Sewing VS Photography
Photography has always been my go-to hobby, but it isn’t the only way I like to create.
In my free time, I have a love/hate relationship designing and making unique clothing. It gives me a completely different kind of outlet - one where I can play with fabric, texture, sparkle, movement and sometimes ideas that are a little (or a lot) unexpected.
Most of the pieces I create are completely one of a kind. I rarely begin with the intention of turning something into a collection or reproducing it over and over again. Usually, I have an idea, find a fabric that inspires me and simply see where it goes.
Every once in a while, someone will fall in love with a particular piece and ask if I can make another. On those rare occasions, I may create an additional version for sale, but for the most part I enjoy keeping these designs individual and unique.
There is something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea that exists only in your head and eventually seeing it become something you can actually wear.
But I think my favorite part still comes afterward.
Once a piece is finished, I love seeing what happens when someone puts it on and steps in front of my lens.
That doesn't necessarily mean an overly planned or perfectly choreographed fashion shoot.
That really isn't how I prefer to photograph.
I’ve never been someone who wants every movement, expression and pose mapped out beforehand. I would much rather give someone room to move, settle into themselves and allow the session to develop naturally.
Mind you, there might be a little direction here and there - especially when an outfit deserves to be shown off - but, I’m always watching for the moments in between.
Unexpected expressions.
Movement of fabric.
The way a person naturally carries themselves once they stop thinking quite so much about the camera. Those are usually the photographs I, and my clients, love the most.
For me, photography is less about forcing everything into a preconceived idea and more about recognizing something beautiful when it happens.
But over time, I’ve realized that while I absolutely love making these pieces and seeing the final result, creating clothing can consume an enormous amount of time.
And lately, I’ve been wanting more of that time back. As you'll notice, the last blog before this was almost an entire year ago. Where has the time gone? While I did sneak in a few new passport stamps, a large amount of my time disappeared into things that didn't bring me joy.
I still want to make things.
There will probably always be oodles fabric tucked away somewhere waiting for inspiration to strike, and I’m sure there will be more one-of-a-kind pieces appearing in front of my camera from time to time.
However, I don't want clothing design to become the thing that takes over my creative life.
When I think about where I really want to spend my time, I keep coming back to photography.
I want more time behind the lens.
More real expressions. More personalities. More movement. More laughter. More moments that couldn't have been completely planned even if we tried.
Creating clothes has been another wonderful way for me to explore my creativity.
But photography is the place I keep wanting to return to.
That said, please enjoy these wonderful people wearing some of my creations :
