A Couple of Birds

I think... this is my first engagement shoot. So it's only proper that it would be with two people that I adore. Eliza was my first college roommate via Craigslist and I can't even begin to list the first experiences I had with this girl. The memories are endless, most of them involving me dancing and Eliza cracking up. Jon and Eliza have been a twosome since day one. I've seen their relationship evolve and strengthen and feel almost like a their child who comes over and raids the fridge. They're both bull-headed at times but I can't imagine one without the other. I'm so grateful to have two of my closest Kansas friends in Chicago to make home seem not so far away. These are only a fraction of images from a morning of shooting but I'm really excited to finalize the rest because they are so wonderful.

Hunter Gatherer Collaboration

This has been sitting as a Draft for far too long. I just began my second Flamenco session at the Clinard Dance Theater where I try and brainwash my body into doing things it has no familiarity with. In fact, the beautiful subject in these photos is also my instructor. Marisela is stunning. Watching any Flamenco performance is mesmerizing but even more so when you actually know the dancer and see how the art transcends into their daily being. It's funny revisiting these images because I had taken them prior to starting Flamenco and now I recognize how much energy and strength went into so many of these poses. Flamenco arm movements are real and HARD.
This collaboration began one dewy morning in Humboldt Park where I met Laura (Hunter Gatherer) and Marisela. It was all very organic, figuratively and literally. Laura brought out a morose aesthetic in my work that I don't often try. The last few shots were taken by the water which was fitting as Laura's latest work is inspired by bait and tackle. I'm extremely fond of these images and they are only a handful of the entire set.

Jewelry: Hunter Gatherer | Clothing: NUIT Clothing 

(Skirt & Shawl are Model's own)

Model/Dancer: Marisela Tapia | Styling: Laura Prieto-Velasco

See the entire set on Flickr

Hunter Gatherer Studio Visit

As a jewelry fiend, I always have my eye out for unique designs. Back in January, I came across a collection while putzing around at City Soles in Wicker Park. An associate explained to me that many of the pieces were made from found objects; hence the name, Hunter Gatherer. From twigs to windshield glass to casts of fingertips, I was smitten. I left with a single piece and a desire to know more about the artist. Fast forward to the end of May, I got in touch with the hands behind Hunter Gatherer, Laura Prieto-Velasco. She invited me over to her home to take a look at some of her new designs inspired by bait and tackle. Two hours later we had talked about everything under the sun, including my newest pursuit thanks to her, Flamenco dancing. Laura's macabre aesthetic is something I've always been intrigued by and paired with her interest in Flamenco, I couldn't leave without making plans to meet again and put those themes in front of a camera - more on that to come.

Whole Larder Love

I like food. No, I love food. I've got a whole lotta love for food. In honor of his new book, Whole Larder Love, I had the pleasure of listening to Australian blogger, cookbook author and food warrior Rohan Anderson share the beginnings of his journey as a hunter/gatherer; hosted at Longman & Eagle's Off Site Bar. To top it all off, Rohan carried out a first hand demonstration on skinning a rabbit. His familiarity with the process was mesmerizing. I can't imagine that knowledge will ever come in handy for myself but Rohan's desire to work for his food has stuck with me (and to thank for my newly acquired tomato plant.) Post-skinning, Longman worked their magic and made a lovely dish for Rohan which I may have stole a delicious bite of. Thank you, Max Wastler, for introducing me and being an always charismatic host.