This was a very long overdue reunion.
Lily and I met years ago, but even though we shared industries — she’s a very talented makeup artist — our paths hadn’t crossed again, until now.
Honestly? This shoot was really frustrating. We planned it fastidiously, but blustery weather knocked us (quite literally) off course. It was just me and Lily, so there was no one to wrestle the lighting gear from the winds. The sandbags weren’t a match either. It really limited where and how we could shoot.
Still, as hard as it was, we prevailed — especially Lily. I’ve admired her makeup work from afar, but oh boy, does she have her posing game down too. The winds brought biting cold. My hands were getting numb. Despite that, she just kept moving through her sequences, anticipating my every move. I’m terribly impressed with her and grateful for her strength, aesthetic sense, and thoughtfulness through the whole process.
Now, to find downtime and finish watching The Queen’s Gambit …
P.S. Geeky photo note? As a younger photographer, I coveted the Canon 50mm f/1.2L. I always had a 50mm f/1.4 and couldn’t justify the jump. Now, looking at that first image? Total worth. I should have invested in one sooner. That bokeh swirl is insane.