"1 in 3 women, living in the state of Utah, experience domestic abuse."
STYLING THE SHOOT.
I haven't had loads of experience with studio lighting, so when I knew this project was going to need that, I knew exactly who to call: PHOTO COLLECTIVE STUDIOS. Everything was prepped and ready and we felt immediately at ease, especially given the charge of the topic we were producing.
The creative direction was centered on these points: (1) the models would reflect everyday women of Utah (2) their clothing needed that same acknowledgment while communicating a dignity of the victims/survivors we were representing (3) the use of PURPLE (nationally designated color for domestic violence awareness).
THE STYLISTS.
My first call was to personal stylist, NIKEE MILLER. She's a dear friend with years of experience on shoots like these, but we'd never worked on a project together. I know Nikee's heart, so I knew she'd be a great fit for this project. She has a time-tested eye and provided a fresh, contemporary look for the direction we settled on.
NICK MAKIHELE has the Midas touch when it comes to hair. And even though I don't have any, I've seen his handiwork so I was anxious to ask his involvement. He replied with an immediate yes and created three distinct styles for our three models.
MEGAN GORLEY handled the make-up of our models. She brought beautiful awareness to their features with a simple but sophisticated palette to portray them as the natural beauties they are.
It was a pleasure to work with such heart-centered folks and not have to worry about egos or self-promotion. They understood the topic we were communicating about and portrayed it wonderfully.
THE MODELS.
So, if you had to tell this story—share this alarming statistic about women being abused—how do you find the right people to portray that message? You look to and at your friends.
STEPHANIE MORTENSEN is a barista part-time at my favorite haunt, Carluicc's Bakery. Over the years and over-the-counter, we've become dear friends and I've always been struck by her beauty and her sincere, social-good heart.
I met MICHELLE ALBA through her younger brother, a few years ago, and ever since that day, I've known her to be one of the most beautiful women of my acquaintance. She's a grade-school, art instructor for students employing English as their second language.
ANNIE WEISENBERG is more little-sister than friend. She assisted me, in the past, when she was cutting her teeth studying graphic design. She pops up as a model here and there for friends like me and causes she believes in. I <3 her. Very much.
THE SHOOT.
It'd be nice to tell you I knew exactly what was going to happen once the girls sat in those chairs. I didn't. But like most creative undertakings, it's following that hunch that creates the landscape for the expression you're being bit by. Following the hunches—or listening to the Muse, as I like to call it—will result in expressions more true, more often, and generally with better results than you had anticipated. Before we started, I asked all of us to center in on what we were doing. Their expressions would change: anger, fear, resoluteness, being ashamed... The models were stepping in as actors, representing thousands of women throughout Utah.
