My mother called me on the phone and said “Your Uncle was struck by a car and killed.” The first thing that went through my head was “How is my Dad? Grammy? Auntie and his Daughters?” At that moment the beautiful flowers I was seeing in my head died. Prior to this terrible news I was on a glorious mountain, hiking, finding inspiration for the “Queens of the Garden” Shoot I was planning for an Arizona Creative Professionals MUA concept choice open shoot at Sevens Lounge. Feeling uninspired by my previous concept I decided to think about death and the beauty in it. I’m always one to try and find the silver lining. With that, I started word play. Eventually I came up with “Exquisite Beauty”. I typed that phrase into google and a quote from Edgar Allan Poe came up.
“There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.”
-Edgar Allan Poe
If that quote does not reflect the art, fashion and modeling industry I don’t know what does! Not to mention Edgar Allan Poe is still the reigning King of writing about death. I don’t do well with death and mourning. It makes me literally feel strange. I decided to go with that feeling, officially casted my models and made a few phone calls. First call was to boutique owner, Tonia Land of Trampalina Fashion Boutique to make sure she had the wardrobe in stock I need for this shoot. The next phone call went to internationally published jewelry designer, Lana May, to ask if she would let me borrow a few of her fabulous pieces and head dresses for the shoot. They both had everything I needed!! Next was announcing my models, Naja Enjone, Danielle Esplande, Janelle McCain & Stephanie Sujey.
The day of the event came and every model arrived at our prep spot on time or early! I applied their hair and makeup then we were off to Sevens Lounge to participate in the ACP MUA concept open shoot event. The event was coordinated by Moni Barrett of Moni Luvs Effects, who created an amazing atmosphere of artists!! Some of the best designers, photographers, models, hair, and makeup artist came together on teams to make the Makeup Artists visions come to life. My invaluable published photographer George Madrid of Madrid Photography got right on behind the scenes photos for our team and started photographing each model for their fashion shoot. Up and coming artist & photographer Miguel Angel Valenzuela graced us with his presence and shot a few beauty shots.
After shooting at Sevens Lounge it was time to get really serious so we went to Madrid Photography Studio. Lighting was absolutely amazing and the props were perfect! Anya Cermak helped assist with lights making the shoot move along quickly. I had an amazing time working with everyone on this shoot! I highly recommend any of them for booking!!
Lead Photographer: George Madrid
Lighting Assistant: Anya Cermak
Photographer: Miguel Angel Valenzuela
Models: Naja Enjone: The Tell Tale Heart, Danielle Esplanade: Lady Madeline of The Fall of the House of Usher, Janelle McCain: Annabel Lee, Stephanie Sujey: The Raven
Creative Director, Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe Stylist: Designs By Daetriel
Naja’s Braids: Twist N Stylez Hair By Sharon
Jewelry & Headpieces: Lana May Jewels
Wardrobe: Trampalina Fashion Boutique (online shopping available)
Venue: Sevens Lounge
Here is the video by Russ Broty of ACP MUA Concept open shoot coordinated by Moni Luvs Effects
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