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Natalie was on the go during her photoshoot, either crawling or walking with assistance, so I had to be ready and anticipate her movement. She was a joy to document because she is one of the happiest little girls I have known. (I might be a little biased because she is my niece, but now I have the photos to prove it!)
We think dogs are some of the most amazing creatures, they challenge us to be better humans and give us a sort of unconditional love. This is exactly what the Christmas spirit embodies. So this Christmas, we decided that if you can Deck the Halls, you can Deck the Dogs!
Charles brought his best boy, Nelsan, to my lavender field pet photo sessions at Luckey Road Lavender Farm. Nelsan is a very handsome Blue Heeler. He is extremely smart and loves to learn tricks and do activities. Check out Charles interview to get to know Nelsan!
Witch is your favorite? It started as one model… simple. Then I had two, and then three. At this point I had decided to do a sort of boho-witch theme. I began researching costumes and culture. I discovered that in the Wicca belief system, each point of the pentagram represents an element. Air. Spirit. Earth. Fire. Water.
Now I had to have five models.
Honestly, I had no idea what working with a snake would look like. I assumed that I would just let Spooky do her thing and we would hope for the best. She did not disappoint. Nicole was so gentle with Spooky, directing her but never forcing her to do anything she did not want to do. My priority when shooting with animals is to make sure they are treated with respect, in an ethical manner. Spooky's comfort and safety was more important to both of us, than having a successful shoot.
It was a pretty piece left over from a gilded age. The young girl's mother had found it in the attic and thought it would look nice in her little bedroom. It hung unobtrusively on the wall waiting for the tot to be tall enough to see into its shiny mercurial depths.
Most of the time I am shooting for my job. I take portraits or I am documenting a commercial business. While all of my paid shoots involve my personal creativity, there are definitely expectations to get certain poses, light styles, a specific look. I am very happy to accommodate all of these things and often I also get to play a little for myself, but there is something truly refreshing about creating something just for yourself. No expectations except your own.
I am the day, the sun, the light,
I am the giver of life,
My eyes burn with bright passion,
And my skin glows with great love.
I am the night.
I walk in shadows and I sing in solitude,
My eyes are closed but my ears hear every movement,
I bring rains of starlight and waterfalls of moon beams.
I do not sleep but I shroud the world in a breathing death,
For most, a temporary state of escape.
No Disney princess; I am a warrior queen.
My hair is the color of the tropical sea, hemmed in by a crown of lost life.
My arms wear strength like golden cords, infused with the energy of roaring waves.
My body moves with agility and speed, like the currents of the laughing deep.
My gown shimmers and shifts, as the sun casting a broad arm over a calm horizon.
My tale would push me further and faster, ever moving to explore every ravine of the ocean floor.
Alas, my feet, keep me tethered to the shore.
I found out that Debbie was interested in pursuing some modeling and I jumped at the chance to do a personal project with her! I love doing themed shoots. Anything artistic that tells a story makes my creativity spike! I did some brainstorming with Debbie and we came up with the idea to do a princess outfit.
I have been slowly exploring the parks in the Toledo and Bowling Green area. I had not gotten the chance to do any photos at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark so I suggested we have an adventure and try it out. Debbie was in!
On the day of the shoot, my lovely assistant, Jessica, and my talented Makeup Artist sister, Rachel, joined us in preparing Debbie for her debut. Hair was curled and braided, foundation was applied and diamonds were donned. Debbie looked like a true princess. We had a great time, despite some chilly temperatures!
I hope you enjoy this magical story as you scroll through these photos!
Make Up By Rachel Christensen
