Look 3 of Kim’s photoshoot was actually the first concept we dreamt up. She wanted to do a ‘forest fairy’ style photoshoot like how she had seen me do in the past with the big robe and the overall magical feeling. This type of image is quite easy for me to do, it’s how I got my start- photographing my friends in the woods wearing enchanting outfits I conjured up from all the vintage I have collected over the years.
Here’s the breakdown-
The LOCATION-
The location itself isn’t exactly a secret but I’m still not going to reveal the specific spot. If you are familiar with the Wisconsin Dells then you’ll probably know where it is. In all actuality the first spot I had chosen (and have been longing to shoot at for years!) was washed out from all the recent rain but because of my extensive hiking experience in the area I knew this would be a great secondary option.
Note to all photographers- always have a Plan B.
This location was wonderful because we were able to capture multiple ‘scenes’ all in the same general vicinity- gorgeous rock background, fern gully, mossy fallen logs…there were more places but we got rained out and had to stop shooting.
Another note to photographers- always go to your top spots first when working outside. Mainly because the weather might be ‘a-weathering’ and also, as the shoot wears on your client might get tired or hot or bitten by mosquitos etc etc. Get your top ideas first and everything else after that is just a bonus.
The OUTFIT-
Obviously, we had to start the outfit out with a Catherine D’Lish robe. A lot of photographers have knock off versions of this style in their wardrobe closets. Nothing beats the real deal. The fullness and the draping and the luxury…there really is no comparison. I think I have 8-9 in the client closet right now. They aren’t cheap (averaging $500), and neither is a photoshoot with me. EVERYTHING is do is the best, from the outfits you wear to the products I offer. You get what you pay for with me, and then some.
I knew I was going to stay with blue tones, but I wanted to provide interest to the look by having different shades and layers. The next item I added was a sheer blue overlay dress with attached collar. I had purchased this in San Antonio at an antique store awhile back, immediately ripped off the base gown to make it sheer and traveled it around with me. I do this frequently, always seeking and searching and buying things, waiting for the right idea to use them. Sometimes this takes years. It’s worth the wait because when the right piece is paired with the right idea it truly is magic.
Anyways, what we have is a sheer robe and a sheer layer and a woman who preferred a more modest look (I love a nude moment myself, but I respect everyone’s choices!) so I went into my own closet and brought out this vintage printed sleeveless maxi dress to go underneath it all. This added another hue to the mix AND interest with the print without being overwhelming to the look.
Lastly, I found a vintage wedding tiara and Kim had a chunky necklace and earrings of her own.
She loved the whole combination, duh, but if she hadn’t, I would have tweaked things until she was happy. The client has to adore the look or it will be very obvious in the images.
The MAKEUP-
Elle did the hair and makeup in such a gorgeous way! She curled Kim’s hair away from her face so that when the wind blowed it was just so incredibly beautiful. The woman is a dang genius.
The SHOOT-
You can see for yourself in the behind the scenes video! We really wanted to lean into the magic of an enchanted forest vibe but I also gave her some slightly moodier images with the rocks and the dying tree at the end of the shoot. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get one more shot I really wanted because it started pouring on us. That’s what happens when you go outside during the rainy season on a day when there is only a small window of clear skies!
This was such a wonderful daydream brought to life, which is what I’m all about.
