[Manehattan] Photo Finish's latest photo exhibition *Grand opening* (Open; no post order)

[Davroth]

[colour=#ee82ee]"Lightz! Kamera! Aktion!"[/colour]

It was opening night at Das Foto, one of Manehattan's many prestigious art galleries, aptly named, since it predominantly featured photography. Today was a very special night. The blue mare of fashion, Photo Finish, was unveiling her latest works. It was quite exciting for the owners. Much like Photo Finish herself, they were the foals of Germane immigrants, and it was a honour for them to feature art by a an esteemed artist from the old homeland. It's what their guests came to expect from Das Foto.

If asked, Photo Finish would say it was[colour=#ee82ee] "kompletely koinzidental"[/colour], and as far as she was concerned, that was true. Sure, some agent had been approached by the gallery owners or the other way around, and someone had made the decision that it would be a good fit to exhibit her new photos in this particular gallery, but all Photo Finish did was proclaiming to nopony in particular: [colour=#ee82ee]"I vant a venue to show ze latest fotos I made."[/colour] And everything had been sorted out for her, the way it should be for a successful and busy fashion world icon as herself.

Now the evening of the grand opening finally arrived, and of course Photo Finish was there. She wasn't neccessarily one for mingling, but she did enjoy bathing in the light of getting her hard work appreciated. As soon as the doors flung open, there was a group of avid fashion followers and fashionistas alike around her, following her around, hanging on every word she was saying. She took the opportunity to walk around, and comment on some of the pieces on display here. There were quite a lot of photos. It had been a while since she last had the time to host a exhibition like this, seeing how she focused more on finding fresh talent and being head editor of a fashion magazine rather then taking pictures for the sake of art.

However, her camera was her constant companion, so there were an awful lot of pictures she had just taken over the course of the last year. And those were the ones on display here. Or rather, a careful selection of the thousands of pictures she had taken.

As they walked along a line of largescale photographs, she continued:

[colour=#ee82ee]"...and zose pictures are from a young, how you say..? Barista! Ja, barista, in Ponyville..."[/colour]

[RarityDash]

[colour=#000000]Crystal Snowflake bore an indifferent countenance as she meandered through the gallery. She had been invited to Manehattan for the sake of a private banquet for the elite to be hosted by one of her many rich and powerful social connections. While she detested having to leave Stalliongrad for fear that her indignant daughter would murk everything up for the company in her absence, she was not one to miss out on a chance to flaunt her latest purchases. As it were she had a number of brand new designer hats, dresses and jewels she was aching to show off to those in the know.

She had arrived in the city a day early to allow plenty of time to mingle, and in the end some of her influential friends had ended up pulling her along here with them. Not that she wasn't interested. As the magazines went, Couture was not one she favored much personally, but she did have a subscription and definitely respected its influence in the game. This Das Foto, the private gallery of the editor, was certainly something worth seeing. Whether she would be impressed with what she saw or not was the true question. Crystal was not an easy mare to impress.

Dressed in a elaborate lavender dress and matching hat by Sheer Splendor, a respected Stalliongrad designer, and wearing some of her finer diamonds, she was pretty sure that she looked better than any of the photos in the gallery possibly could. Nevertheless, she remained intrigued. She kept her eyes open as she trot through the displays looking at the photos, following along as the editor herself gave her and her group a tour. So far Crystal had seen little to keep her attention and was feeling increasingly distanced from the experience. Giving a sigh, she decided to see if, despite being an earth pony and not a pegasus like herself, this mare had any feathers to ruffle.[/colour]

[colour=#0000ff]"How exceedingly pedestrian and uninspired these all are,"[/colour][colour=#000000] she quipped to one of the others in the gaggle of well dressed ponies, whispering but making sure it was still loud enough to be heard.[/colour] [colour=#0000ff]"With this level of skill it's really no wonder Couture has been slipping in quality for so long, don't you think?"[/colour]

​

[Elderflower]

Luminous Charge made quite the image sauntering up to Das Foto; darkly dapper with an air of authority, he exuded the attitude of one who was quite practiced with high society functions. He was away from his Trottingham home hoping to get a change of pace and take in a little culture while he was at it, and what better way to do that than by taking in an opening for the renowned Photo Finish’s new exhibition? With one last quick sweep over his appearance in a nearby window he folded his wings neatly against his side and entered into the exhibition space. Immediately he felt a sense of familiarity and comfort. Atmosphere, lighting, schmoozing, reserved and educated chatter – each element of an artistic opening flooded his senses with a feeling of comfort and ease. After all, Lume himself had hosted many professional and successful gallery openings with his own sculptures.

As he approached the nearest photo to the entrance, the stallion was all too aware of how the gallery lights enhanced his own image. His dark and immaculately groomed body was wrapped in the finest articles of bespoke clothing: a white dress shirt covered by a jet black blazer made of the finest worsted wool, complete with a black vest and ascot to match; a lavish golden pocket watch with the chain draped from the inside pocket of his coat to the middle of his vest (shining against the dark fabric as a beacon of wealth and style); and lastly the jet black shoes which had been polished until they shined. And of course, each part of his ensemble looked (and was) brand new and utterly flawless. His tailor was incomprehensibly gifted, and he honoured this talent by ensuring no wrinkle or crease would ever devastate his wardrobe. It was almost unnatural (and markedly intimidating) just how pristine a pony Luminous could be! No wonder his siblings always called him Ominous Charge.

Flipping his well-groomed mane from his eyes, the pegasus gave the first image close inspection. The fashion was current and stylish, but surprisingly enough the strutting peacock wasn’t very interested in the styles, oh no! He was much more interested in the photography – in the composition, the lighting, the tones, and the print quality. The first image was utterly divine, and he continued to be impressed by the skill of each photograph. But what else would be expected of Photo Finish? The mare was certainly a master of her craft.

Before long, Lume joined up with the tour group and gave the photographer his devout attention; he was all too familiar with the pressure of standing before a crowd of hard-to-impress ponies with great taste, and felt the need to show his respect for Photo Finish’s work by listening to and contemplating what she had to say. It certainly meant a lot to him when his audiences paid close attention to his eccentric spiels, so he always made an effort to return the favour. He was rather enjoying himself when a pegasus wearing a stunning ensemble began to speak.

He immediately pegged her as a pot-stirrer: an individual harried by the constant boredom of privileged life whom thusly had to entertain herself by prodding at others. There was a note of familiarity to her appearance: no doubt she was a Very Important Pony of some sort, but he couldn’t be expected to remember them all – or at least he didn’t care to. Either way, he was rather unimpressed.

Leaning his large head closer towards the fancy-feathered Pegasus, Lume raised an eyebrow and quietly added, so as not to disturb Photo Finish any further,[colour=#800000] “And how exceedingly pedestrian it is to offer insult without educated criticism.”[/colour] Perhaps she thought her own outfit was enough to grant her an authoritative voice in fashion, but the stallion couldn’t care one bit. For all he knew, the privileged pony was dressed by a stylist.

[Davroth]

Photo Finish was exceeding good at disregarding criticism, and she usually let her success speak for itself. However, even though in most of the higher circles of the Equestrian fashion scene, Couture was still the defining publication, her personal career had been riddled with many minor setbacks ever since the unmentionable disappointment with that yellow pegasus mare from Canterlot. It had been a while that she had made a significant discovery herself, and even though Couture broke the biggest stories in the fashion biz left and right, those weren't her personal achievements, but the achievements of the well versed team of journalists and editors she was employing.

So this pegasus mare in the almost tacky in its overdone extravagance looking dress had certainly hit a nerve in her, which was very usual for the blue mare of fashion. She was not about to give that mare the satisfaction of loosing her form, though. That was far below her. She glanced at the fancy pegasus, her eyes hidden behind her trademark goggles. Her dress and hat were aptly chosen, sure, but more fit for a ballroom, not so much for a gallery opening, where most of the mares would favour something simple and elegant.

[colour=#dda0dd]"I haf to say, you carry zese designer cloth very vell, miss. Zough zere is no need to flaunt about your wealz at a display of art. You might not appreciate my Fotos, but I do haf to wonder vat a refined pegasus mare like yourself iz doing here, if not to appreciate art..."[/colour] She remarked with a very matter of fact tone of voice, then added. [colour=#dda0dd]"...even if it iz out of your zone of comfort."[/colour]

With certain satisfaction, though, Photo Finish noticed that a black stallion in the crowd didn't approve of this mare's rude comments either. It was good to know the public opinion on her side.

[RarityDash]

“And how exceedingly pedestrian it is to offer insult without educated criticism.”

[colour=#000000]Crystal scoffed at the retort she was quick to receive from the crowd. Narrowing her searching eyes she readily discerned the source of the unsolicited comments to be a black coated pegasus stallion attired in an impeccably tailored vest and ascot. His choice of wares gave off the air of a stallion concerned with both art and fashion. However, the mare couldn't say she was all too impressed on the whole. Sure, he was bold enough to snap back and not just nod along like an imbecile with whatever was said, but Crystal was still not convinced that this wasn't just some Couture groupie ready to follow the great Miss Photo Finish's word as law. Either way, if he thought that challenging her would be easy, he had another thing coming.[/colour]

​

[colour=#DDA0DD]"I haf to say, you carry zese designer cloth very vell, miss. Zough zere is no need to flaunt about your wealz at a display of art. You might not appreciate my Fotos, but I do haf to wonder vat a refined pegasus mare like yourself iz doing here, if not to appreciate art[/colour][colour=#DDA0DD]...even if it iz out of your zone of comfort."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]Before Crystal could respond to the provoking stallion, she found critical words coming her way from an even more amusing source. Here was the mare herself, Photo Finish, responding directly to her comments. Photo Finish had always had a reputation in the industry as a bold mare and Crystal was rather pleased to see that she lived up to it. She smiled at the questioning words of the mare and gave a quiet nod. She'd have to address this one first.[/colour]

[colour=#0000ff]"Oh, but what is wealth for if not to flaunt wherever and whenever one can?"[/colour] [colour=#000000]she said dismissively, taking a confident stance.[/colour] [colour=#0000ff]"As for matters of art, I happen to be a mare with a highly judicious eye for things of beauty, as I'm sure must be quite apparent, and what I see looking at these photos are imperfect shots of hardly inspiring or well chosen subjects."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]She shook her head and gave a small sigh[/colour]. [colour=#0000ff]"But I'm not sure what I came her expecting. Couture really never has recovered from that ordeal involving that yellow pegasus. Not that it hasn't always been possible to get the same levels of coverage somewhere like Distingué or Fascination, of course; really it does so little to distinguish itself these days, but why should it, being the leader in circulation? Ponies will buy whatever is printed in there these days, all because of the name on the cover."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]That said, Crystal turned toward the stallion from before and offered a faux polite smile.[/colour] [colour=#0000ff]"Are my criticisms well-educated enough for you yet, sir? Or perhaps you'd rather I dig a little deeper?"[/colour]

​

[Elderflower]

Luminous Charge cracked a slight smile as soon as Photo Finish spoke, straightening his posture as he did. The mare was more than capable of speaking for herself, and thusly he would speak no further on the matter. If he pushed too hard to defend her, after all, it would give off the impression that she needed her admirers to pick up for her and her reputation. One snarky comment was not damaging, but he would push no further.

The feathered mare, however, continued to push with her criticisms. One brow began sliding upwards with every word she spoke, until finally he let out a small, quiet sigh. She certainly was pushing. Perhaps those of high birth had a different stance on art exhibitions than he, but Lume could never become quite so vocal or condescending in such a professional setting, even if the artwork was truly embarassing. It showed little respect for the art world; there was a certain etiquette to be had at an art show, and it certainly wasn’t so…loud as this character. No, he was sure that any gallery-goer with respect for art should follow the proper conduct: question, calmly and politely, what the artist’s intentions were with their methods (with reference to specifics such as form, tone, and in this case the printing method and fashion choice) and if you do not agree with their vision then you just as calmly offer up a recommendation of your own.

Once the pot-stirrer had her say and turned her less-than-genuine smile towards the stallion, he regarded her for a moment (with one brow still arched) before speaking in his smooth tenor voice, [colour=#800000]“It was certainly a marked improvement…”[/colour]

Luminous Charge trailed off before finishing his snarky remark – what more he had to say was not worth saying, for this seemed like a mare very set in her ways. Instead, with a slight air of exasperation he turned his attention back towards Photo Finish and attempted to remove himself from the exchange. The last thing he wanted was to make a scene - hopefully it wasn't too late.

[Davroth]

Photo Finish knew instantly that she had the pegasus mare now. This was the Manehattan art scene after all. Sure, there were a select few who were so successful that they were earning more bits then they could ever spend, but most every artist here came from very humble beginnings, herself included. It was frowned upon to flaunt your wealth in public, and if you did, you were supposed to be modest about it (or act like it's nothing worth mentioning, which was what the blue mare of fashion usually did).

[colour=#dda0dd]"Oh, I assume you are an artist yourself, zen, miss...?"[/colour] Photo Finish began, allowing herself a very thin smile. [colour=#dda0dd]"No... I'm sure the art scene vould have heard about an artist successful enouf to dress in such tacky clothes as yourself."[/colour] She narrowed her eyes between her trademark glasses.[colour=#dda0dd] "Just a critic wiz nothing to her name, zen? Really sad."[/colour] She shook her head decisively.

She went pretty far here, but the mare had hit a nerve. Predictably, though, the small crowd started to back away from the pegasus, mostly because Photo Finish singled her out like that, but also because most of them were aspiring artists themselves, and valued peer review over critics. There was much dispute in the art scene if art can be critiqued at all, or if it even should be. Even Couture understood itself more as a showcase of new talent and coverage of news in the world of fashion and art. Not all fashion and art magazines upheld that kind of attitude, since biting critiques sold copies as well as upholding a high quality magazine. Critiquing was just by far easier, since everyone was a critic, as they say. And this mare was a prime example.

[colour=#dda0dd]"All zat money can't buy you taste."[/colour]

[Volt]

It was a bit of surprise for certain mare to see how much the streets of Manehattan have changed. Back in her youth, she'd be able to name and point out most buildings and facilities in some areas. Now everything seemed new. It was true that Star's last visit in Manehattan was about six months ago. But the sole reason for them was always the same: renewing family bonds. It was her hometown, after all. Albeit this time was different. Tall Unicorn allowed herself for once to go and refresh her memories of the city. It was then when she stumbled across an announcement proclaiming a certain art exhibition which, coincidentally, went astonishingly well with her own field of interest. She couldn't miss such an occasion.

And now, she found herself standing in front of Das Foto, throwing the structure a critical gaze. She couldn't recall if such an institution existed when she was a filly but, undeniably, it stood firmly in front of her with prestigiously looking ponies seemingly enjoying anything it had to offer. Of course, she couldn't allow herself to arrive unprepared. For this evening, she decided to dress herself in white. Long and padded silken dress with a gentle white collarette. No complicated or intricate designs were needed, since Star always depended on her natural appearance. She allowed herself only for two additions. A silver necklace containing a small, white opal, resting gently at her neckline; And a white-pink lily, her favorite flower, interwoven in her wavy mane, mysteriously covering left side of her face. She wondered if the flower wasn't too much, but she was determined to conserve her individuality.

As soon as she stepped inside, mare became wrapped up with investigating the art. She didn't waste time, it was what she came here for after all. Still, being a photographer herself, it was hard to simply enjoy the art itself and try to avoid being judgmental. Her feelings were mixed. There were some pieces which seemed to be ideal, but on the other hoof she had her own visions as for how different ones should be photographed. It was indeed a habit she couldn't fight. She was just admiring the game of shadows when her ears picked a few snatches of conversation ongoing nearby. Driven by her instincts, Star decided to investigate the issue. The discovery that Photo Finish was one of the participants was quite a surprise for her. Of course, she knew the exhibition was her doing, but wasn't expecting to meet her herself. It seemed as she was deeply engaged in conversation with a truly sophisticated and rich-looking mare. Approaching the scene, she decided to turn to a dark brown* Pegasus, obviously also taking part in the 'incident'. [colour=#9900cc]"Pardonnez-moi monsieur, but could you please explain to me what's all this about?"[/colour] - she asked in a silent, confidential voice, carefully observing both the mares.

​

[RarityDash]

[colour=#000000]Crystal glowered as the stallion proceeded to reply to her with a dismissive quip before Photo Finish boldly singled her out, intent to shame her. She was all too used to mudslinging. She was tougher than most ponies realized; she knew how to take it. If this mare thought she could just beat her down and shut her up, she had another thing coming to her. She was intent to hold her ground even as others in the crowd backed off and began to whisper amongst themselves. Despite her flashy appearance, Crystal Snowflake was not an ignorant mare nor a weak one.[/colour]

[colour=#0000ff]"So I am ignorant outsider with no taste then? I cannot possibly understand or appreciate your craft in any way that matters?"[/colour] [colour=#000000]Crystal started in a mock-pretentious tone. [/colour][colour=#0000ff]"How typical of the artist; self-important, egotistical--convinced she is a genius who's uncommon gift cannot be understand by anyone not 'on her level'. It's almost cliche."[/colour]

[colour=#000000]The pegasus gave a long sigh[/colour]. [colour=#0000ff]"Perception is a powerful, funny little thing. This whole world is dictated by the judgements of others. You may believe your art is above it, but there is never escape from criticism and its power. You may discount the critics of the world, but even you so called artists depend on public opinion in life's perpetual popularity contest. It is the 'ignorant' public who decides who the winners are, not the select few 'geniuses' who 'understand'," [/colour][colour=#000000]Crystal continued, with scathing emphasis.[/colour]

[colour=#0000ff]"But, by all means, discount my words as those of some puffed up dilettante. You can afford to what with your flock of fickle-minded Couture cheerleaders standing in your pen, having decided that--for now--you're a winner,"[/colour][colour=#000000] Crystal said in a huff. [/colour]

[colour=#000000]She then gave a sigh and returned to a more even voice.[/colour] [colour=#0000ff]"With that said, I ask that you continue the tour, Ms. Finish. Show us everything you've done. Prove to even this 'ignorant, tasteless' mare that you deserve to be a winner."[/colour]

​

[Elderflower]

As soon as Photo Finish began her retort, Lume knew he had been wise to step out of the argument. Two personalities much stronger than his seemed to be rising to the occasion and crashing into one another at full force – it was quite the spectacle! And one he was sure to flounder in, being a naturally silent type who preferred to have time to piece his thoughts together. While the bespectacled fashion pony was having her say, another bystander (and connoisseuse of photographic arts) approached, and though he was distracted, he managed to catch what she said as she drew closer to him.

The stallion turned his vibrant, green gaze towards the pale pink unicorn, and immediately noticed that she had very refined tastes; though he was not usually a fan of white dresses (as it was very easy to come off looking like a wedding dress), hers was well-tailored and elegant, the simple design letting her natural beauty shine on its own. The addition of the pale lily set off the entire outfit – she was certainly a pony with fine taste!

[colour=#800000]“Some feathers have been ruffled,”[/colour] he said very quietly, so as not to speak over either of the other ponies,[colour=#800000] “The mare in the lavender dress has been giving a very harsh critique and Photo Finish is fighting back.”[/colour]

Once he had answered the pink mare, Luminous Charge pulled himself away from the crowd and, careful not to bump into anypony or put a wrinkle into his fine attire, began to peruse the photos once more. He could just hear the tail end of the peacock pony’s argument, which was…impressively scathing. He had to admit to himself that she had quite a way for words and a very sturdy backbone: she was a very admirable pony. It seems she wasn’t entirely hungry for a cat fight, however, as she ended her argument by prompting Photo Finish into continuing her little tour of the gallery. A small smile flickered across the sculptor’s expression – the primped-up Pegasus had more sense than he had initially given her credit for, it seemed! Still, he had a strong feeling that before the night was over there would be a few hairs out of place and some very interesting stories for the newspapers, fashion magazines, and artist journals.

[Davroth]

[colour=#0000ff]"--for now--"[/colour]

The blue mare of fashion couldn't help but smile at those words. For now... She had been a mayor influence in the world of fashion for decades now, and this mare had the audacity to act like it was some kind of fluke. It just seemed to illogical. This exhibition was packed at opening night. Why would anyone come to intentionally antagonize the mare of the evening? Though, in Photo Finish's mind, she was always the mare of the evening, regardless of what else was happening.

[colour=#dda0dd]"I haf nozing to proof to anyvone, miss. All zat counts is ze Art."[/colour]

That was nothing but the truth, and everyone who ever worked with her knew it was the truth. Luxury didn't mean anything to her. She earned a lot of bits, sure, and she wore designer outfits whereever she went (like right now, where she was sporting a piece out of the latest seasonal collection), but if tomorrow she would be left with nothing, she would still be doing what she had always done, in whatever way she could. Though that was unlikely. Luckily for her, there were reliable ponies taking care of her finances, and since she didn't really spend all that much, there was quite a bit of it by now. Not that Photo Finish was really aware of it. By now, she had grown accustomed to bills just getting paid for her.

They walked on, reaching the next picture. It was the same young barrista from the last picture, this time in a quite tasteful arrangement that showed her cleaning the dishes she had used to offer Photo Finish's team tea. It was before the lighting had been set up, and the natural light framed her slightly messy mane beautifully, especially with her expression of genuine surprise.