The ‘idea’ itself is not the most difficult part – the implementation of the idea, now that is another story! The idea for this shoot ‘came’ to me one day when driving to my local supermarket. There is a spot along the road I have driven past an untold number of times. On this day it was different! The sun was shining in just the right direction and casting this amazing light on a tree standing in the middle of a swamp. Right then I knew I had to shoot in this location. Knowing what was needed – the lighting, the smoke, the pose and even the model. The ideas started to spread involving the rest of the shoot. But just like every other project there were problems. What is the weather going to be like on the day? Are there going to be other people involved in the project? How in the world am I going to pull this off?
Taking me about 6 weeks of planning and preparation to organize this shoot – between sourcing a Make Up artist, and building props – the time just passed! All was organised and the team assembled on the day.
My aim was very different for this shoot compared to many others. I wanted to give time for the development of ideas and not wanting this shoot to be so rushed, then, walking away disappointed in the imagery. I was also going to limit the number of shots for each situation. Basically pretending I was back shooting on film, and every click cost money.
I want to give out a ‘heap ‘of credit for the team who came together. We ended up with a terrific group of people.
Larissa Filewood, Hair Stylist, produced an amazing result, creating some ‘crazy’ designs – that I still love. Karl, Make up Artist, brought a talent and expertise to the shoot that was invaluable. The result of these two working together was just priceless. I can not praise them enough.
James and Emma – Stylists. Being able to give you an idea, and your ‘running with it’, resulted in just what I needed – you are both amazing.
Dell, assistant extraordinaire; Levi, documentary maker, two great mates of mine and also invaluable on the day. Thanks for everything.
Our model, April. Now I need to point out that this shoot occurred in winter, and while we have reasonably mild winters here, it can get very cold at times. At his time, it was not warm! April you are an absolute ‘trooper’. April would do as requested, without a question! There was some very cold water. And what the cows had left behind!
So, what is the basic concept? It revolves around the novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - Tom and Huck and their adventures along the Mississippi river. For this shoot I wanted to turn this swamp into a Mississippi styled swamp. Wanting a sense of mystery and adventure to come into this shoot – as if Huck was passing through this environment on one of his adventures. I choose to focus on Huckleberry more than Tom, as I like his free spirit – also desiring to bring in a little of Tom.
Enjoy the images, we had a blast making them and I am looking forward to showing you our next shoot.
Song for the Mute Georgette Shirt- (Rag & Bone Boutique)
Song for the Mute Draped Shorts- (Rag & Bone Boutique)
Velvet Hummingbird Gown.
Velvet Hummingbird Poncho.
Tipsy Orchestra Frill Dress
Marg & Jean Dress.
Velvet Hummingbird Bolero.
Teacup Storm Jewelry Chinese Coin Necklace
Morticia Burgundy Long-sleeved Maxi.
Jzhonnie Bechet Hair Necklace
Morticia Burgundy Long-sleeved Maxi.
Jzhonnie Bechet Hair Necklace
Little Sparrow Gown.
Teacup Storm Jewels Necklace
Velvet Hummingbird Lace Body Conscious Dress.
Jzhonnie Bechet Denim Vest.
Teacup Storm Jewels Necklace
People involved in the shoot
Photography: Kent Marcus
Hair: Larissa Filewood
MUA: Karl Lagerfeld
Stylists: James Cameron, Emma Currie
Video: Levi Garnder
Assistant: Dell Lawerence
Designers: Melanie Ritchie, eyeAM, Teacup Storm Jewels, Song for the Mute Georgette, Velvet Hummingbird, Tipsy Orchestra, Marg & Jean, Morticia Burgundy, Jzhonnie Bechet, Little Sparrow
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