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Roses & Thorns

May 09, 2013  •  22 Comments

My very first blog entry :) Is this like writing in your diary: "The 2013 version"? Just curious, and no I never had a diary. LOL!!! OK OK OK, on a more serious note, I'm very excited to share insights to my thought process behind my photo shoots and just random things that interest me. I've been wanting to do a blog FOREVER but like most photographers I'd rather be shooting and editing than writing down my thoughts. So I'm just hoping that someone will take the time to read them. So here goes! Enjoy!

 

Roses & Thorns

(An artistic vision by IC Beauty and DWP)

One of the things I love about working with my team is that we all push each other to be more creative and challenge the limits of our talents. Outside of our day jobs, other clients, and the daily responsibilities of life, we make it a point to explore our creative sides.

My makeup/hair stylist (Donnie Whitsett, owner of IC BEAUTY) approached me with an idea that she wanted to execute. "I want to do a dark, simple, yet interesting grave yard photo shoot with a play on roses," she said. The concept was AMAZING and within a matter of minutes I was totally sold on the idea (BTW - this is not always the case...LOL) But it was something about this idea that really intrigued me. Maybe it was the challenge to do something a lil different than most typical graveyard shoots. 

So what's needed to make this possible? I left all the details up to Donnie as this was her idea but was available for any assistance needed. She reached out and found the perfect model for this concept, mentally thought about how she wanted her vision to be portrayed to the audience, along with the wardrobe, and perfect location for the shoot. So what ended up being the perfect location? The Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Downtown Raleigh, a 150 year old confederate resting place with 102 acres of history. 

I knew that I would need an assistant for this shoot so I reached out to a friend and fellow photographer Ross Gassaway of RossG Photography and asked him if he would join us. Having Ross onsite to assist me was a very integral part of this process. He contributed some AMAZING input as he could see and understand the vision. 

Day of the Shoot 

With all this "lovely" weather we've had lately it was the perfect equation...a mild dreary overcast day, mixed with an amazing makeup/hair stylist, perfect lighting assistant, awesome model, myself, and my Canon (5D Mark II), we set out to make MAGIC. 

Saddened by the fact that the Krispy Kreme hot sign wasn't on, we made a quick pit stop by the gas station to grab a Snickers bar for the model, some chips and soda for the makeup artist, and of course my usual...two Lance honey buns and an orange soda. (Don't judge me)

As we arrived to the grave site, there we found a hungry Ross sitting in his car, enjoying his SUBWAY sandwich...EAT FRESHHHH my friend, EAT FRESH!!!!

After a quick drive around the graveyard to scout some potential location, it was time to get to work...

 

Couldn't have done this without my AMAZING TEAM!!!!

 

Photographer: Dimitri Williams for DWP (www.dimitriphotos.com)

Hair/Makeup: Donnie Whitsett for IC Beauty ([email protected])

Model: Angela Liu

Lighting Assistant: Ross Gassaway for RossG Photography (www.rossgphotography.com)

 

Final Images

 

_MG_9802

_MG_9787-Edit _MG_9794-Edit _MG_9811-Edit _MG_9817-Edit _MG_9871-Edit _MG_9890 _MG_9906 _MG_9922-Edit _MG_9927-Edit _MG_9979-Edit _MG_9981-Edit _MG_9997

 


Comments

Dimitri Williams Photography (DWP)
Thank you very much for your comment Jackie.
Jackie Keith(non-registered)
Magnificent! I love the concept and the execution in all areas was flawless, my favorite is the one were you can see the models slight reflection on the head stone....so very surreal. Bravo!
noille(non-registered)
I'm so proud of u I love all your pictures keep up the great work u do a wonderful job!!
Dimitri Williams Photography (DWP)
Thank you all for the kind works and love! We are currently working on another blog posting so make sure you check back soon :)
Mamie Wilkins(non-registered)
Holy tombstones!!! LOVE love lOvE this! Love everything about it and I might kill a puppy for that umbrella! Fantastic work.
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