A New, Familiar Wave.
Ever feel called to a different time in history, like you just don’t belong in your current time?
Quote of the week:
“You can never visit the same place twice. Each time, it’s a different story.”
Whew, deep breaths. It’s been a long few weeks, eh? First off, I hope you are doing well and staying safe. This crisis hasn’t been easy for many of us. It has been restricting in many ways, taking away freedoms we are so used to having.
So, let’s take a trip. You and me. A trip that takes us to a decade where freedom was very predominant, people were happy, and we didn’t have social media bullsh*t.
Ladies & 80s.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I think social media has been a great tool over the years. I just think we, myself included, spend way more time trying to make moments look the best for others rather than enjoying the moments for what they are.
That’s what fascinates me about the ‘80s. Everyone seemed to live in the moment. I can confirm this from asking many people about that time period. The culture was also very expressive with big hair, loud music, bright colors. It’s no wonder that they were just taking in every experience “to the max.”
If I’m to be honest, I’m quite envious of people that got to live during those times. Some of my favorite music, movies, fashion, etc. are from that decade. In fact, below are just a few examples:
Okay, I think you get the point. Let’s get to it, but no rush.
With my love for the ‘80s, I decided to focus this shoot in respect to that with a sprinkle of Vogue. You probably will recognize the models in this shoot if you read my last post because they helped me on my “colors” session. They are also fans of the decade, so it worked well to have them a part of it.
First, a quick disclaimer as I need to do my due diligence. This session took place before the quarantine going into full effect and was done in a respectable capacity.
Of course, I had to take some behind-the-scenes photos. I am not a makeup/hair expert by any means, so Heili and Maddie took leadership on that. Friendly gossip, tunes, and merrily dancing…they seemed to have their process down! I have to also give a shout to Heili’s parents as they were once again kind enough to lend us the space needed.
For this session, I used the Canon 5D Mark IV again with a few different select lenses. I also decided to not use a flash or lights based on some previous research I did. ‘80s photos were typically more vintage, given the age, so I wanted to keep that style while leaving in a bit of color for personal preference.
After about an hour of prep, we ventured outside to a familiar location from Heili and I’s first shoot…
‘80s Vibe Check from Heili.
We began the session out at Heili’s backyard with a few old classics. It was a pretty sunny day and, with no reflectors or shade, I decided to have their backs to the sun for most of these photos. This highlighted their hair very nicely, giving a nice blend between the background and foreground.
I also had some inspiration from the modern show, Stranger Things. I think it’s awesome how their color scheme is vibrant while also paying homage to soft, vintage tones. Examples of this are the uses of more vibrant greens in the shirt with less saturated greens in the car.
The weather this day was actually very nice, but a little chilly. These North Dakota girls really know how to tough it out. I was actually very impressed how poised both Heili and Maddie were. With only a handful of shoots between both of them, it didn’t take much effort for them to pose.
A chill Maddie.
Once we finished, we decided to head over to a small shed with a large evergreen tree towering over top. Just when you think it couldn’t get chillier, take out the sun…
I liked how the colors are really dominant in these photos. The various greens, blues, purples, and yellows just mix so well. Shout to Maddie for repping the NASA brand, one of my favorites! Also, can we please bring back denim and leather jackets as the norm? Thanks.
In spirit of this ‘80s themed session, it would be fitting to make some cultural references. This section reminds me of the song, Home Sweet Home by Mötley Crüe. It reminds me of just rolling the windows down and cruising on the open road.
“You know I’m a dreamer
But my heart’s of gold
I had to run away high
So I wouldn’t come home low”
Getting to know these girls, I’ve realized that they also have hearts of gold. Every time we are together, there’s always a sense of fun and life, hence why I think the ‘80s is a natural fit. They are old souls, yet have their entire life journey at their feet. They’ve also been catalysts for helping me live my short dream as a portrait photographer.
This next section of the shoot was definitely different from the rest. They are both dancers so, with mutual agreement, we decided to include some ballet into the session.
Staying true to the vintage style, they changed and put on their pointe shoes and tutus. To me, ballet dancers are so intriguing because they make the dances themselves look so easy. It’s so “flowy” and genuinely fun to watch.
I think I’ll start referring to ballet as the “purest” form of dance. It truly is unlike anything else and the fact is that a lot of people can’t do it. It’s also very “dreamlike.” If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend that you see at least one ballet show. Let yourself be immersed in talent of the truest form!
Long road ahead.
Using my trusted 70-200 lens, I was able to get some of that nice bokeh in the background. I also thought the shadows on the road were a nice, yet subtle addition. The sunlight reflecting off of their tutus kind of gave them an “angelic” vibe.
Speaking of angels, I have to be honest. This shoot did have a different intent besides the ‘80s scheme. It actually originated as a ballet session that we would photograph “flowy” dancing photos. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in the day to get everything. With that being said, there will be an entire session dedicated to that hopefully in the near future.
“Man we were killin’ time
We were young and restless
We needed to unwind
I guess nothin’ can last forever, forever, no!
Yeah!”
FRIENDLY REMINDER. Let’s try not to do a lot of thinking. Let’s keep on this trip away from reality.
Never judge a book by its cover.
I love these photos because they’re simple. They don’t patronize the use of technology or promote distance. In fact, to me, the girls seem closer than ever without even saying a word. They are on the same page, if you will (pun intended). There’s just something so peaceful in the vibrancy of still-life. Too deep?
I also dig the outfit decisions here with the contrasting colors. Again, they picked out the outfits, so bravo! The bright yellow wall was just perfect in my opinion. I like that the wall was broken up by the gray on the top half to add some interesting lines.
Livin’ On A Prayer
Bon Jovi
The amazing thing about photography is that there is a limitless amount of perspectives you can take. This is what I believe people in the ‘80s had; Lots of charisma and wanting to get new perspectives on life.
A good perspective here is that this room isn’t that big.
After a few hours, the sun was starting to go down. We at least wanted to get a few different photos for a new (not original) concept I’ve been working on.
This last section of our shoot is part of an ongoing series that I’m calling Angels And The Fallen. I felt that this would be a fun way to channel a bit more character into the session and ones to come. The concept follows a light and dark path of dance. One would be more angelic and the other would signify the potential darkness that follows.
I’m On Fire
Bruce Springsteen
With the sunset now in our arsenal, we had a short window to catch the lighting at the perfect spot. Luckily, the country has no lack of location for setup.
We walked to the location and needless to say, lots of laughs were exchanged.
I really think that the sweats accentuated the tutus very well. Honestly, this gave me a whole other idea for a shoot, but we’ll see about that one!
Now I’ve always been so fond of sunsets. There’s a reason they call it the “golden hour” and I think it’s more than just the literal orange/gold hue in the sky. I just love how the light reflects on hair and on the tutus.
In short, I had such an amazing time. Before the craziness took over the world, I was truly living in that moment. Now, writing this post, has me living in it all over again. I can’t thank these girls enough for all that they continue to do for me as a photographer. They consistently channel positive energy and that’s something I definitely vibe with.
Side note: My parents grew me up on ‘80s culture, so there’s a part of me that will always belong to that time spiritually. Heck, I’m growing out my hair, changing up my style a bit, and jamming to my ‘80s playlists. It’s a start, maybe even a revolution…ha!
Being home A LOT has reminded me to smell the roses again, to be creative, and to be more grateful. I know the means of being in that place are rather unorthodox, but I believe there’s a bigger picture here. Bigger than any of us.
Old Souls.
Thanks for taking the time to read and checking out the photos. It means a lot, even more so since I don’t post too often. I hope this helped lift your spirits a little bit. I encourage you to free yourself during this time. Listen to music you never normally listen to. Try different outfits that you thought you wouldn’t like. Cook some exotic food just because! Try a new dance in the bathroom. I don’t know! I challenge you to be open minded and try not to think too hard like I do so much. Channel your inner ‘80s! :)
On a serious note, thank you to those who continue to fight this battle on the front lines. You’re the real MVP’s in all of this and I’m very grateful!
- Matt