victory rolls & other madness

My sister Jessica is my muse, and she’s a dear for posing for me. So much fun. I love the energy she brings to everything she does. Working with her is a dream. I’ve taken photos of her since she was born and she’s always up for anything I propose. We’ve several shoots in the works and wanted to pull off a fabulous forties inspired thing. And, I sort of half-did. We have a fantastic rockabilly salon in town and I meant to call ahead and book a session for them to style her hair and make up but one of my big flaws is procrastination. I ended up doing her hair and make-up after studying a YouTube video and using lots of spray and bobbypins.

We visited the costume rental shop in town who had a few forties outfits. But the one darling green wool suit (and it was a hot, humid day) was actually too tight on my size 2 sister. So, we opted for just the hair and make-up to pull off the look, which we shot at the Veteran’s Administration at Mountain Home, which has stunning views and unbelievable light. I can’t take my eyes off it most times and am always posing imaginary dozens of models in various settings as I make my way through the property. As for props, I have a replica WWII sock I’ve been knitting on for years that I wanted her to hold, but couldn’t find it because it’s so tucked away in my knitting which I haven’t had time for since darling Elsa arrived.

Alas, I believe that I may have to use my sewing skills to whip up a few frocks for our future shoots. The cherry-patterned western shirt is mine, and she drowned in it. I should have advised her to bring several changes of clothes. Here are a few of my favorites, and hers. We shot these just before Memorial Day weekend and the Veteran’s Administration was decked with all its red, white, and blue bunting.

What else can I say? My sister is gorgeous. I’ve never looked at the colors of her hair so closely before. I always thought it was dark brown, but she has so many red and chestnut glints to it, it’s simply amazing how a bit of sunlight enhances everyone’s natural beauty.

Blooming lilies were everywhere and made a lovely backdrop for our photos.

And by the end of the shoot–we were both hot and sweaty–it wasn’t terribly hot that day in May, it just felt that way, the light was gorgeous.