The pink dress
Last summer I bought a very big, very pink gown for an editorial concept at a group shoot. Even though I did use the dress during the shoot, I didn’t feel like it had seen its full potential yet. So with a bit of struggle, I stuffed the layers of fabric in the closet.
Forming a concept
Flash forward to almost 18 months later. While modeling for one of the SOPHA lighting classes, Bud mentioned a chandelier bought for the studio. My ears perked up when he said before it was to be permanently mounted, they wanted to shoot with it. Around this same time, I had also heard the large pink couch used at the group shoot was making its last rounds at the studio. Thoughts turned to ideas which quickly turned into a decision – I had to take part in a shoot with all of these items, and soon. I contacted Kim and asked what the chances were of us using both the chandelier and pink couch in a shoot. Her only request was that we include a dog in the mix. How could I say no? In less than a week, we had a date, time, and not one but TWO dogs for our shoot.
Aside from the dress that made me feel how I imagine a cupcake does, I brought a vintage dress and a pinstripe suit. We used every outfit over the course of the day, and the pink dress with both dogs.
Griffin
My first co-model was Griffin, a 7-year-old Irish Wolfhound almost twice my size. When he walked in the studio, the child in me thought “Pony?” – no, not a pony, just a very big dog.
Griffin was a sweetheart and with a bit of patience, and a lot of snacks, he let me pat him and pose with him. I also learned that his size does not stop him from being a lap dog!
His favorite set was very obviously the large pink couch. Lucky for me, he didn’t mind sharing the couch with my cupcake dress, or me.
Gus
The second dog was Gus, an Afghan Hound who came with his own entourage. Of course, if I had as much hair as he does, I’d need all the help I could get! Watching him walk around the room was a delight, especially with the wind blowing in his hair.
Unfortunately, I think the cupcake dress made him a bit nervous, so it took a while for him to come near me. Completely understandable – I’d be nervous of anyone whose outfit had more layers than a puff pastry.
Outtakes
Of course, as with any shoot, there were a few unexpected laughs. This time they were caused by some very cute dogs!
I was so happy that these moments were caught to enjoy later, such as trying to share a seat and puppy kisses!
A fond farewell
It was a totally new experience for me, but I enjoyed every minute of it! A huge thank you to the owners of both dogs for allowing us to shoot with them on multiple concepts. And a cupcake dress size thank you to Bud and Kim for collaborating on this concept. The pink dress can finally go to a new home, and I can get my closet back!
Leave a Reply