August 24th 2019
Dryad, in Greek mythology, is a nymph or nature spirit who lives in trees and takes the form of a beautiful young woman. Dryads were originally the spirits of oak trees
The idea for this shoot came from the mighty tree that grew near the swimming hole. I was on my back floating one summer day in its shadow and wondered what kind of character would live in such a wonderful place. Someone who might be the tree’s caretaker, protector, and live in its midst. A group of women bound to this grand tree and the little lagoon. Most of my shoots are created this way!
Group shoots are the most difficult thing for me. Getting everyone in the right dresses, styling to fit together, posing many bodies- my brain works ten million times harder than with just one person. By the time I get on the shooting sight, I’m usually worn out already. So I think that is why I keep pushing them, to challenge my creative brain, and as hard as they are, groups are also a TON of fun. Getting together all my friends to meet each other, dress up, and play in the water all day? A dream. They fill me with a different kind of life and exhaustion.
In the shade of the tree whose age had long been forgotten.
A glimpse at a group of sisters,
dressed in gowns, wearing crowns of honeysuckle.
Models: Kelsey, Julia, Hannah, Eliza
Photography: Jessica LaRue McCann
A group of women embarking on a journey to a lagoon in the woods- flowing skirts, plenty of laughter and the soft sound of water.