Like a Painting, 2019

Hello you!

How are you doing? What are your plans for the weekend? I hope that, no matter what you're going to do with your free time, it's going to bring you joy.

I am currently working on my "positivity update" article but my mind is a bit all over the place lately. I don't think I announced it here yet but I am getting ready for a new exciting chapter of my life: going back home. 

I will probably write an entire article (or multiple, let's be honest) about my experience  in America so I don't think it is necessary for me to explain everything now, but I think it is about time for me to get my life back. My goal is to get independent as soon as possible and even if I still have no idea how to make it happen I refuse to change my plans, which, to be completely honest, terrifies me. But I know deep down inside me that it is the best decision I took in a while.

The other day I finally took pictures I planned a while ago with Dariela (@darielaflowers) who I already photographed a few months ago. 

CONCEPT

I was fed up with only seeing white skinny women wearing these shiny festival accessories and I wanted to use my art to remind people that they don't have to fit in society's stupid standards to embrace their own style and look fabulous with it. 

THE MODEL(S)

Dariela isn't a model or a client of mine. We just have common friends and I really appreciate taking pictures of her. She is so pretty, but on a way people can easily connect with her and feel represented by her, which is really important for me.
My art isn't to make anyone feel bad about themselves or left aside.

PROPS/OUTFITS
We used the shiny accessories, of course, but I also wanted to give a special painting vibe to these pictures. I am personally fascinated by renaissance paintings and I tried my best to show the inspiration through my editing and set up. So I took all the mesh flowy fabrics I got, begged my neighbor for one of his chairs, grabbed my dear disco ball and here it was. 

LIGHTING
You already know it, but I'll say it again, because it is always a special joy when it happens: Dan Leonard was the lighting director on this shoot and I am so thankful for his help.

ANECDOTES
Of course, I forgot to block the smoke alarm while filling my apartment with smoke, so it obviously went off, followed by a little woman's curses. (yes, I am talking about me) It stopped easily after I fixed my mistake and we went back at our occupations. (wow this sentence isn't proper english, I can already tell)

CONCLUSION
I personally really love the way some of these pictures came out, and I can't wait to put together another project in the same vibe!