I am going to sit here and explain to you the exhilarating feeling I organically receive simply from landing a gig that opens up my creative vaults! Usually these magical bookings come at an unexpected time and with very little details. They are instant opportunities with no room for overthinking. I kind of just have to say yes and go with the flow. I live for these collaborative project where we all pitch in ideas that can get us closer to the final product. It isn’t just me making magic, rather a whole bunch of “crazy” people working as a team! Again and again I sit here and tell you that this photo-shoot was everything I wished for packed into an hour or so of creative bliss. Grab a mug, because this short story deserves a good old drink.
Ryan texted me on a Saturday afternoon with the news that his birthday was right around the corner. Being the theater major he is, his Rococo themed photo-shoot celebration was to be expected. Yes, you read that right: ROCOCO! Think the French revolution, Marie Antoinette, and the ladies of Versailles. The time period that was characterized by pastel colors, revealing frocks, frills, ruffles, bows, and plenty of lace. We could say that the saying: “Bigger is better” was certainly appropriate for the eve of the 18th century. Imagine big wigs, an unnecessary amount make-up, and flirting signals through gloves and hand painted fans.
On this shoot, Ryan and his friends introduced me to the ever-growing world of costume making. Every single intricate detail on those outfits were made by hand. The wigs were combed and assembled into absolute perfection. Pendants here and there. Shoes roam the floors and the ruffles. My gosh! Let me tell you about the ruffles. I can only say this heavily skilled bunch did the gentlemen and ladies of the 18th century justice!
From my end I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Ryan’s birthday by time traveling into an era of frivolity, flirtation, and an appetite for high end fashion. Where is it more appropriate than the theater to find props to recreate a scene during those times? Each actor/actress embodied their dress through their outward attitude. The pastel blue sofa added a subtle touch in an ensemble with the rug and old styled painting. They loved the camera and the camera loved them back.
