This group shoot took place at the Carousel Museum in Bristol CT. I highly suggest checking them out if you’re in the area!
Over 30 photographers, makeup artists, and models rented out the building to work over the course of 6 hours. I originally had 3 shoots scheduled, but only had enough time for 2. Thankfully I was still able to work with two amazing photographers and two talented makeup artists. And I was even able to reschedule with my planned third photographer for another day.
Couture Menagerie
My first shoot was with Dan Minicucci, and our theme idea was Marie Antoinette. Dan pieced together a red dress with a skirt fashioned out of yards of pinned fabric. He was able to create this amazing, modernized, couture outfit. When he took the first shot, he was so impressed with the image, he said we had all we needed. After sitting in hair and makeup for three hours, I hoped he was kidding, and asked if we could shoot a few more. He happily obliged.
Years later, Dan took this idea as inspiration, and created a series of images called “The red dress series”. The series involved multiple other models wearing that very dress in different locations and styles. He presented it in Boston in 2013, and I was honored to attend and see our very first shot together, framed on the wall.
Modernized Marie
The second look was a pink dress that made for me just for this shoot. It was based off an 18th century styled dress. Most amazing was, it was put together in 3 days, with limited fabric options. My amazing sister-in-law put it all together and even added detachable hips to the inside for the full skirt effect of an 18th-century lady. She also created a removable underskirt, which we took off for a slight edge in our imagery. Paired with a pair of shorts and thigh high boots, we had created a modern, editorial version of Marie Antoinette.
Ring Leader
My second shoot was a concept that fit perfectly for a carousel museum, a ring leader. Our Ring Leader was a little sexy, a little scary, and a lot crazy!
We had a very limited amount of time to do this shoot. It was already the end of the day and people were packing up. However, we were able to use our limited time to it’s fullest and came up with some fantastic images.
One of the most memorable moments was when we were working in front of the carousel. Everything was off while we were shooting – until the last few shots, when the music started playing suddenly. Both the photographer and I nearly jumped out of our skin at the creepy, blaring carnival music. It was a startling way to end our shoot, but very fitting.
Of course after all that shooting, we still had to drive back home to New Hampshire. Thankfully, my second photographer, Michele, was also my ride. I took full advantage of her driving and immediately fell asleep as we headed home.
It was a long day, but so very worth it. I got to work with and meet so many fantastic people.
I will always look back on this day with fond memories, as the day I realized my dream of becoming a model was finally a reality.
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