It seems more often than not even best laid plans go wrong
and you have to improvise to make the best of it. I know not every event
is going to be a success, hell not every event is even going to take place and
sometimes you just have to shoot from the hip.
Case in point, this past weekend I was supposed to be the
subject of an outdoor Steampunk photo-shoot at the historic Ornamental Metal
Museum in downtown Memphis. I was so looking forward to this shoot and I
even spent a week or so prior hand building several new pieces to feature in
it.
Day One - Hair & make up done and looking good.
Wardrobe, props, and accessories in hand and off I go to meet the photographer
on location. After a half-hour of standing around being gawked at by
visitors I realize, to my horror, that I am A DAY EARLY. Yep, your
calendar is only as accurate as the user. Trying to be optimistic, I
figure, hey, one more day to prep!! Wonderful. I can clean up some last
minute details add a few more bells and whistles!!
Day Two, Hair & make up done and it looks GREAT!!!
Even better!!! Wardrobe, props and accessories in hand again and I am on
my way. Half way there I notice the sky is starting to cloud over and the
thunder starting to roll…urgh!!! Hand built accessories with a lot of
metal gears, leather and glue do not always work well in the rain. As I
arrive I am on the phone with the photographer who is now huddling under the
gazebo with his equipment and I am stuck in the car. After sitting for a
bit we mutually decide the storm is not going to pass in a timely manner and it
may be best to reschedule. Clearly this one was not meant to be.
OK I am officially bummed
out….but my hair & make up look great!!
So now comes the improvisation. A quick stop by my
house removing all traces of Steampunk gears and swapping my black Victorian
walking skirt, tapestry jacket and neck corset (yes it is a miserable as it
sounds) for a black and red gothic / circus get up, I grab my personal
photographer and off we go in search of a location.
We went to a great location only to find we couldn't get in
anymore due to a new locked gate. Still looking like the effort was for
nothing. Finally we were able to find a great old cemetery in a neighborhood
close to my house. The overcast day offered perfect lighting and with
some acceptance that I was going to get this dress wet, was able to produce
some of my favorite images to date.
What a save!
I am still planning on the Steampunk shoot as a matter
of fact we are scheduled to reshoot later this month. Keep your fingers
crossed for good weather!
