Last weekend, I took an hour-long drive into NJ to participate in a very unusual shoot. Several photographers had built a bunch of sets in Primal Stare Studios and invited models, stylists and makeup artists to make some magic together. My friend – and wonderful photographer – Debbi, who had come back to visit from L.A., invited me to be a part of the event. I was beyond psyched!
As I was driving there, I keep thinking, please no egos, please let there be no egos… You know, I can be quite the diva in real life – I like to be pampered, demand undivided attention, & always get what I want. But when it comes to shooting/recording, all that stuff gets put aside. Working with a talented photographer is like eating dessert – a real treat you’ll want to savor. When the camera/tape starts rolling, I find myself in my element and just try to enjoy the moment while it lasts…
Anyway, I was pleased to find absolutely no egos there. None! Everyone was incredibly sweet, friendly, accommodating. One of the models even helped me button my corset and put my shoes on – I couldn’t bend down – and I was just so touched. All the amazing pictures I got out of the deal feel like just the icing on the… pumpkin pie. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed shooting them. :)
(All images by Debbi Rotkowitz, unless otherwise noted.)
The Pilgrim
I had 2 outfit changes: the ‘pilgrim’ (or whatever) look and the Mad Ballerina look. Hair and makeup were pretty much the same, except I fluffed out the ‘doefro’, did some blush and changed the lipstick for the second one. Both outfits I put together myself. I even destroyed one of Mark’s belts to make an outfit happen – poked a couple extra holes in it – now, that’s dedication! ;)
by Sarah of Sasphotos
The Mad Ballerina
By Sarah of Sasphotos
Huge thank you to photographers Debbi Rotkowitz & Sasphotos! I loved shooting with you guys and would do it again in a heartbeat! And a shout-out to all the models I met that day – girls, you were a pure inspiration to watch, so beautiful & nice & professional! XOXOX
Special thanks to the guys at Primal Stare Studios.
Deerlings: by the way, if you are on Stumbleupon/Technorati, don’t be shy – share this with others! See the tiny buttons on the bottom of this post? Use them. ;)
You look absolutely amazing, as always :)
I love the corset!
I adore your makeup here. Guh. <3
And I gave you a thumbs up on my Stumble yesterday, actually. :D And your makeup site as well.
i love halloween! these came out great. the closeup is really vibrant.
speaking of pumpkins i painted TNBC on my sisters pregnant belly for a local radio contest. it’s a huge difference painting on a belly instead of a pumpkin haha. i wondered if you wouldn’t mind voting for her. she will win some awesome prizes that will definitely help her out.
Click here to scroll down and vote for Kathy Healy
Awesome shoot, I love both of the outfits.. every bit of them. You look gorgeous as usual my deere! And how awesome are that trunk and that chair? Very. <3
Love the pictures! Especially the one with you on the trunk! I think the disney one is my favorite though =]
the only thing I didn’t like was how washed out the first picture came out, like the light on the stockings and your skin, but it might just be the settings on my computer.
glad you had a great time! it looks like tons of fun!
Absolutely lovely, though I wouldn’t expect anything else.
I love love LOVE the last Mad Ballerina pic.
How on EARTH do you stumble upon these things?
(forgive me if this is somehow ignorant, haha)
I am kind of in love with the doefro, can you please tell us how you got to fro it up?
your nail color is so pretty….in both shoots…
Just….WOW! Beautiful photos and wardrobe and makeup and just everything XD
I have to say, having a good crew on site and happy people makes it a lot more fun for everyone. I am lucky that I have such awesome photographers and makeup artists down here.
your hair always looks incredible xxxx
these are so fun!
How do you get that lovely doefro? It reminds me of the chick from Dazed and Confused.
I. LOVE. DOEFRO.
I LOVE THIS!!! you look fierce.
My personal favorite is the one that shows off those gorgeous eyes of yours!
What wonderful makeup. :)
You’ve done us all proud, Xenia!
Wow I love the corset you’re wearing! Simply divine =]And the bloomer like shorts <3!! Honestly you must know who Emilie Autumn is, lol. Anyway, beautiful shots =]
You look fabulous, and it looks like it was a really fun shoot!
where are those gorgeous purple shoes from !?!?
The close-up of the Mad Ballerina as absolutely gorgeous.
All inquiries regarding the doefro – tutorial on its way! ;))
♣ Zoe
Stumbleupon.com, Technorati.com, etc. are recommendation-based sites. Very useful if you want to read what matters on the web!
♣ Hannah
Yes, of course I know and love Emilie Autumn! I heard she knows and loves me too, but we’ve never met. :)
♣ Bomi P
Nine West.
Wow I love that jacket you’re wearing in the first shoot! What brand of nail polish do you use? It’s very pretty and bright!
Fantastic! I love love love the first Mad ballerina one!!
“I keep thinking, please no egos, please let there be no egos…”
When I read this, I was only halfway paying attention because there was something stuck in my eye and tears were streaming out of it. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What is her problem with waffles?”
Must Say you Look Dazzling And I love The Makeup Very Swish indeed :)
You Just look porcelain Perfect as always :)
DAZZLING!