Tag: Behind the scenes

Categories
Business Insights

Tips to Finding Indoor Locations

minimal natural white culture boutique hotel springfield missouri
Bright and natural photography at the Culture Boutique Hotel in Springfield, Missouri.

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Your location isn’t what is keeping you from progressing towards your dream—it’s your mindset.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I get it. I’m sick of always shooting in a field too and sometimes, renting a studio just isn’t in the budget; but the reality is, I’m not limited by my location or my resources, I’m limited by my perspective.

So, whether you’re trying to escape the cold climate or switch up your style, choosing a fresh space can do wonders to revive your creative eye. Here are some of my favorite alternative indoor locations—[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

AirBNB

Many of my favorite photoshoots took place in homes and lofts listed on Airbnb. This is a great place to start because the owner has already made the decision to open up their living space to outsiders, now all you have to do is ask. In my experience, I’ve come across people who are willing to share their space free of charge, for trades, or even for 1/2 the price of the rental rate. That’s what the owner did for the space used in these images. If you’re interested in booking a room at Culture Boutique Hotel for yourself, click here.

When it comes to using Airbnb spaces as a photo shoot, my advice is to clearly communicate why you want to use their home, how many people it involves and for how long. Also, if you’re one to travel a lot–spend the extra dollars to get a place you really like. One that’s good for the night’s stay and for a mini shoot. Believe me, you’ll get your money’s worth (that’s what I did for this photoshoot during my stay in Kansas City).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”7194″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Unique Establishments

Some of the best indoor locations also double as coffee shops, antique stores, or hotel lobbies. Depending on whether people have photographed here before, I always recommend reaching out to the business owner before taking over their place. Many business owners don’t mind sharing their space, but a couple of things to keep in mind are—

  1. Remember to respect their space and their rules. If the chair says “do not sit”….don’t sit in it for the sake of art.
  2. Show your appreciation by giving back. Don’t be a mooch—buy a cup of Joe or a souvenir to show appreciation that they shared their business with you.
  3. Give credit where credit is due. Once you’ve published your work, make sure to tag the location.

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Bare Minimum

For a captivating atmosphere, all you really need are two things: good lighting and decor to fit your vision. It can really be as simple as having a cozy corner with a cool midcentury chair and some plants or a blank wall. This is the cool part about photography: nobody knows what is going on outside the frame. That means that you can do a lot with a small space. Get creative and don’t get overwhelmed with your lack of options. Creativity is a muscle that must be exercised, so take on the challenge with enthusiasm.

 

—-and that’s all! For more insight to finding spots for photo shoots, check out this article.

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Photographs taken at the Culture Boutique Hotel in Springfield, Missouri.

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Categories
Stories

A Foggy Day At Cannon Beach

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Couple Photography at Cannon Beach, Oregon

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It was my first time being on the west coast and even as I write this, I am still in awe over the mountainous backdrops and lush scenery.

While in Oregon, I visit my dear friends who lived in Portland. During my stay, they were so kind as to show me around their home state, and visiting Cannon Beach was by far my favorite. We woke up early one morning and by the time we made it, a thick fog was covering the beach. We couldn’t help but find how ironic it was; we drove all this way to see the infamous Haystack Rock and here we were and we couldn’t even see 10 feet in front of us.

We bought some time at Insomnia Coffee Co which I highly recommend, but even after our pit-stop, the fog seemed even thicker. Honestly, I didn’t mind it at all. I found the entire scene captivating. There’s something about fog that creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and curiosity. Plus, it eventually began to thin out and we could see the tip of the haystack rock.

“Look! One-eyed Willies treasure!”

(Do I need to reference the Goonies? )

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All in all, it was a day well spent. Plus, I also managed to snag some photographs of my dear friends, Noah and Kim.

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Click here to view the full gallery.

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Categories
Fashion

The Jungalow

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Ethereal inspired street-style with Kansas City model, Rebecca Yoo.

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I have hand-picked each and every thing around me to create a space that is intentional, heartening and wholesome.

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This photo series in collaboration with Rebecca (@yebeccayoo) is inspired by the rich hue of terra cotta and earthy atmospheres.

I wanted these images to reflect the importance of being intentional with our surroundings. The things and memories we hold onto makeup our life. Going back through these images almost a year after during the recent focus on “tidying up”, it’s comforting to know that this idea did not lack validity. In case you’re new to this term or aren’t familiar to Marie Kondu, here’s a little recap:

Kondu is a Japanese organizing consultant and author who is pretty much an expert in creating intentional homes. She has a method that involves gathering together all of one’s belongings, one category at a time, and then keeping only those things that “spark joy” and choosing a place for everything from then on.

It’s something that takes time. In western culture, it almost seems like we start collecting things from the moment we are born. So by the time we are adults, our homes are filled with childhood memorabilia, old school papers, and a plethora of other things. Now, I’m not saying that all these things are bad, it just presents the question, what’s really worth keeping? In Japanese, the term “spark joy” translates to tokimeku (ときめく ) meaning “flutter, throb, or palpitate”.

I can name very few things in my home that make my heart flutter: family photographs, surviving houseplants, and a couple of knick-knacks associated with good memories are a few to name. This would mean that there are a lot of things that I continue to hold on to that don’t serve a purpose in my life. They aren’t important documents or treasured items… it’s just stuff, and some of that stuff makes me feel weighed down. You know, the things that we keep out of obligation or that are associated with a sad memory.

When I started applying this concept to my life, I found that the hardest things to give up were the ones I felt indifferent about. “I don’t need it now, but maybe I’ll want it in the future.” At first, it seemed like a harmless feeling, but once the indifferent pile grew bigger and bigger, I realized that I have a lot of expectations for myself in the future. I’m going to reread that college book that I was interested in Junior or finally finish that craft. Just thinking about all the “should’s” or “will do’s” makes me feel suffocated just thinking about. So, let’s make room to breathe. And with that I leave you with these considerations:

What am I choosing to have influence over my life?

And is it enabling room to grow or leaving me suffocated?

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The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

– Marie Kondu

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_cta btn_style=”see-through” heading_tag=”h6″ link_type=”regular” alignment=”center” text=”view the full photoshoot here.” url=”sightsandsouls.co/fashion/the-concrete-jungalow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”extra-color-1″ animate=”yes”][vc_column_text]It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give a shoutout to AirBNB.com for bringing this space to my attention. I booked this loft in downtown Kansas City during my stay for the Kansas City Fashion Show. AirBNB is my number one secret tool for finding indoor locations. Many of my most favorite photoshoots have taken place in spaces that I’ve found on the platform. Wondering how I went about this? Read more about finding indoor locations here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
Insights Stories

Portrait of a Stranger

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New York City

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There’s been plenty of times I have pep-talked myself into mustering up the courage to ask a stranger if I can take their portrait – and 9/10, I let the opportunity slip through my grasps.

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I can’t explain why I lack the courage – if it were any other situation, I surely would go up and introduce myself, but when it comes to photography, I somehow lack the boldness.

On this particular day, this girl grabbed me by my arm, insisting I take her photo. She dragged me to the shore and whipped out some Next Top Model moves that would make Tyra Banks turn and look. I later found out that this (very) young woman had just turned 13 and here I am, almost a decade older, battling to have half the amount of boldness she embodies.

So, to those of you who also struggle to take pride in the things you love, I leave you with this — Nobody is benefiting from your timidness – not yourself and especially not those in your sphere of influence; but so many can be empowered by your voice, if only you have the courage to speak up and act out.

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