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.

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.

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.

Follow my creative journey on:

Instagram: @abbeycarolina.co- Get a daily dose of my photography, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and peeks at upcoming projects.

YouTube: @abbeycarolinaphoto - Subscribe for more in-depth content, including editing tutorials and a closer look at our at-home photoshoots.

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.