The inspiration behind this petit editorial was quite simple. I wanted to tell a story about nature and beauty by incorporating two gowns that showed magnificent movement and texture on camera. The two gowns from The Lillie Mae Collection really inspired me. The first gown featured really reminded me of smoke, which made me think of remnants of fire and chaos leading way to the smoke, and what is left after. The green gown looked quite literally like a blooming flower around our model Sophia, and that made me think of how hopeful fresh blooms feel to anyone who has waited for them. This shoot provokes sentiments of loss, renewed hope, expectation, and the comfort found in the pattern of seasons. This entire shoot felt like a visual poem. As a writer I sometimes see an editorial or styled shoot, first as a written story or piece of poetry, and then with my camera I bring the story in my mind, like an illustration, to the visual world. This shoot was something I pursued and planned for my own heart and as an exercise as an artist.
The shoot was made so much richer and beautiful by the spontaneous addition of florals and furniture by the extremely talented artist, florist & stylist Joanna, owner of Hazel Dust Studio. I must also give a big shout out to Sophia our model who was a dream to work with. Her natural instincts and keen understanding of what I was aiming for was a thrill to capture on camera.
And finally a big virtual hug to Terrie Nelson of Lillie Mae Collection, who is one of the people in the photography / wedding world who shines the warmest light on everyone, near or far. She was so supportive and lovely. I’m just so thankful to God that I was able work alongside these wonderful women and that we could all use our gifts and abilities to create this poetic, visual piece.