Posted on : 21-04-2010 | By : Chele
Wild Wild West!
Morning Henna friends. It has been a while since I have posted, and I have something fantastic to share. Western Washington University Student Jordan Stead approached me wanting to do an article on Henna for the Kilpsun Magazine (a WWU publication). The theme being color he wanted to explore Henna from that angle. However very nervous, I was of course honored! I met with him at Woods Coffee at Blvd Park and we did the initial interview. He was very nice and asked some very good questions. He also got in contact with several of my Seattle Henna friends and mentor. As their many years of experience would be a great asset to his article as they are to me.
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up." ~ Mae West
- “Personality is the most important thing to an actress’s success.” ~ Mae West. Kelsey has got it in spades!
We set a date to come to my home to photograph my model the lovely Kelsey Marie Bujacich. Our first job, on Wednesday was to apply the first layer of Henna which took about 3 hours. Then on Friday we met again to apply the two tone affect. On the day of the shoot, while Jordan photographed us, I applied glitter embellishments to the back piece of the design, and after Henning her left arm, I applied glitter to the wet Henna. My hope was to show the progression of Henna, 3 days cured, two tone affect with gel glitter embellishments and freshly applied Henna with powder glitter. I was pleased overall with the effect and Kelsey was an absolute pro at showing off the Henna to its best advantage. I’m so lucky to have met her.
Jordan and Julian Set up
Photo Journalist in the Field
The day of the shoot was amazing. Jordan arrived with his assistant and photographer Julian who did the entire stand in work for lighting, which amused Kelsey and me greatly. I have never seen such dedication and professionalism in a student photographer. It took him a total of four hours to complete the shoot including set up and I think he took over 400 photos. My house is pretty small and at one time I believe his elbow was wedged into my garbage disposal! After the inside shoot and a quick costume change for Kelsey we went outside in the woods behind to do portraits. Jordan also shot Kelsey rubbing off the dried Henna and glitter to expose the bright orange uncured Henna stain. The difference in her arms was dramatic as it showed uncured just removed and 3 day old cured Henna side by side in the same design.
Dedication!
Photo Journalist in the Field - Jordan Stead
Jordan said he was really happy with the photos he took and we all are very encouraged that the article will be chosen for the Klipsun based solely on my confidence in Jordan as a photojournalist. I asked him when I would be able to see the photos as “I’m sure you need to mess with them a bit before they are ready” And he said, “as a photojournalist, using Photo Shop is unethical”. I’m sure that has been one of the many factors that went into making him a fine photographer. He has to get it right the first time. All the photos you see here are my record of the event, his photos were 1000 time more fantastic and I can’t wait to see them again.
"Whenever I'm caught between two evils, I take the one I've never tried before." ~ Mae West
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~ Mae West
Overall it was an incredible day and even if it does not make the magazines final cut, I will have some lovely pictures for print work and I know I would hire Jordan in a nanosecond for any photography work I may require. You can see more of his work here.
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it." ~ Mae West
"I like restraint, if it doesn't go too far." ~ Mae West
Jordan is also planning to come to the Bellingham Farmers Market May 1st to complete his photo essay with someshots of Henna Moon in action. Please join us, get some Henna and meet a fine up and coming photographer. I’m so happy and grateful I live in a town filled with so many positive creative people! See you in a couple of weeks Bellingham!
