulgar or depraved. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Photographers of this kind work with each model separately. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

A play of light, shapes and contrasts: the photographers created an ensemble of books, a sofa and flowers around the model. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

This photo conveys rest and relaxation. The focus is on the flowers in the foreground, but the girl in the background is not clearly visible. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Betterton and Gage mastered the art of playing with lighting effects. There are rays of sunlight on the blue pillows, which give the photo a melancholic mood. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

For photographs of Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton to be personal, they must be made with soul. After all, these two not only work, but also live together. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

A typical bohemian apartment in New York: a guitar lies by the fireplace, a painting hangs on the wall, ventilation and air conditioning are installed, books about art are on the table, and among all this sits a model in a playful pose with a cigarette in her hand. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton went to college together. Gage studied photography, Betterton painted and made films. “We noticed that we wanted to work together,” Gage says. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

A couple of photographers have already photographed for various publications, including the famous Vogue magazine. They are great at giving photographs in glossy magazines a sense of warmth and personality. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

The Up the Stairs, Down the Stairs and Out project lasted a whole year. The result is a photo album with sensual works that combine eroticism and purity. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Whether it's fun, joy or shock, emotion always comes first in Gage and Betterton's work. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

A multi-colored patterned carpet, paintings in the corner, a naked girl on an old sofa - all together convey the atmosphere of an antique living room. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

The photographers complement each other perfectly: Jenny Gage photographs and sells work, Tom Betterton is always full of ideas for new projects, and he is also responsible for creating websites. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

This photo conveys the mood of spring. The photo was taken in a tree house in the garden. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)

Gage and Betterton always maintain a natural look in their photography. The girl in this photo has only light make-up. (© Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton)