Why I Was Surprised; Emotion on Both Sides

I had an interesting experience this week.

I set up a photo shoot with Seattle based model and actor Hans Iverson and, of course, my dream team; Serena Cook and Laura Klem.
We planned to shoot an editorial for Obscurae Magazine's "All Men" issue. I prepped like I always do, with brainstorming and story boarding, throwing ideas around and trying to put together a cohesive idea and lighting plan.
There were a few hiccups in the road (yes, I know that is an odd metaphor...but you still got the idea)
*ahem* someone missed the bus...you know who you are...but despite all of that, we gathered in my studio with tasty donuts and all our gear.

I've worked with models in the past. Each had their own distinct way of moving, of inhabiting space. Each one unique in their expression. I've always appreciated the singularity of every one of them, and enjoyed what set them apart from the others. I didn't expect anything different during this shoot, so I did what I always do.
I played some music.
I always play music during a shoot. It helps everyone relax, gives common ground, and sets the mood for the shoot. Sometimes it's Celtic folk music, sometimes its pop, sometimes it's the Rolling Stones. THIS time, though, it was the incomparable Sia.

I wanted the weight, the depth, the emotion of her voice and music to color the shoot. I wasn't prepared for what would happen, though.

Have you ever set about a task and had a plan in mind, only to see everything change in an instant and find yourself running to catch up? You realize that, in the words of the great Robert Burns, "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley," or, to paraphrase for those not versed in 18th century Scots dialect, "the best-laid plans of mice and men / Often go awry."

When Hans started to move, to give expression to the song "Breathe Me," all my plans for the rest of the shoot went right out the window.
The emotion he was able to express was honest, raw, and cutting. I found myself pressing the shutter over and over, oblivious to everything going on around me. I heard the music, I watched the man, I pressed the shutter. I didn't even try to give any direction, I didn't need to. I was removed from all the plans I had made, not thinking about my next shot, just simply reacting in the moment to the man in front of my lens. I have never felt so much that any subject, model or client, was looking through the lens and at ME.

The song ended, Hans looked up at me, and I pressed the shutter one last time.
Serena and I both let out breaths I'm sure we didn't realize we had been holding and looked at each other with wide eyes.We had just been party to a singular moment, an impressive talent that moved beyond modeling and into something else; a hybrid of modeling and acting, some kind of truth neither of us had expected to see. It left my stomach in knots.

Even now, days later, when I look at the images I am still taken unaware at what was created there. While I love every photo I am able to take, from smiling families to fairy magic, it's moments like that one that awaken my creative mind, touch my soul, and make me grateful to be on the shooting end of a camera.

I hope it's not the last time I am privileged to experience it.

Since our editorial will be published in Obscurae Magazine, I can't share the photos with you YET, and believe me I would LOVE to, but as soon as the issue publishes I will plaster those suckers all over the place!

If you want to see some of Hans' work, head over to his website, http://hansiverson.com

As always, leave me a comment and let me know what you think. What is one of YOUR most poignant moments behind the lens? In front of it?

Finding Fairies

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been enamored with all things magical.
I'm pretty sure I was influenced by movies like Legend, and The Labyrinth as I grew up, not to mention anything Disney.

Yes, I am an unrepentant Disney geek.

If fact, and this is no lie, if I am in any body of water larger than a hot tub, I will have pretended I was a mermaid at least once. I'm 31 years old. No, I am not ashamed of myself.
All I know is, anything that holds the slightest bit of fairytale magic will indubitably grab my attention and refuse to let go...kind of like those product testers at the mall.

I've mentioned my love of conceptual work before, and now I am following and pursuing that with a passion. My first big effort will be happening this July, when a crew of ridiculously talented people will be joining me to create a Fairy Wedding. There will be fairies, dryads, elves, brownies, and who knows what other magical creatures will join in the fesitivies!? It's like all my childhood fantasies are coming true at once and every time I think about it I almost burst with excitement.

It's a big undertaking, though. There is a whole lot of planning, casting, creating, and money that goes into making things like this happen. What is important, though, are the people who are making this possible.
Without their time and talent, I'd be sitting in the forest by myself; a sad little photographer dreaming of magics.

We have got some stellar talent on board for this project. If you've ever read the blog before, you've been introduced to Serena Cook of Esoteric Makeup, and Laura Klem of The Best Little Hair House. They're my dream team, and I know they are capable of creating any look that I can dream up. If you've stuck around for a while, you've also seen some of the gorgeous creations of Elizabeth Ritter, the Swift Stitcher. She's going to be creating one of a kind ensembles for our cast of characters.
Of equal importance are the models who will be giving these characters life. As a first for me, we will also have uber talented Jennifer Jensen on board, who is going to use her mad body painting skills to create real life dryads!

I can't pass up the opportunity to plug these artists because more people need to know about the talented artists that are out there pursuing their dreams and fighting to make a living doing what they love. Hans Iverson, Ronda Olshefski,  Jeff Marlatt, and Oryx Leucoryx will be principle models for the shoot, and I cannot WAIT to get them in front of my lens!

The crew and I have been planning and scheming for months now, and I can honestly say that I have never been more keyed up for a project than I am for this one. Here are a few examples from test shoots that will give you a good idea of where we are going with this project.

This first model is the gorgeous Kayla Altman, who came out to shoot for fun and absolutely ROCKED it.

This next model is the lovely Ronda Olshefski, who will be our fairy Queen, Titania.

Hair and makeup by Laura Klem and Serena Cook, costumes pieced together by myself (thanks Goodwill!) and Serena Cook, wings from the peerless Fancy Fairy Wings and Things, and ears by Aradani Studios.

I'm already more than excited about the images we've created so far. Once the final photos are in my computer, I may just pee on myself in pure ecstasy.

Mommy Makeover Nominee: Anita

This amazing mom has been nominated by her daughter, Jessica.

"My mother Anita is for sure in need of a day all about her. She has been there through every trial and tribulation that not only I have caused, but also those that have come upon me. She uprooted her life to move with me when I needed her to look after my kids for an Army assignment, she stood by my side and looked after my babies while I had to undergo 3 c-sections and 3 brain surgeries. She is always there for me whenever I need her and never says no even though she has a full time job on her feet all day and is suffering from massive pain from fibromyalgia. She truly is my hero and I love her unconditionally and honestly feel she deserves a day to be all about her. Please vote for my very well deserving MOM!"

Jessica

Let's celebrate this amazing momma!

Good luck, Anita!

Baby G

All of the tired cliches about spring are true. It's a time of new life, beginnings, and starting fresh as the world wakes up. The trees are just beginning to bloom and flowers are opening bright petals to the waiting world. Spring is also a messy time, but all birth is messy. It's a fitting metaphor, then, that the maternity photos for "baby G" should take place during a spring morning surrounded by blooms and new life.

I had such good time photographing these two, and was so enchanted by the scenery of Cochrane Park here in Yelm, that I kept making ridiculous noises (that can best be described as a "squee") every time I caught a shot that I KNEW was going to be enchanting. Here are a few of my favorites from the session...

 

Of course, they had to take some time out to be silly! Can't you just see them aboard the Titanic!?

Um...romantic, much!? They are so sweet together.

I am so in love with this photo! She's so lovely, and with the leaves of the blossoms falling... it just makes me happy. I'm pretty sure this photo was worthy of a good squee.

And my favorite simply for the gorgeous scenery...

Congratulations Mom and Dad-to-be! Baby G is going to be one lucky and much loved little fella!

Mommy Makeover Contest Nominee: Colleen

This next amazing momma was submitted by one of her employees! See, deserving mommas are everywhere and can be nominated by anyone.

Pregnant, working, and already mommy to a 3 year old boy! This amazing lady deserves some applause!

" Colleen. She is a hard working mom with her almost three year old and she is pregnant with her second boy.  She is a great boss."

Kristina

 

Good luck, Colleen!!

*you can vote for Colleen by leaving a message in the comments section below!

 

Bubble Gum Babies - Gender Reveal

Last week I had a pair of the most gorgeous sisters in my studio. They were BOTH pregnant, ready to share the sex of their babies with their friends and family and had a really fun idea to do it. I give you: 

The Bubble Gum Babies

Congratulations on what is sure to be two BEAUTIFUL baby BOYS!

{R&M} Engagment

I love photographing couples for their engagement. LOVE it. It's like I get to play a small part in a romance novel or a fairy tale.
I get to see people at their best, most selfless and during their most tender moments. I also get to see them be silly, express who they are as a part of a whole, and who they are when they let down their guard with that special person who makes them more themselves.

Marisa and Ryan were so sweet, earnest, and honest. They're getting married this October, and I can't wait to capture those precious moments for them! Here are a few of my fav's from the shoot.