Embracing the Edgy Side of Childhood: A Fine Art Experiment

Lately, my creative brain has been buzzing with the desire to explore more of the fine art side of photography. As a parent photographer, my little one often finds herself in front of my lens – which, let's be honest, makes her my most readily available (and sometimes reluctant!) muse. For my latest personal project, I wanted to blend the playful energy of childhood with a touch of something a little more unexpected, a bit edgy. I dove headfirst into Pinterest, that endless wellspring of inspiration, searching for a spark.

A Touch of the Frontier

Initially, the visual direction started to lean towards something distinctly Americana. Think dusty landscapes and perhaps even a hint of cowboy charm.

So it started to look a little western, I know. But that’s the beauty of it.

That initial Western feeling wasn't a setback; it became a fascinating starting point. It allowed me to play with textures and a certain ruggedness. My first instinct was to layer on overlays, those digital textures designed to give photos that beautifully worn and vintage feel. I envisioned images that looked like they'd been tucked away in an old family album.

However, as I began to refine the images, a different mood started to emerge. The richness of deep blacks and the stark contrast created a more dramatic and, yes, edgier atmosphere than the soft vintage aesthetic I initially considered. This darker palette felt more aligned with the "unexpected" element I was aiming for. It was a reminder that the creative process is often a journey of discovery, where initial ideas can evolve into something even more compelling.

Embracing the Darker Mood

Peek Behind the Curtain!

Want to see how these at-home creative shoots come together? I love sharing the behind-the-scenes chaos (and occasional triumphs!) of my photography process, as well as some of the editing techniques I use to achieve these looks.

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By following me on these platforms, you'll get exclusive content and tips that you won't find anywhere else! Let me know in the comments below what kind of behind-the-scenes content or editing tips you'd be most interested in seeing!

So it started to look a little western, I know. But that’s the beauty of it.

I added overlays at first, to make them look a bit worn and vintage, but decided that the mood with the deep blacks had a better feel. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for behind the scenes content and editing tips on our at home creative shoots.

Whispers of Whimsy: A Victorian Clown Tale with a Modern Pop!

Get ready for a delightful dive into a world where classic charm meets contemporary cool! For our second blog feature, we embarked on an imaginative clown shoot, blending the distinct elegance of a bygone era with a playful, modern twist. Our nine-year-old model was the star, and we took special care to ensure her youthful spirit shone through every frame.

Victorian Serenity

An echo of old masters in a moment of quiet contemplation.

The vision was clear: a Victorian-inspired clown, but with a fresh, unexpected element. Central to this concept was a stunning Victorian ruff collar, that iconic, pleated neckpiece that instantly evokes images of historical portraiture and theatrical flair. Paired with carefully applied face paint, we aimed for a whimsical clown aesthetic that was enchanting rather than overwhelming, always keeping in mind our model's age. We wanted to capture a sense of playful performance without masking her natural youthful exuberance.

Then, Her Story Pops!

Her gaze holds the quiet weight of centuries, yet she's just begun her story.

This "Victorian clown with a bubble gum pop" concept was all about celebrating contrasts and finding the fun in unexpected combinations. It’s a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that sometimes, the most memorable images come from daring to mix a little bit of the past with a whole lot of present-day joy. Stay tuned for more creative adventures!

What Doth the Jester Glimpse?

A fleeting moment where the mask meets mystification.

Throughout the shoot, we explored a range of facial expressions. From mischievous grins to moments of quiet contemplation, our young model did an incredible job of conveying emotion while staying true to the whimsical character. The goal was to capture the essence of a playful spirit, untouched by the weight of the historical inspiration, ensuring the makeup enhanced her features rather than aging her.