A Glimpse into “Black Dress” - A Creative Portrait Photography Project

Hello, amazing friends, family & clients! I hope y’all have had a smooth start to your 2024.

I'm thrilled to share my most recent creative portrait photography venture – a project that wasn't just a portrait session, but a journey of capturing raw emotions, human stories, and purely natural movement.

I was in the car on a rainy day (which just so happened to be an emotionally difficult day for me), and I suddenly felt inspired by the lyrics of "Black Dress" by 070 Shake. I envisioned the yearning expressed in the lyrics, the complexities of love and connection, and how that may look in a #portrait. I wanted to create something beyond “just pictures” to bring out the song’s intricate play between individuality and shared closeness. Click here to hear the song.

The Planning Process for Creative Portrait Photography

Every photo shoot is a unique adventure for me, and this one was no exception. I ultimately chose to set the stage at Peace Community Church, a breathtaking 1800s church located in historic Oberlin that served as the perfect backdrop for my creative vision. From scouting the massive building for the perfect areas to shoot to styling the outfit and choosing accessories, every step in the process fueled my excitement for what was about to unfold within those old walls.

Architecture, Stained Glass, Colors, & Emotion

The creative shoot was a vibrant tapestry of emotions and colors, complemented by the timeless charm of PCC’s beautiful architecture. From the warm hues of golden hour casting light through the stained glass windows to the serene blues and greens illuminating the architectural details, each frame tells a story. My client/model, Hanna, was transparent, vulnerable, and open with her emotions from the moment we began, and let me tell you... DAMN. She delivered the raw emotion I wanted for these photos beyond my expectations OR direction. It's incredibly rewarding to see how each image I captured can speak volumes, and I'm excited to share these visual stories with you.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Before you dive into the visual journey awaiting you, I want to express my gratitude to the wonderful individuals who made this shoot at PCC possible. Thank you to Pastor Cindi Byron-Dixon for allowing us to create in the beautiful sanctuary of your church. To my partner/assistant Luis, thank you for keeping me organized and being my extra set of hands while I’m in my hyper-focused "creative zone". SO MANY thanks to Hanna, for your willingness to be vulnerable and raw during our time together. Every time I look at the images we created, I can feel the emotion and energy oozing from you. Working with you was truly the creative reset that I needed going into #2024.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts and reactions!