THE PRIESTESS OF PERFUMES - AKUURA
Introducing Akuura of Aroma Sanctum - Behind the scenes shots.
Akuura and I had been discussing her shoot for several months and the final outcome was to represent her business as a natural perfumer and scent designer (she is one of 3-4 nationally) as well as herself as a Mystic Woman. I knew I wanted to incorporate some of her unique bottles into the set design and that's exactly what we did. The bottles photographed beautifully as did Akuura...dream fulfilled. Let me explain that last sentence...after interviewing and getting to know the selected ladies, usually their shoot theme/goal will come to me in the form of dreams. After the dream comes is when I start doing research trying to locate a photograph taken by the early masters of photography, for inspiration. I found a shot taken by George Hurrell at MGM studios in the 50's and the starlet was wearing this glorious cape...very dramatic. That was it! Akuura ordered a fab cape made of forrest green and deep purple. We got shots of both.
Actual shooting lasted only a couple of hours, when to our Cyber Wizard's astonishment, I declared,"it's a wrap." Of course, when Brian is there to assist shoots are cut in half time wise. He not only is documenting my lighting set-ups (for future teaching/recollection) he also assisted in direction of the shoot...gracias amigo! Since the school has new computers in the lab, my former computer will be set up in the studio so I can be tethered...camera/computer. This will be absolutely fabulous and will assist us tremendously!
Akuura's photos will be in the Mystic gallery shortly, I will certainly announce it when ready. To read more about our Akuura please go to the News/Updates button of the blog.
Become a follower of this blog and you will be kept up to date instantly with the ever changing progress of the project!
:}
Akuura and I had been discussing her shoot for several months and the final outcome was to represent her business as a natural perfumer and scent designer (she is one of 3-4 nationally) as well as herself as a Mystic Woman. I knew I wanted to incorporate some of her unique bottles into the set design and that's exactly what we did. The bottles photographed beautifully as did Akuura...dream fulfilled. Let me explain that last sentence...after interviewing and getting to know the selected ladies, usually their shoot theme/goal will come to me in the form of dreams. After the dream comes is when I start doing research trying to locate a photograph taken by the early masters of photography, for inspiration. I found a shot taken by George Hurrell at MGM studios in the 50's and the starlet was wearing this glorious cape...very dramatic. That was it! Akuura ordered a fab cape made of forrest green and deep purple. We got shots of both.
Actual shooting lasted only a couple of hours, when to our Cyber Wizard's astonishment, I declared,"it's a wrap." Of course, when Brian is there to assist shoots are cut in half time wise. He not only is documenting my lighting set-ups (for future teaching/recollection) he also assisted in direction of the shoot...gracias amigo! Since the school has new computers in the lab, my former computer will be set up in the studio so I can be tethered...camera/computer. This will be absolutely fabulous and will assist us tremendously!
Akuura's photos will be in the Mystic gallery shortly, I will certainly announce it when ready. To read more about our Akuura please go to the News/Updates button of the blog.
Become a follower of this blog and you will be kept up to date instantly with the ever changing progress of the project!
:}
A Day In Paris with Jacqie C.
I awoke to a snowy morning and checked to see if my shoot was still on. Rebecca and I, both being brave women, decided it was a "go". The excitement I felt to be a part of "The Mystic Women of Salem" project, that I woke up with, remained and became a power point even after a very difficult moment with my love affairs that morning. Despite a personal let down, my will to serge on with the shoot exploded around me and my closet as I looked for an outfit among all my creations. I then surrounded myself with pink light and did my hair and makeup (which I never do). Velvet, satin, tulle and majick filled my four large shopping bags as I hurried to the train. Rebecca was there to greet me with a great smile and much enthusiasm. We both spoke of the weather and the wild morning we had endured thus far.
We arrived at Salem State University at 1pm and through back doors and dark hallways I got my first look at the studio. The set of my "Shoppe" was displayed in the room. The purple hanging lamp was a beacon for my business, Eternal Stitch. Interestingly, purple and black are my business colors.
Rebecca introduced me to "Mystics" cyber wizard, Brian Miller, who is also a friend and assistant to MWS. After formalities I ate lunch while Brian and Rebecca concentrated on technical preparations and set up. The "behind the scenes" shots came naturally as we hung my creations and admired shoes and vintage hats. The mood was set and the air filled with beautiful music of "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf, the French songstress. Her voice, music, and life were emotional and tragic, much like another favorite of mine...Judy Garland.
Now...it's time for the shoot.
First, Rebecca was attempting to recreate a Eugene Atget portrait, shot in the late 20's, one that is considered a masterpiece. As each shot was explained (to prepare me for the mood she was looking for) I felt more at ease and comfortable in my new "Shoppe". In between shots of strobe flashes, my sight became fixed on the between realms of Salem. Glimpses of objects came in and out of reality as hyper flashes filled my vision. Luckily, I am comfortable with this state of being and the photos that transpired, reflected my loving and far away mood.
As the music ended, Rebecca switched lighting techniques/set ups, focusing on closeup stitchery shots. At times we were frustrated as Rebecca was trying to capture the crystal (which was on the tip of the needle), reflection by zoomed strobe shots. It was like trying to photograph a Faerie...the star burst of light did not want to be revealed to the world without love, patience and timing. Then, it dawned on Rebecca...there was no music! As soon as she put her majick music CD on the spark of the needle lit up and my spirit joined with it throughout the rest of the shots. We were all in bliss as time was quickly passing and the weariness of creating art had set in. The final shots were all together a different lighting setup and process producing a totally different look. Once complete, we reviewed the shoot in it's entirety on a large monitor screen in the photography lab. Rebecca had done it! The Atget shoot was a success and reflected a seamstress in love with her creations and work.
All the textures I brought were displayed by Rebecca's camera brilliantly...yet complexly. Color, texture and star bursts filled each image, our hearts now content.
Rebecca drove me to Salem depot as the sun was retiring for the evening. I was on my way back to reality....feeling beautiful and a sense of accomplishment.
Thank you so much Rebecca and Brian for all your efforts, talent and hard work!
We arrived at Salem State University at 1pm and through back doors and dark hallways I got my first look at the studio. The set of my "Shoppe" was displayed in the room. The purple hanging lamp was a beacon for my business, Eternal Stitch. Interestingly, purple and black are my business colors.
Rebecca introduced me to "Mystics" cyber wizard, Brian Miller, who is also a friend and assistant to MWS. After formalities I ate lunch while Brian and Rebecca concentrated on technical preparations and set up. The "behind the scenes" shots came naturally as we hung my creations and admired shoes and vintage hats. The mood was set and the air filled with beautiful music of "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf, the French songstress. Her voice, music, and life were emotional and tragic, much like another favorite of mine...Judy Garland.
Now...it's time for the shoot.
First, Rebecca was attempting to recreate a Eugene Atget portrait, shot in the late 20's, one that is considered a masterpiece. As each shot was explained (to prepare me for the mood she was looking for) I felt more at ease and comfortable in my new "Shoppe". In between shots of strobe flashes, my sight became fixed on the between realms of Salem. Glimpses of objects came in and out of reality as hyper flashes filled my vision. Luckily, I am comfortable with this state of being and the photos that transpired, reflected my loving and far away mood.
As the music ended, Rebecca switched lighting techniques/set ups, focusing on closeup stitchery shots. At times we were frustrated as Rebecca was trying to capture the crystal (which was on the tip of the needle), reflection by zoomed strobe shots. It was like trying to photograph a Faerie...the star burst of light did not want to be revealed to the world without love, patience and timing. Then, it dawned on Rebecca...there was no music! As soon as she put her majick music CD on the spark of the needle lit up and my spirit joined with it throughout the rest of the shots. We were all in bliss as time was quickly passing and the weariness of creating art had set in. The final shots were all together a different lighting setup and process producing a totally different look. Once complete, we reviewed the shoot in it's entirety on a large monitor screen in the photography lab. Rebecca had done it! The Atget shoot was a success and reflected a seamstress in love with her creations and work.
All the textures I brought were displayed by Rebecca's camera brilliantly...yet complexly. Color, texture and star bursts filled each image, our hearts now content.
Rebecca drove me to Salem depot as the sun was retiring for the evening. I was on my way back to reality....feeling beautiful and a sense of accomplishment.
Thank you so much Rebecca and Brian for all your efforts, talent and hard work!
