Mimi is a writer, actor, and both she and Mara are singers. Mara works at a huge architectural firm, but is also an incredible musician (harmonica, ukulele, etc.).
This image was created to celebrate an enormous transformation in their personal lives, about which they are writing a play. How the idea came to me is part of the mystery of energy and creativity, but once it did, all the elements came together.
The dresses we picked out of a fabulous collection at Adele's of Hollywood, a local costume shop which has the cheap, packaged Halloween costumes you can get anywhere; but for those in the know, the back room is CRAMMED with incredible creations of every color, style, and time period. Mara actually found both these dresses, which were EXACTLY what I had envisioned.
The location is at The Abbey San Encino, which is usually rented as location to movie and photo productions. The owners are friends of the gals, and allowed us to shoot there for no charge. This incredible dungeon is just one of the many wonders of this amazing place.
I tried wrangling a crew to help me with hair and make-up, but due to the holiday, no one was available (especially for no pay :( I ended up doing both myself, and must say, I'm quite pleased with the results!
This is also the first shoot with my assistant Tracey, who not only helped me schlep all the equipment, set up, and lit the candles, but also ran the fog machine, adjusted my light levels, and generally made life so much easier. I can definitely get used to having her around!
I was not actually shooting for this challenge, and was going to enter this image into the FS, but I realized it could definitely work as a political statement, even if not of this century. Was Marie Antoinette not one of the best-known casualties of politics gone bad?
[POST CHALLENGE]
I gotta say, this was the most surprising finish to a rather sad week. I didn't think this score would get me on the front page, much less an HM. So happy it did this well for these ladies!
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Excellent exposure in this image misty with the atmosphere of a bygone era.
This pair of Marie Antoinette-ish barefoot women suggest to me that women are still subjugated in a world run by men who would be kings. The details in this dimly lit dungeon are wonderfully apparent and it took me awhile to notice that the barred doors in the background are closed. Very strong.
Hope you post this in a larger size also.
Congrats for the way you approached the challenge topic, the props, the models, the tonality… it's enjoyable and highly professional.
I see it as part of a cycle more than in itself. I'd like you to continue with the sketched intention of this shot and add more humor or drama or contrast. Make a Marie Antoinette folder, add a few Mary Sturats or consorts of Henry VIII ...
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