With each photo shoot I do for the shop, the more I fall in love with Vancouver USA. I have done over 40 shoots in the last six years and I have to say my most recent is my most favorite.The talent that lies within this community is incredible! Always a joy bringing local talent together to fit the style of each photo shoot. It takes the full efforts of each person involved to create an inspiring and beautiful image.
As I bring in estates and collections of vintage clothing and accessories into the shop, often times a theme appears. For this shoot…. 50’s ranch style.
One of my models had worked up at Royal Ridges Retreat center in Yakolt. Since it was off season for the camp, we scheduled a time to go visit. There was still an abundance of snow on the ground. Cars couldn’t make it up the hill so we walked. It was beautiful with lush moss and ivy. The trees were out of a story book. The upper horse camp was beautiful. Everything one would need for a photo shoot; tire swing, old fences, inner and outer horse arena, barn with lots of hay and best of all, horses…. 60 to be exact! We came just in time to view the horses as they came down the fog filled, snowy hill for feeding time. It felt like I was living a scene from the movie ‘The Man from Snowy River.’
Location and horse trainer:
Spent some time with Charity Kays who is the horse trainer and caretaker at Royal Ridges. What an incredible lady. The horses are her kids and she know them all by name. As we toured the facility and the feeding barn, we began to talk more about the photo shoot and how we could pair just the right horse to the model taking into consideration hair and attire.
Models:
Now to find the rest of the team. Decided to go with five models all of which are customers at our vintage shop; Joelle Griffin, Chris Castle, Haily Holt, Mike Wilson and Lillith Andreste
Hair and make-up:
I have been working with Kristen Johnson (Vancouver) for three years. Met her though the Art of Make-up School that was located in Providence Academy. She is so incredibly talented at both hair and makeup. I can send her an ‘idea’ photo and she does it every time never shying away from a challenge.Men’s hair and Joelle hair:
Since we had gentleman, I asked Garret Olmstead owner of Locksmythe Salon and Barbershop to be a part. If you need classic hairstyles, this is your guy! I had done two previous shoots with him and his work is perfection.
Photography:
I teamed up with Taylor Jones of Sharp Shutter Studios, Vancouver Wa. Taylor is a very talented lifestyle portrait, wedding and event photographer. I have gotten to know Taylor through the vintage shop. She was the perfect eye to capture a photo story as we brought these vintage pieces to life. The final images are stunning!
Photo assistant:
Dieter Zander, Vancouver USA. I got to know Dieter through the shop. A very dapper and creative man who had a BIG change in his life due to a stroke 10 years ago. He lost his ability to speak and play music. On his road to recovery a friend gave him a camera where he learned to ‘speak’ though photography. I encourage you to read his story of trials and inspiration. Loved having him assist in photography.Clothing Assistant:
Julie Smith, Vancouver USA. Julie is a massage therapist in downtown Vancouver. Seven years ago Julie came into the shop and we quickly became friends. She has helped me assist and style for several photo shoots over the years. When you have multiple models on a spread out location, it is great having a second set of hands.
A little dancing
Mike and Haily are dancers! Their social life is centered around dance. They are hoping to bring their love of ‘Swing’ and ‘Shag’ to Vancouver really soon as instructors. This paragraph will make sense when you see one of the photos.
The day of the shoot
Our shoot was scheduled for March 25th. Due to a crazy late winter, snow fell the previous day but the shoot must go on! It was a perfect day. The six horses I chose were excellent. Charity and her volunteers made sure they were washed and brushed ready for their time to shine. What a great addition they were to the photos.
Our photo release
We are excited to celebrate the images and camaraderie of this photo shoot. Images and clothing/accessories will be showcased during First Friday Art Walk June 1st, 5-9pm. There are so many great shops and galleries to visit throughout the night. To view a full list and map you can click on the following Vancouver Downtown Association link.
Here are a some of my favorite images…. Enjoy!
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