The Creation of a Crumbling Kingdom
This past year has been a year of growth for myself and my creativity. Slowly blossoming into the life of creative chaos smack dab in the middle of a trifecta of cities igniting the same creativity in it's people. To exist and thrive in a space with so many other amazing artists is beyond anything I could have imagined when I started this photography journey and I'm so very thankful. But getting started and finding a community of creatives who accept newcomers is sometimes easier said then done. That's why when Older & Wiser Co. offered a small creative apprenticeship this past summer, I had to jump on my chance to be apart of it.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I had never met anyone within the creative community surrounding my area. I had never collaborated on any photoshoots (especially on this scale). I felt completely out of my league.
We met once a week over the course of 4 weeks to build a story from scratch. Lead by the mastermind creative director Helen Tafesse, owner of Older & Wiser Co. She lead us on a journey of self discovery, branding, creative direction, process and brainstorming that was unmatched. In as little as one weeks time, a group of over 40 creatives came up with a full story line, makeup and wardrobe for a 4 character creative photoshoot set to be shot on the stage of 100 year old theater. It was quite the undertaking but Helen is a pro, her guidance, support and ability to lead kept everything running smoothly and on track. She is amazing to watch and I am blessed to have witnessed someone who can take over a room with as much grace and direction as she can.
In the following weeks, myself and the other photography apprentices started learning our craft under the direction of few of the areas finest photographers. Listening to their process, watching their flow and sharing their knowledge was way more then I could have hoped to learn in such a short time frame. They taught us the basics of filters, lighting, white balance, angles, reflection workflow and posing.
The final day of our apprenticeship came in a flash, and after a whirlwind morning of setting up, getting models into costumes complete with hair and makeup we managed to photograph 4 amazing sets of life size playing cards. The level of professionalism, teamwork, creativity and respect that everyone showed on that final day was absolutely inspiring (to say the least.) When the day concluded I raced back home to start editing my photographs and I couldn't wait to see what my fellow creatives shot as well.
Thankfully Helen, being the mastermind that she is, decided to plan a reveal party for everyone involved. It was set in the same historic theater, complete with old time music, a photographer and swanky clothing. It was beautiful and such a thoughtful way to put a cherry on top of an amazing opportunity.
At long last, our wait was over! The photos were revealed, on the big screen of the Appelle Theater in York, PA. The hard work of over 40 creatives from the area. It was a stunning display of vulnerability, resistance, emotion, transformation, epiphany and tragedy. It was a night written in the cards... playing cards that is.
I can say that I was so thankful to be chosen to be part of this apprenticeship and would love the opportunity to help newcomers who want to get involved in the future!
This opportunity created connections, relationships and doors unseen and unexpected in the best way possible. And if that wasn't Helen's intention all along, she created something transformative when she created "The Ship" and she should be very proud.
If you'd like to get more information about future projects and apprenticeships with Older & Wiser Co. Follow Helen on Instagram @olderwiser.co or check out her website at olderandwiser.co
