Photoshoot Guide: (working titles)
The Slow Becoming
The Shape I Am Now
Made of Soil and Skin
Where the Light Lands
Lines of Light & Love
Becoming Mother
The Motherload

Concept Summary:

A sacred, grounded portrait experience that honors the ever-changing female body — postpartum, menopausal, evolving. The tone is reverent, not performative. Visual storytelling through nature, texture, and symbolic gold to celebrate stretch marks, creases, and softness.

ART DIRECTION GUIDE

Color Palette:

  • Muted neutrals: cream, bone, ochre, taupe.

  • Accents of antique gold, terracotta, olive green.

  • Nothing artificial or bold — think “sun-faded fresco.”

Textures:

  • Chunky knit, natural linen, stone, skin.

  • Drape cloths in trees or across rocks like soft architecture.

  • Optional: sheer gauze for layering.

Lighting:

  • Caryn’s Expertise

Props (Minimal & Symbolic):

  • Gold leaf or eco glitter (only used symbolically).

  • Mirror

  • More foliage than floral

  • Bowl of water or clay

  • Chunky XXL soft textured blanket

Styling Notes:

  • Hair undone, air-dried texture.

  • Minimal makeup

  • Natural fabrics only — nothing shiny, synthetic, or tight.

  • Garments should flow and wrap, not constrict.

SHOT LIST

1. Opening Portraits (Settling In)

  • Woman seated cross-legged or side-sitting on a knit blanket.

  • Soft morning light, warm tones.

  • Hair undone, linen or knit draped.

  • Hands in lap or over heart.

  • Wide and close frames.

2. Golden Details - “Tender Hands”

  • Close-up: gold leaf brushed into stretch marks, skin folds, shoulder blades, collarbones.

  • Textures of skin, dust, and earth.

  • Hands with age, veins, or rings.

  • Natural nails, clean and real.

3. Back Portrait - “Strong Back”

  • Woman standing or sitting with back to camera.

  • Wrap draped low on hips or covering lower body.

  • Capture back creases, spine, softness.

  • Overhead foliage or architectural frame (tree branch, linen sheet, stone wall).

4. The Recline - “Rooted in Rest”

  • Lying on side or back, blanket partially draped.

  • One hand resting on abdomen or chest.

  • Sunlight or shade creating a quiet moment.

  • Angle from above and from the ground.

5. Connection to Nature - “

  • Feet in water, walking slowly.

  • Sitting against a tree or nestled into stone.

  • Touching tree bark, grass, or flower petals gently.

  • Eyes closed, absorbing.

6. The Offering - “

  • Seated or kneeling, hands held out softly with open palms.

  • With or without a symbolic item (dried flower, gold bowl).

  • Centered or side-angled for negative space.

7. Walking Forward - “

  • Woman walking toward camera, steady and soft.

  • Barefoot, blanket trailing behind.

  • Eyes down or straight ahead — strong presence.