Photo Story PhotoBreakdownStory

Written: Jillian Semmel

Like most creative projects go, this photo story started off a little rocky. In order to fully express all that we desired, we ended up shooting not one, not two, but six models in the span of three days. The first acted as an adjustment period of sorts where we figured out what worked and what didn’t. For starters, I really wanted to use my brand-new studio setup. I was going to use fancy lights and backdrops and clips and everything. While the prospect was exciting, shooting outdoors was also really important because it fit the concept perfectly (plus I find it easier to work with), but with the outdoors comes unpredictability. My precious backdrops kept getting clobbered by the wind, so we had to scrap that unfortunately. So, we worked with what we had: mother nature herself. It ended up working even better though, because the natural setting offered so much freedom, and we’re really proud of how it turned out. The heat exhaustion from the brutal Florida sun was totally worth it.

The heart and soul of this photoshoot are the people featured. It was important for us to capture as many cultures as we possibly could in order to fully express the beauty of our community. A big part of self love is appreciating the skin you’re in. As a white woman, I can’t fully relate to the struggles of feeling seen and appreciated in this country, but I wish for the people of color in my life and in our community to feel seen and heard and every bit as beautiful as they are. Thank you to all the models for gracing us with their beautiful faces, and to Carmen for making this one woman show a duo! Every photoshoot is a learning experience, and having help made me realize that it’s so much easier if I don’t have to do everything alone.

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Shooting with Kristine Rodriguez ('25) was like capturing a young Wendy darling. With a big white bow in her hair and her sweet disposition, it was hard not to smile with her. The trick with this particular shoot was keeping up with her bubbly energy. Kristine was an absolute joy to work with, and I feel like this photo really captures her essence.

Rania Harrara ('25) was the most prepared model I've ever worked with. With a suitcase packed to the gills with makeup, out t changes, and accessories, we were able to capture a variety of looks in under an hour. She wanted to take this opportunity to capture the beauty of the hijab, something that she plans on wearing more in the future.

e trick with this particular shoot was keeping up with her bubbly energy. Kristine was an absolute joy to work with, Here’s the gorgeous and glowing Kemari Cosby (‘24). While capturing posed photos are always a blast, I love taking candids as well, this being one. I just had to immortalize that dazzling smile! Shoutout to Carmen and her expert use of the reflector.

In our second shoot with Melissa Ndiaye (‘23), we hit our stride with the direction of the story. We settled on the south side of Bill Dreggors Park near the butterfly garden and gazebo due to its variety of backdrops and better lighting conditions. Melissa was super accommodating and let me play around with different setups. Her smile reminded me of a poem by Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., when she smiled the stars came out.

Michael Nguyen (‘23) was a joy to work with. His energy and patience really helped me get my bearings in this— the very first of the shoots. When backdrops fell, he was there to help pick them back up. Michael is unapologetically himself in the best of ways; he came with gems on his eyes and a calm demeanor. He was a trooper through the brutal heat and shedding flowers. He really knew how to hold himself, and his natural movements made for some great photos.