I think I can actually call myself a hybrid photographer. I was nervous to give myself that title, but I have definitely found my sweet spot on my film camera and am loving the outcome. I have Julie Paisley to thank for giving me the confidence to even jump into that photography format.
While in Las Vegas for WPPI, the wonderful Julie Paisley and Jeremy Chou put together an AMAZING desert shootout. I was so excited to sign up! When would I have ever gotten the chance to shoot in the desert, if not now? The Find Lab, the fantastic people that process my film, Fuji film pro-film and Sixteen and Grain sponsored.
*Side note: When I visited the Fuji film booth they were more than happy to hand over FREE rolls of film since I didn’t think I brought enough. They are seriously the coolest EVER! #Ishootfujifilm forever.*
There were 30 of us shooting that day and they split us into four groups. We each had about a half hour at each “station.” There were three models and one couple. The floral arrangements were AMAZING along with the gowns! Jana Brown of Jana Brown Designs did an amazing job putting these looks together, I’ve never seen anything like it!
My group’s first station was Annelise “The Wild Rose.” It was windy, but the wind added to the shoot I think. Gave it movement, and grace.
Credits:
hair + makeup: Natalia Issa
gown: Claire Le Faye
ring: Suzie Saltzman
silk ribbon: Silk and Willow
model: Annelise Temple
What I Ioved so much about our group was that we just worked around each other. We would jump in with ideas if we wanted, and the rest shot away.
If someone was coming in close, we would holler out. Or if we were shooting film, made sure everyone knew and we would all stand still. Almost all of us shot some film, which was awesome to hear throughout the desert…the clicks…
I LOVE all of my film scans from this shoot. Seriously all of them.
Next up was Shelbi “Desert Rouge”
She had the most amazing lipstick on and knew how to work that amazing dress!!
Credits:
hair + makeup: Natalia Issa
gown: Claire Le Faye
ring: Suzie Saltzman
silk ribbon: Silk and Willow
model: Shelbi Byrnes
Her profile drew me in. I kept wanting close up photos. Natalia did an amazing job on her makeup and she had such a unique look.
I was obsessed with the bouquets. They were so amazing.
Just a girl…standing in the desert.
Our group then moved on to Aleks and Diana. They are a real couple, people. How stunning are they?!
Diana + Aleks “Gold Dust”
Credits:
hair + makeup: Natalia Issa
gown: Lovers and Friends
ring: Suzie Saltzman
silk ribbon: Froufrou Chic
Suit: The Black Tux
model: Diana Rykun
They were so easy to work with and really had a connection. Again, our group stepped in when we each wanted to.
Obsessed with the flowers again. I couldn’t help it!
The touches, they got me.
The light was fading quickly as we moved to our final station. I was also getting very cold. But the most amazing thing happened. Even though the day had been mostly overcast (thankfully, it was PERFECT) the sun made a grand appearance and left us with a show.
Erin “Pastel Horizon”
Credits:
hair + makeup: Natalia Issa
gown: Tara Lauren
ring: Suzie Saltzman
silk ribbon: Silk and Willow
model: Erin Muller
Erin was actually another photographer that stepped in last minute. She did a wonderful job and was very laid back.
We were all shooting like mad to beat the fading sun. With every shot, it just got better. It was the perfect ending to the shoot.
We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. Overcast for perfect lighting, a breeze, or wind, to give the gowns movement and drama, and the fading sunset to brighten wrap it up. Wow.
I had so much fun that day, it was an incredible experience and can’t wait to do it again! I made a friend earlier that day that was going to the shoot as well. We rode there and back together, there are plans for next year. Many plans! Right, Megan?
Now my goal is to try to get my digital images to look like my film scans. This will take a little time, but I am so excited for this adventure! Guess what? Film only sessions will be available SOON!!
Comments Off on Desert Shootout~ WPPI Week {Southern Minnesota Hybrid Photographer}