Woodland Inspired Spring Styled Shoot in Canfield, Ohio
This shoot came about towards the end of winter when I was incredibly over the cold and snow. I just wanted greenery, beautiful flowers and all the lovely colors that comes with spring. I was also desperate to create SOMETHING. I didn't know what that something was going to be, until the idea popped into my head that I needed to make a dress. Ya'll. I can't sew very well and constructing an article of clothing just isn't my forte. But I had a vision, so naturally I told my mother and enlisted her help in making this vision something tangible. If you don't know, my mother is kind of a crafty genius. She has been able to make nearly everything I've ever asked her to and I'm so grateful that we get to create artwork together!
So the hunt began for... something. The idea in my head was flowy and tulle - the rest was unknown. When it comes to creating, I tend to function best when things come together organically. Sometimes, I just need to be inspired by a piece to be able to really verbalize the madness in my head. So I knew we needed a base to start from. We scoured thrift shops and eBay for a skirt, slip, corset or just SOMETHING we could work from. At an event at Stambaugh Auditorium that's put on by Goodwill, my mom and I got completely swept away in the vintage clothing section. I stumbled across this dress that I was just inspired by. Keep in mind, I am not a pink clothes kinda girl. And this thing was pink to the max. But I saw the train on this dress and kept thinking that we could do something with it. Plus, I got it for $25 sooooooo was I REALLY going to say no? I'm pretty sure it'd be a crime.
Total 80s prom vibes, right?! It was ridiculous in the most amazing way. It also had solid colored pink fabric lining the dress that ultimately took to the spotlight as a skirt in the new look. We then played with layering some tulle on a corset bodysuit and added some greenery as a final touch.
When it came to hair and makeup, I knew I wanted something very different. That's where my amazingly talented friend Bianca came in. Let me take a moment to just say how much I love this girl. She has been so insanely busy, but absolutely did NOT hesitate to say yes when I asked her if she was interested in collaborating on this. And for that, I'm so thankful because I LOVE working with her and just hanging out with her in general. She's a rad chick!
So with the spirit of Spring in our minds, we came up with fun hair and makeup to really give an earthy vibe to the look. I mean, when else can you do a pastel purple contour or a glossy lid?! Bianca called up her beautiful, red headed, freckled faced friend and Carly so kindly agreed to model for us. She was the perfect woodland spring goddess. We spent a beautiful, warm evening frolicking in Bianca's backyard on this amazinggggg trail. It couldn't have been more perfect!
As if they aren't already amazing enough, Bianca and my mama, Marikay, tagged along for the couple of hours we shot and held my reflectors. I was VERY very spoiled on this shoot to not only have one but TWO assistants. THANK YOU GIRLS!!! I'm sorry for the extra arm workout ya'll got that night :P Here's a little behind the scenes:
