Who are you, really? Who is it that lives inside you, maybe huddled, maybe just under the surface, but most likely unknown to the rest of the world? We all have someone. Someone who is who we would be if only the world would accept us, if only we could defy the laws of reality, if only we were more or less of this or that... if only...
My purpose is to take you to a place where it's possible to be who you really are. No judgement. I am your witness and your guide across the threshold, and I'll get you there and back, safely. Your real persona may not be able to fully live in this reality, but we can go and bring a spark of it back with us: a touchstone, an antidote to life's volatility, a balm for a battered soul.
the indelible project
Equestrians know that horses are etched into our beings. Each leaves an indelible image, like a tattoo on the soul. The Indelible Project, originally introduced in 2012, is once again being put forth to express our experiences - our joys, sorrows, humorous moments and devastating losses - as though we would wear them on our skin.
Candidates must:
- be comfortable with showing some skin (no "parts") in a safe environment
- own or have access to a horse
- have a horse that can tolerate lighting equipment, props, etc. (we can talk about this)
- be open and willing to take direction, but more importantly to take initiative! This is a collaboration and your ideas are essential.
- sign a model and liability release
- be somewhat local to Brooklyn, WI, or be willing to pay all travel and accommodation expenses
Some of the images below were created as a result of the project, others were inspired by it. These images contain a lot of symbolism and metaphor, and are meant to tell a story. There's quite a bit of work that goes into them throughout the process, from conception and planning, to shooting the images, all the way through to the post production in the computer. It's a process! We will talk about all of it ahead of time, but here are some things to consider:
- a part of your body most influenced by your time with horses
- props or objects that have meaning to you
- clothing that embodies the emotion you feel most (doesn't have to riding clothes)
- places or natural elements that have been important
- particular moments that stand out to you
- colors that have been important or have consistently showed up
- anything else that you feel is important
While I love doing traditional portraiture and certainly won't stop doing those sessions, these are the kinds of images I'd like to create more of, and the direction I'd like my work to move in. To kick this off, I'm offering two free sessions to people I think are the best fit. If you're interested and up for doing the work involved with a session like this, contact me with your thoughts about the list above. I will pick the top two candidates on Friday, May 31st 2024, and we'll get to work.
Click here to read the article Caitrin O'Shea wrote about her experience with the Indelible Project!
The basic digital files are included with this session whether a regular Signature Session or one for the Indelible Project, however I retain the high resolution file for the signature image. I'm happy to give you a low resolution file to use on social media, with the proper credit given. The session fee is $450 (plus tax, payable in installments if necessary, travel fees may apply), which includes low resolution digital files suitable for posting on social media, and 20% off any orders placed. There are no prints included, which means the final product is open-ended to suit your style. However, most people opt for a canvas gallery print. Again, this is something we can talk more about when we get together to discuss what you'd like to get from the session.