Blake Lively has candidly shared her discomfort with photo shoots, a surprising revelation considering her status as a style icon. In an interview with Vogue, the 36-year-old actress expressed her shyness and lack of comfort in front of the camera, despite being frequently celebrated for her striking beauty and fashion choices. “I’m a very shy person,” Lively admitted. “I don’t really enjoy doing photo shoots because I feel more at ease when I’m portraying a character. The idea of being in front of a camera as myself often feels challenging.”
This declaration comes as Lively graces the cover of Vogue for the first time in four years, shot by the acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann for the September 2024 issue. Although she typically shies away from the spotlight, Lively felt compelled to participate when Luhrmann was involved. “When I heard Baz would be directing, I couldn’t resist. I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with him,” she noted.
In stunning visuals for the cover, Lively dons a delightful Michael Kors garment paired with a Cartier High Jewelry necklace, while her co-star Hugh Jackman sports a refined Ralph Lauren suit. The pair embodies characters in Luhrmann’s Hitchcock-inspired fantasy, titled “The Heist of the Heart.”
Despite her reluctance to engage with the industry’s glamour, Lively understands the privilege of being part of such creative endeavors. She reflected, “Gracing these pages isn’t something I take lightly; it’s not my natural inclination, but I recognize the opportunity.”
During the photo shoot, Lively portrayed a glamorous jewel thief, a role that pushed her boundaries outside her typical performances. The session evolved from an initial fitting into an expansive photo shoot as Luhrmann sought to refresh her aesthetic, crafting an alluring character that would resonate with audiences. “He wanted to explore a side of me that people don’t immediately associate with my work,” she explained.
Amidst her flourishing career, Lively’s priorities have shifted towards family life with husband Ryan Reynolds and their four young children. She conveyed that motherhood has brought a newfound intimacy to her life, prompting her to take on fewer roles.
As she wraps up her time in Rome, filming the sequel to “A Simple Favor,” Lively continues to navigate her passion for acting and her personal life with grace and humility. The sequel promises to delve deeper into the humor and absurdity that captivated audiences in the first installment, with insiders hinting at an even more outrageous cinematic experience this time around.
This striking blend of vulnerability and confidence encapsulates Lively’s essence. She remains a formidable talent, proving that even the most glamorous of stars can feel shy and introspective behind the camera.
