To celebrate Twin Peaks Day 2019, here is a Love Letter to all the photos of Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks. From the Homecoming Queen images (there are multiple versions) to stunning black and white portraits, these photographs of Sheryl Lee have become pop culture icons and are intertwined with a place both wonderful and strange. For the story behind these images, check out Brad Dukes’ fantastic interview with photographer Kimberly Wright on Twin Peaks Archive. But now, let’s explore the many times Laura’s photos appear in all three seasons and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
The first time we see Laura’s Homecoming Queen image is in the Pilot Episode. It’s displayed in a trophy case at Twin Peaks High School.
The camera slowly moves toward one of several images used for Laura’s Homecoming Queen photo. Remember the middle photo above as you will see it again many times throughout Seasons 1 and 2.
A second Homecoming Queen photo is later used when the scene cuts to the interior of the Palmer house. Notice how her head is tilted differently when compared to the trophy case photo. Photographer Kimberly Wright mentioned she took several different images during filming of the Pilot Episode in Washington State.
The first appearance of a black and white photo of Laura is seen behind her mother Sarah Palmer during this scene. We also catch a glimpse of a childhood photo of Laura (others will appear throughout the series).
At the end of the Pilot episode, Sarah Palmer is seen resting on the couch. A pink-framed photo of Laura appears behind her on the end table. This is the final time we see the pink frame in the series.
The Homecoming Queen image from the trophy case is used as the credits roll. I have to admit that I didn’t realize until sometime last years that the credits photo used was from the trophy case. This image will be used behind the credits in all but a handful of episodes in Seasons 1 and 2.
In Episode 1001, we get a first look at the wrapped-in-plastic photograph of Laura from the beach of Blue Pine Lodge.
But who took the image in the series? Andy took a photo of the yet-to-be-revealed Laura Palmer just before he was dismissed by Sheriff Truman after having an emotional breakdown. Perhaps when he returned with the stretcher, Andy took the image. In reality, the photo was also taken by Kimberly Wright (seriously – you need to read this interview conducted by Brad Dukes!):
“…the one where she was on the shore of the lake. That photo has been used a lot. Even though she’s dead, I know she’s not (laughs) because I was there and she was very much alive. I think it’s a very beautiful photo of her. She looks really beautiful and I remember that’s another moment from the film that I remember really well. I remember they were shooting it, she was cold, it was cold and she was uncomfortable and I had to take those photos really quickly.”
The Homecoming Queen photo moves spots in Episode 1001. This is the first of MANY moves for all of the photos of Laura. The Palmers must really like to redecorate often. The photo is now in a gold-colored, metal frame.
The credits end again with the photo of Laura from the trophy case in the Pilot episode. I won’t share the remaining times it’s used as an end credits image as you get the idea.
The autopsy report photo is seen again in Episode 1002 when Cooper and Truman are discussing the bloody towel found down the way from the crime scene.
The first appearance of Laura’s “feathered hair” photos appears in Episode 1002 when Leland stands by the turntable.
Leland decides he has to “dance for Laura” and spins around the living room clutching her gold-frame image.
When Sarah Palmer bursts into the living room, we catch a glimpse of Laura’s “pigtail hair” photo on the end table where the Homecoming Queen photo was also placed.
After Sarah attempts to wrestle the frame from a grieving Leland, it smashes against a table. The broken glass cuts Sarah’s hand and Leland smears her blood on Laura’s image.
Another variation of Laura’s Homecoming Queen image is seen in Episode 1004. This one has Laura’s name and title.
Oddly, the image is still turned away from the camera in this scene from the Palmer’s living room. The crew probably forgot to turn it around, or maybe Deputy Andy Brennan needed it for reference.
Episode 1004 also marks the first time we see a photo of Audrey Horne and Laura Palmer on Ben Horne’s desk. There were several outtakes from this photo session.
And the photo is gigantic on Ben Horne’s desk!
Laura’s photograph from “Flesh World” magazine is found in Episode 1005.
Episode 1005 also marks the first time the black and white image of Donna Hayward and Laura Palmer is seen.
After Maddy hangs up the phone, the camera slowly zooms in to the Homecoming Photo with name/label which is now located behind the couch.
At the start of Season 2, Laura’s “feathered hair” photo and the photo with Donna Hayward can been seen next to Sarah while Leland sings.
As Special Agent Cooper “lays it all out” in Episode 2001, both the autopsy report photo and the gold-framed Homecoming Queen image can be seen at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department.
An angry James Hurley clears the end table with Laura’s “pigtail hair” photo in Episode 2003. Later in the episode, many of Laura’s photos have now been placed on the fireplace mantle. They will remain there for the next few episodes.
The mantle photos remain the same in Episode 2007, but a new black and white portrait of Laura was added to the living room.
Strangely, the new black and white photo also turns up in this episode on Ben Horne’s desk in his office at The Great Northern Hotel.
Later in Episode 1007, we get another look at all the mantle photos plus the new black and white image.
But in Episode 2008, the photos are moved again – this time, behind the couch that Leland Palmer is using to catch golf balls.
Then in Episode 2009, they return to the fireplace mantle. Make up your mind, Palmer family!
In Episode 2010, the Homecoming Queen and “feathered hair” images are still on the mantle next to a golden urn. Then, a childhood photo of Laura somehow finds a way to the Hayward House. It sold at auction in 2011 as reported by Twin Peaks Archive.
Ben Horne holds up a different black and white image of Laura Palmer in Episode 2011. It’s reminiscent of an image from the Pilot Episode that was seen behind Sarah Palmer. How did Ben get it?!
The black and white image will be seen again in Episodes 2012 and 2013. It also marks the final time we see an photo of Laura Palmer (aside from the end credits image) in Season 2 .
The Homecoming Queen image returns in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Presented again in a different trophy case (as they used a different High School for the film).
Bobby Briggs approaches the trophy case and kisses the glass in front of Laura’s image.
Meanwhile, at the Palmer House, Laura’s Homecoming Queen image and “feathered hair” photo appear in the living room.
As Laura prepares to go out for the night, we see the Homecoming Queen image has moved again.
The “feathered hair” photo is seen as Leland paces in the living room while the Homecoming Queen photo stays on the end table as Laura says “goodnight” to her mom. This is the final time we see a photo of Laura in the motion picture.
When Twin Peaks returned to Showtime, footage from the Pilot Episode was recycled for Part 1.
The camera again slowly moves toward the image of Laura only this time, the show’s title appears over her face. This is the only time in Season 3 that the opening credits appear this way.
For the remainder of Season 3, the opening credits use a ghost-like image of Laura’s Homecoming Queen photo.
The black and white image of Laura and Donna from the first two seasons makes it way to the Palmer House in Part 2.
In Part 4, the autopsy report image and part of Laura and Audrey’s ski outfit photo can be seen in the conference room at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department.
Another version of Laura’s Homecoming Queen photo brings back some memories for Deputy Bobby Briggs in Part 4. We also see the autopsy report photo from Episode 1001 again.
Part 5 has a different look at the evidence on the conference room table at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department. Both the ski outfit and Homecoming Queen photos can be seen.
Part 8 contains an image of Laura that’s similar to her Homecoming Queen photo. While it’s not technically a photo, it looks similar to the opening credits image.
While Sarah Palmer watches a boxing match in Part 13, we can again see the black and white photograph of Laura and Donna. The “pigtail hair” photo is also on the same table.
The Fireman shows Deputy Andy Brennan a vision of Laura surrounded by the angel from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me in Part 14. This is a similar Homecoming Queen image used in Part 8 and the opening credits.
Part 17 offers another look at the living room in the Palmer House. We can see the Homecoming Queen photo along with other aforementioned images.
An angry Sarah Palmer grabs the Homecoming Queen image then pulls a James Hurley by knocking off the “pigtail hair” photo similar to what he did in Episode 2003. Then Sarah proceeds to smash the Homecoming Queen photo of Laura Palmer by repeatedly hammering it until the glass shatters.
This is the final photograph of Laura Palmer seen in all of Twin Peaks.
This was a riot! So cool! Thanks for your due diligence, my friend!
When Cooper(after shot by jocelyn) visits Ronette with Harry.
He seems to have trouble sitting, and look at his hairstyle.
very different usual, Too much amount of hair.
I love you Laura. Does anyone know where I can find a full picture of the dress the stunning Sheryl Lee is wearing in this iconic photo? I’m trying to draw her but the prom photo is a very restricted portrait.
I’ve never seen a full image of the dress.