❝That’s the thing with magic. You’ve got to know it’s still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible for you.❞
Secret Garden:
There are a few themes in my life, a love of plants, gold eye brows, glowing skin, and color gels. I created these images as part of my habitual creative play time. As an image maker I’m constantly filled with new ideas and I believe that putting beauty out into the world is important. Especially when showing diversity. Gardens represent life, vibrance, and growth. The metaphor of a secret garden for me is about having a safe space to grow, a safe space to bloom.
The looks:
There is a lot I wanted to say with this series. Hair is such a big part of a woman’s identity. I wanted to show women who are bold. The hair styling is a symbol of each woman’s unique beauty, characteristics and strengths. Plus, throw in some color, painted eye brows, and glowing skin and it is pretty much a dream. An ethereal surreal goddess like dream. I was going to write more about each look. But instead of reading more, just look at these gorgeous ethereal portraits. All products used for the hair styling is clean eco friendly awesomeness.
So, what is this shoot?
We always feel the need to put things in boxes. Is it art photography? Or a fashion photoshoot? Maybe it is personal empowering portraits?
I also work with individual women to create images like these just for them. I’ve toyed with the idea of calling these photoshoots goddess sessions. But that doesn’t feel quite right. Calling them magical portraits feels off too. Or ethereal portraiture? In any case, I haven’t come up with a clever name yet. I’m open to suggestions. But at the core of it all I want to create images that live in the gray zone between photography and art, commercial and personal. Images that capture the imagination and remind us of the secret gardens that are all around.
Team:
Oakland Photographer: Ella Sophie
Alameda Hairstylist: Suzette McD
Location & Florist: Dandelion Flowers, Alameda.
Models: Zoe West, Angie, Belle Sophie
All Images © Ella Sophie
Ella Sophie is an artist and photographer living in Oakland California. She specializes in creating images that empower women. Through portraiture, boudoir photography and ethical fashion photography. Ella strives to change the perception that women have of themselves one photo at a time. When she isn’t working you can find her volunteering at the local animal shelter. Encouraging fellow entrepreneurs and artists. Or traveling and taking in the beautiful wilderness.
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