In an intriguing retrospective, renowned photographer Soulla Petrou reflects on her early encounters with Geri Halliwell, two years before the Spice Girls catapulted to global fame. Through a series of striking images, Petrou captures Halliwell’s ambition and charisma, providing a unique insight into the burgeoning pop star who would soon become a household name.
A Transformative Shift to Music Photography
Petrou began her career in the realm of fashion photography but quickly realised her passion lay elsewhere. In 1994, she pivoted towards music, inspired by a magazine called Touch that sparked her interest. “I wanted to make boring DJs look interesting,” she recalls, a challenge that led her to photograph notable figures in the drum and bass scene, including General Levy and the iconic Goldie.
Within a month of her foray into music photography, Petrou was introduced to Halliwell through a stylist friend who had heard whispers about a new girl group. Skeptical yet intrigued, Petrou agreed to a photoshoot at her home, a decision that would prove pivotal.
Capturing the Essence of Geri Halliwell
The photoshoot, characterised by its playful homage to strong female characters from beloved 60s and 70s media, showcased Halliwell in a Barbarella-inspired outfit designed by the legendary Paco Rabanne. “We had a great laugh,” Petrou recalls, reminiscing about the vibrant energy of the session. The images, set against a stark white wall, were intentionally stylised to evoke a sense of nostalgia and fantasy.
Petrou’s technique involved cross-processing E6 slide film in chemicals meant for colour negatives, resulting in a distinctively vivid, grainy aesthetic. “I didn’t want the photographs to look too ‘real’,” she explains, highlighting her desire to create a dreamlike quality that would resonate with the viewer.
The Prophetic Tarot Reading
As the shoot wrapped up, Halliwell’s curiosity led her to a set of tarot cards on Petrou’s table. “She asked me to read her future,” Petrou recounts with a touch of humour, “I’m glad fortune-telling isn’t a road I took, because I predicted absolutely nothing.” Yet, what stood out was Halliwell’s unwavering focus and ambition, traits that would soon manifest in her explosive rise to fame with the Spice Girls’ hit single “Wannabe” in 1996.
Petrou’s photographs have since become emblematic of Halliwell’s evolution from aspiring singer to pop sensation. Six of these images found a place in Petrou’s book, *Rewind*, which chronicles her music photography from the 1990s and 2000s. There are also unpublished shots, including a whimsical tableau of Halliwell climbing out of a window—an image that encapsulates her playful spirit.
A Lasting Connection
Years later, Petrou was pleasantly surprised to see Halliwell holding one of her prints in a documentary. The connection has endured, with Halliwell even sharing Petrou’s Instagram posts of their 1994 shoot, captioning them with an inspiring message about following one’s dreams. “GIRL POWER 1994,” she wrote, reflecting on her early aspirations, “Keep following your dreams, you’ll never know where it will take you.”
Petrou’s career has flourished since those early days. She celebrates milestones such as having her work included in the V&A Museum’s permanent collection and being selected for the prestigious Taylor Wessing prize in 2025. Her photographs will soon be featured at Photo North in Leeds and the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield, showcasing her enduring passion for photography.
Why it Matters
The story of Geri Halliwell’s early days, captured through Soulla Petrou’s lens, serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between ambition and artistry. It highlights how the seeds of success are often sown long before fame arrives, revealing the dedication and vision that drive individuals to realise their dreams. In celebrating this connection, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing creativity, supporting emerging talent, and recognising the pivotal moments that shape iconic figures in popular culture.
