The thing I love most about being a photographer is the people. The stories and journeys inspire me and influence my body of work. Even in the most creative portraits when I've called in a model to work with me, I am still driven to keep the essence of the person I am photographing infused in the images.
This is the exact reason I was hesitant to attend an event with the Professional Photographers of Michigan to photograph models dressed in 20's era customs and attire. But I was curious about the Packard Proving Grounds and I really like making new friends, so I packed up my camera equipment and I went.
Here’s what I learned...
Different is good for the soul, and sometimes different isn’t so different at all.
Although these images are filed with guns and gangsters (a far cry from my current love affair with the softness of tulle), these portraits are also filled with friendship. Our models were friends and family.
As I took the time to get to know the people we were working with, I realized they were just people with their own stories and they were sharing their stories in a dressed up, costumed, completely unique way. I love the portraits, and I loved photographing them, but my favorite part of the day was the stories we shared in the bathroom. As I helped a few of girls zip up their dresses, we talked about make up and what it takes to rock black lipstick. Their kindness, laughter, and inclusivity was both inspiring and exactly what I needed.
It proves to me that around the world, friendships are waiting to be made. I’m so grateful for all of the people that I meet through my work and for the ways that my craft enables me to see the best in people even in most unique and unexpected ways.
If you would like a session complete with your favorite custom, look, and feel, we can style your session anyway you would like. The first thing we will do is sit down together and plan the details of your session.
If you are interested in a complementary consultation, fill out the form below and I will be in touch. I would love to hear your thoughts about your perfect portrait session.