Theme 2: Infected - 31 Days of Halloween Series

This theme was photographed in downtown Willmar, Minnesota.

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted this theme to challenge me. I wanted to explore new locations I’d never shot at beore, push myself visually, and create an apocalyptic storyline. This theme wasn’t just about the costume or the makeup but about building a full environment that made you feel the story but in a more editorial artistic way.

One thing that makes this session special to me is that the model had no idea what the final look was going to be until the day of the shoot. She was one of the few people who expressed interest in a concept and was fully willing to trust me with the creative direction. All she knew going into it was what she would be wearing and a brief storyline for the session. But the makeup and overall transformation were a complete surprise. That level of trust is rare, and it says so much about her openness and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone. Check out the model's priceless reaction in this BTS clip. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Ptyq9P/ 

We started in full sun, tucked between random train trailers that bounced unexpected colors across the model’s skin. Normally I would move someone away from color casts like that, but something about the scene felt right. So I fully embraced this tedious editing challenge. From there, we made our way into downtown Willmar, stopping at places along the way I’ve always dreamed of shooting at. The architecture, the textures, and abandoned buildings. Our model wore a yellow hazmat suit, we could’ve chosen white, but the yellow was absolutely the right call. It popped against every backdrop, making her look like a living warning sign you can’t ignore.

The storyline behind the photos centers around a rapidly spreading infection: a world completely abandoned, streets silent, no one coming to save you. Whatever this thing is, it changes everything it touches. An editorial apocalypse, exactly the vibe I wanted.

Makeup for this theme was created by Jessi B Artistry.

Stay tuned for Theme #3. It's so beautiful!