halloween — the antisocial media — December Rain Conceptual Portraiture

One of my many side projects/passions is Create & Collaborate: The Workshop. It is a workshop and styled shoot series that is the brain child of myself, Samantha Slayton and Morgan Carkuff. We strive to bring education and inspire creativity in our little area of the world. Not going to lie, this Halloween styled shoot was a lot to coordinate, but that’s because we really wanted this to be incredible. None of this would have been possible one without each other and two, without the wonderful models and makeup artists we brought on.

I really love the days following one of our classes or shoots because all of our attendees start sharing and posting their favorite shots. Photography is my life, and getting to share this passion and giving others an opportunity to try something new really makes me burst with happiness. Most everyone who attended this shoot has been attending them since we started. Getting to see the progression of their work and watching them take the reins confidently has been so fulfilling. I truly hope that I am always able to share my love and knowledge of this world with others.

Vendor List:

I partnered up with Morgan of Eclectic Mo’s (and Sonder Finery, AND Hemp & Mortar.. talk about boss lady) for a thrifted Halloween costume project. We share a love of vintage clothing as well as an obsession with Wes Anderson visuals. When I approached Morgan about putting together a couples costume from Moonrise Kingdom I was met with lots of enthusiasm. Morgan does the styling for some of my bigger projects and all of our classes, workshops and styled shoots we put on as Create & Collaborate. She’s an absolute wiz at this, so I asked her a couple questions about what she does and why she loves it.

Costume Breakdown

Suzy -Every item was found at goodwill at different times minus the collar which was made from 2.99 felt fabric from hobby lobby with the 40% coupon. The red beret was something Morgan took from her Sonder Finery stock.

Sam - Shoes and shorts were taken from personal closet, and everything else was from city thrift. The patches we ordered online & the hat was a neighbors from childhood.

Cost was under $30 for all

D: Where do you start on a project/assignment like this?

M: When doing a conceptual or themed shoot I usually start by brainstorming and writing down key components that I will need to piece together the look. Since this was a very specific look I did research on what the characters wore and thought how could I add a little Eclectic Mo twist to it? however subtle, that's where the polka dot's come to play!

D: What are your favorite places to hunt/thrift?

M: Where - usually goodwill or city thrift but there are a few sweet spots in different cities I go to as well. But auctions are my favorite if I'm buying in bulk.

D: what is the best part of putting together a thrifted costume vs buying one?

M: Gosh this is tough. I'm not sure I narrow down what my favorite is but I'll tell you in general why I think it's the best. First, piecing together a thrifted costume is SO better for the environment. Apart from that when you thrift something themed it broadens your creativity, paves the way to create something completely unique with your interpretation of the theme. Thrifting costumes is also so much better on your pocket book. ..and who doesn't love thrifting?

D: What is the most challenging aspect of these projects?

M: When they are so specific it can be hard to find exactly what you're looking for. It takes patience & sometimes compromise.

D: Do you have any tips for others in their journey to the perfect thrifted costume?

M: Be patient with finding the perfect pieces. Keep your mind open to the ways you can put your creative touch in every detail!