In my latest photography series, I drew inspiration from Leonardo DiCaprio's impeccable style in 'The Great Gatsby,' infusing it with my personal touch to amplify the timeless, classic, and artistic essence I was striving for.
Throughout this journey, I dedicated months to curating the perfect ensembles and refining the edits. This series is an exploration where the fusion of classic and contemporary elements—the outfits, locations, and lighting—was pivotal in creating a cohesive narrative, thus the importance of getting the ensembles right!
Each image also captures a duality of emotions, portraying both positive and negative connotations. This contrast adds depth to the series, creating a narrative that resonates with a contemporary perspective.
As always the process was a playful experience, where I too worked on pairing poetry with each image. With this I intended to deepen and expand the collective story each image tells. You can view some poetry below, but the rest will be in the book I'm creating.
Ultimately, this series has become an invitation to show myself that I should get back into photography after my five month hiatus. As I finally have convinced my inner critic that this series is good enough and 100% complete, I have realised that I miss dressing up my friends and sharing the photos with them.
Nonetheless, enjoy the curation of imagery below and feel free to make your own interpretation of the narrative as you view each passing image.
I’m afraid for the beast in my mind,
worried about the sharp edges of fear,
the light rays swarming my being,
i thus trek silently.
Deluding myself of what lies ahead.
If only i could grab hold of my own hand
i could guide myself far away,
but this fear is abstract,
and it has me wheezing for air.
This despair aches more than a heartbreak,
thus i open a bottle of red,
run a steamful tub of water,
and race to the thought of you,
someone to love,
starting with S,
ending with A.
You’re all i think about,
nowadays…
you’ve become a figment in my mind,
another cruel imagination
that won’t ever see reality,
that can’t face the sun
or see it shine.
It’ll just sparkle in my mind
till someone else comes along,
and my mind can become fantasy for the 24th time.
I’ve dwelled in the deep blueness of my own tears,
overflowing the vessel with aqua;
but for the first time in a long
i can see the glitter of amber,
it shines beside me,
illuminating a mighty cross.
Wounded but i’m standing,
in this place where we’re all united.
In a room with my silent confidant...
in a secluded corner where i linger, waiting.
Where i muster to rise to my feet,
time and time again...
just to stare out to the heavens,
for the joy that can’t be found here.
I yearn to gaze at myself with ease,
to have a glimpse of the old me.
Such things fail.
Thus, i recalibrate my inner tale,
to now only gaze at myself
through the branches of the trees...
as I’m as flawed as the branches are brittle,
and the leaves torn.
There’s this peace in knowing,
that the flowers bloom in tranquil grace,
that they evenly sway between the rainfall,
and glow when there’s amber light.
My garden feels safe,
from my ever fleeting mind,
so i utter my gratitude,
for saving me from the endless doubt,
where each choice was hindered.
Yet, here i stand,
embarking in the sun dance,
leaping towards the unknown,
inspired by the dare of lilies,
whispering,
‘i dare you to love me.'
