So, Raven assigned a “themed shoot” recently. I had a million ideas initially and that is purgatory for me. I’m naturally an indecisive person anyway, so the more ideas the harder it is. But the more I though about the various themes floating around my brain I realized that they all shared on common factor: SAFE.
Everything I was thinking of was just a twist on my everyday work. I wasn’t happy with that. This internship (for me) is about getting away from my comfort zone and pushing myself to try new things.
Then it hit me. DRAG QUEENS!!!
So began the process. I decided that what I REALLY wanted to try was a “transformation” themed shoot. I contacted several performers and found one perfect for my concept. Her stage name is Brigitte Bidet and she is nothing shy of AWESOME!
She allowed me to come into her home and shoot the entire process from start to finish, head to toe.
And, who in their right mind would shoot the “before” process and not stay for the show? Certainly not this chick right here.
There were a plethora of challenges with this shoot from lighting, to motion; cramped spaces to hard angles. This shoot worked me physically and mentally like no other shoot has EVER done before. But in the end it was well worth it.
What I didn’t realize until well after the editing had begun was not only did I capture the transformation of a drag queen but I started a transformation in myself. While I still love my kids, families and weddings, I have found that this area of photography has piqued an interest in people’s personalities. This will certainly not be the last of this series!
Thanks for looking!!!!
-Molly
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