My dear friend, Genna always says about all our creative projects “Everything we do is a production”. She is correct. Having lots of experience after doing editorial work for decade I can say if you’re going to do a photoshoot, photograph enough content to tell a story and to create a collection. As was the case when Genna mentioned wanting to do a indian inspired photoshoot..

I knew Genna and I would have a lot of prep as far as location scouting and I would be responsible for helping to assemble a team. We both posted model calls on social media requesting models that would be interested in this concept.

image by Genna Yussman Greene/ Absolute Studio

Genna had been compiling textiles, fabrics and wardrobe and accessories but would need a stylist to oversea and configure the wardrobe for each model chosen. Genna contacted stylist, Fitz Fitzpatrick to be the wardrobe stylist that would be responsible for curating these looks. I contacted artist, Danielle Toller-Goldring to create the make up for each model. Genna would be behind the lens, me on hair and Cyndi Snow would be assisting us on set.

I created a vision board for both hair and make up to help inspire both Danielle and I. We booked three regional models from the state. We were happy to book three local regional models whom would become our muses. We love diversity with our collections and booked models, Dezaray Nicks, Dakota Bruton and Emily Marie .

Each modeled brought a different element to the production. Exuding both beauty and strength each model had a unique style and wardrobe selected through out the day. We arrived early on location to prep the models at Absolute Studio in Louisville, KY. Models arrived at different intervals. As models arrived Fitz started selecting wardrobe fittings prior to sending them to hair and make up. Make up and hair prep took up the three hours with the models rotating between Danielle, Fitz and me for hair. After hair and make up models were sent to wardrobe to dress.

Meanwhile Genna and Cyndi were readying her cameras and lens along with packing a travel kit for an on location shoots on the sides streets of Frankfort Avenue. Once the models were ready Genna and Fitz would take some or all of the models and transport them on location. The team would rotate back and fourth to the location for photographing then back to Absolute Studio to change. This would allow the models breaks to cool down and hydrate/snack as well as light hair changes and make up touch ups.

The day was very, long twelve hour day but we knew the results were worth everything we did. This team did a stellar job and everyone brought their talents and dedication to this project. For hair I did a variety of long hairstyles including braids and fishtails. On scalp braids (cornrows) andcustom extensions. I did a lot of blow drying and straightening for each models. I used custom wigs on model Dezaray and added embellishments to each of of the model’s hairstyles.

Several weeks had past after the photoshoot and Genna was selecting and editing images. It was then that we were plague by Covid-19. Everything was shut down and we were all home bound with no work or photoshoots in the near future. This time gave Genna ample to time to finish editing the images that she would send to me to submit for publication.

After a couple days I received an email from the editors of Imirage Magazine, who wanted to publish the images. “Indian Summer” was published in the May 2020 issue in a six page spread highlighting all of our hard work during quarantine. Thank you to Imirage magazine for the feature. Thank you to the entire team and to the models for bringing this vision to life. We were fortunate to see our work see the light of day. Everything happens for a reason and this was definitely meant to be.

Credits

Photography: Genna Yussman Greene/ Absolute Studio @gennayussman

Wardrobe Stylist: Fitz Fitzergerald @ritzy_fitzy

Make Up: Danielle Toller Goldring @tailoredbytoller

Hair: Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant: Cyndi Snow @x2cgirl

Models:

Dezaray Nicks @dezaraynicks

Dakota Bruton @dakota_bruton

Emily Marie @xxemilymarie

The Making of Indian Summer

I was really excited to shoot a summer collection with my friend Genna Yussman Greene. We had recently rented a studio at Mellwoods Art Center and she wanted to start shooting editorial and beauty in addition to design and styling.

I remember discussing doing a summer inspired shoot and we need models so I post on social media a model call. I had gotten several responses and decided to book four of the models that responded.

I knew for this collection I wanted to focus on texture with a commercial feel and utizling hair pieces to create some soft summery dimension. I made several clip hair extensions that I colored with Redken's City Beats fashion hair color.

We wanted a "Boho" feel so Genna styled multiple outfits using hassle, faux fur, heavy textiles and layers to create a fashionable, summer collection. For hair I set each models hair in varying degrees of curls sets (from tight curls to loose waves) incorporating soft summer pastel hues. Hair was teased and set into two to three looks per model. For some styles braids were added along with yarn for others.

I enlisted make up artist, Caleb Yeske to create the make up on our gorgeous models. He did a wonderful job of layering the make up from look to look. Soft natural looks to bright bold eyeshadeows and perfectly lined eyes.

The shoot lasted about 10 hours rotating models between sets and wardrobe and allowing ample time for hair and make up. The day was bright and cheery given the rather cold day outside. Our collection definitely harkens to summer and we were happy to have the collection featured in the June, Summer issue of Beauty Launchpad Magazine.

Hazy, breezy and oh so boho...this collection boasts textured hairstyles with colored accents, volume and commercial make up along with a modern Summer wardrobe.

up close and personal with model, Dezaray

We titled this collection, "California Dreaming" for the L.A. vibe with the hair and wardrobe. A big thank you to Beauty Launchpad for publishing our collection.

Credits

Models |

Katie Leigh Tarr @kt_Tarr

Katia Bachelder @deanna_rush_

Dezaray Nicks @dezaraynicks

Karoline Jane Hix @karolinehix_model

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Make Up | Caleb Yeske @ckyhair

Photography | Styling | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

through the lens with Genna and model, Katia

BTS making of California Dreaming