The Making of the Rising Rainbow Phoenix
Part 1
Recently, I was asked to consult on a photo shoot for a fellow member of VPPA (Virginia's Professional Photographer's Association). I was super excited because I had always wanted to shoot at the National Columns in D.C. I asked Ysa if she would be interested in being my model for this. She was down...especially when I said that I wanted to make a statement with this photoshoot. In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to do something "rainbow-themed for Pride Month". Ysa is always a proud supporter of the cause. As always, I wait for the inspiration to hit me (which is usually the night before). One of my recent clients had given me their giant wings, made out of foam. So, 8:00 p.m. the night before, I decided to paint them in the colors of the LGBTQ colors. Ysa had no idea what I had made for her. Her reaction is PRICELESS!!! Part 1 is behind the scenes fun. Part 2 is the DRAMATIC conclusion and final images, that I am so very PROUD of. Stay tuned for the dramatic conclusion in Part 2.
Part 2
The reason why there are two videos...It started out as a vlog style but as the editing went along and I really fell in love with the final 2 images...the tone really took a different turn. I really wanted people to feel the emotion behind the final images. If you haven't seen Part 1 - Go see it! As an artist, I've learned the importance of doing personal projects (non-client work)...creating art that means something to you. While I'm not gay, I could not imagine what it would be like for someone to be told who you should or shouldn't love or who you should or shouldn't be. You are enough. You are meant to be here. You belong here. Love unashamed. Love unabashedly. Love yourself for who you truly are. I am so very PROUD of this project and the final images make my heart swell with PRIDE, every time that I look at them.