Portrait Sessions for YOU!
I'm offering affordable portrait sessions in LOS ANGELES this September :) plus an update and some recent inspiration.
Hi again,
Can you believe I’m emailing TWICE in one month!? August abundance! It has been a truly tornado-ish month for me: I’ve had lots of weird mental health days, done LOTS of evening running to try to fix it, and an incredible amount of energy maintenance to keep myself optimistic and excited to make things. The good news here is that despite feeling like I’ve been sloshed around inside a snow globe that’s being juggled by Scrappy Doo (do you like this image?), I still want to make things BADLY, and I’m still hopeful that there are good things OTW. Not to be too serious or solemn or ~real~ or anything (omg why am I apologizing on MY newsletter!!)- just want to share in the spirit of transparency that it’s been a weird one for me, in case it may have been similar for you. I’m right there with ya.
I have a new project to announce for folks in Los Angeles that I’m so happy to share today- stick around after the announcement for a little bit of news and some of my recent inspirations :) Thank you for being here and for making this such a nice space on the internet! Wheeeee
Los Angeles Portrait Sessions
OK! So let me start this by giving you the deets- I’m offering portrait sessions in my studio on September 3rd, 2022. That’s less than 2 weeks from now! It’ll work like this…
You email McKenzie (my amazing manager) to book your session, settle on a time slot, and select a backdrop from my stash. Then, pull up to the studio in a cute outfit that you feel good in. My favorite LA stylist, Ivory Woods (she styled these shoots with me that you may have seen), will be present with a rack of fun accessories for you to play dress up with, on top of the outfit you came in. Think: jewelry, headpieces, boas, gloves, and maybe a fun jacket or two. I’ll take your picture, then a few days later I will send you the pictures from our session, and you’ll decide which ones you want me to edit. Then, I’ll send you the final pictures, which you’re welcome to use as kickass social media content, a headshot, or just to have as an immortalization of you looking stunning. :)
Note: these images are not meant for use as album covers or press images. I’m keeping these prices as low as I possibly can, and that means not including usage rights (which is often the expensive part). I’m SO SO SO happy to be able to offer a more accessibly priced, bite sized version of my work that is still super colorful, textural, and fun. Ramisha, who graciously modeled in my test session, said that it “felt like a sleepover”, which is the greatest compliment. So when you book a session, expect sleepover vibes!!!! I am literally SO excited to meet and photograph you guys. I’m hoping it’ll fill up fast, so please hop to it if you’re interested.
These are the portraits from my test session- expect this level of colorful, silly, FUN. And come ready to be photographed as your most fabulous stunning self. LFG!!!
Email managed.mckenzie@gmail.com to book and with any questions :)
Updates
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I bravely made another Tiktok with some BTS footage of me building the paper theater from my series, Dream Theater, that I shared here earlier this month. I don’t know how long I’ll be making these realistically, but they do seem aligned with what I like to share in terms of process/behind the scenes. It feels good to demystify the physical part of art making a little bit (ideas will always be mystical IMO). I feel a little bit like a chump making Tiktoks- so much of what I see on the app doesn’t resonate with me because so many of the trends and audios feel…not so aligned with my work. But I’m curious to see if there’s a way that I can use the medium to fit my work rather than changing my work to fit the medium. I’m really truly OVER reading notes app essays about why social media sucks and I’m ready to pivot and figure out creative solutions to keep using it successfully. I was able to start my career at a very early age because of the internet and social media, and I don’t take it for granted that SO many artists I love today are able to have thriving careers in the arts when perhaps 20, 50, 100 years ago, sans internet, that wouldn’t have been the case. I’m not speaking eloquently enough right now, but I’m just saying- I’m trying to reframe the way I look at all of this online change to gratitude for the community and career I’ve made over the past 10 or so years on Instagram. I love it and I want it to continue as long as possible!!!
A few things I’m obsessed with RN that start with the letter L.
I didn’t plan on that criteria it literally just happened that way so I’m rolling with it OK!?
A League of Their Own on Prime: I watched the first two episodes last night and loved them SO much- it feels warm and sweet and familiar (especially as someone who loves the film and also Abbi Jacobsen). I’m so excited to watch the rest! It’s REALLY REALLY GAY.
Looking for Lesbians (gallery show) at ONE Gallery in Los Angeles: My friend Kim and I went and saw this show in West Hollywood over the weekend and we both loved it! The show explores artist Sarah-Joy Ford’s time spent in USC’s lesbian pulp fiction collection. It’s presented in a hyper-femme, pink, sparkly, textural world (replete with a handmade quilt with embroidery inspired by the pulp fiction covers!!!! SO GOOD, inject it into my veins, etc). Kim and I were talking about how much we both love queer feminist academia/archival material, and how special and inspiring like, old zines and buttons are. SO specific but it’s my truth. Go see it, it’s free and up till September 10th.
Liam Moore (set designer): I’ve been obsessed with Liam’s production design/art direction for so long, and I’m re-obsessed after getting to assist him on a set last week and ask him a million questions about his work. If you care about great music videos at all, you’ve definitely seen one of his many incredible projects. The great joy of living in LA right now is getting to meet so many lovely TALENTED people who make amazing work. And getting to be an extra set of hands for them! It’s great, I love making stuff, etc.
Ok, that’s all for now. I can’t wait to see some of you at the portrait sessions!!!! Please let me know, as per usual, if there’s anything new/helpful you’d like to see from me on this newsletter. or just reply and say hi. talk soon!