Little Sahara
A Bridal Fashion story, captured in the deserts of Utah, drawing on ideas of resilience and female co-operation.
Located in the western United States, Utah is known for it’s otherworldly geographically locations. To create this editorial story we started at the sand dunes of “Little Sahara”. Stylist Stay Co worked with the contrast of the white sand and bold black pieces by Emily Riggs, including her silk and fringe detailed pieces which gave a nod to Americana. Organic, dried texture florals were added in from Tinge Floral and hints of metal touches were added by Naturae Design.
I played with bold lines, structure and movement and model Nattalie Dawn kicked up dusty particles of sand under a blistering sun..
We then traveled 170 miles to Southern Utah, a location known for its striking and wild terrain, landscapes made out of Kayenta and Navajo Sandstone. Wind and Rain have sculpted the soft sandstone for millions of years creating arches, bluffs and canyons. At this location we didn’t want to take away from Mother Nature’s colours and creations so we stuck with a monochromatic palette, working with the idea of our model and the landscape fusing and becoming one.
I wanted to work in these challenging environments and with these artists, to push myself creatively whilst on a life-changing and healing solo road trip around America following personal challenges in my life. I am forever thankful for the four women who spent this day with me, not known to each other before, we bonded as we clocked up the miles in the car, chatting endlessly; the magnificent scenery encouraging us to open up and discuss the big things, the small things and everything in between. That day was a perfect synthesis of creatively and communication, helping me to not only endure but to grow through a really difficult time. I hope these photographs capture the feelings I wanted to convey of resilience, female strength and the beauty in the natural world.
PHOTOGRAPHER TAYLOR & PORTER | STYLIST & ART DIRECTOR STAY CO | MAKEUP SAMANTHA J | MODEL NATTALIE DAWN | FLORIST TINGE FLORAL | DRESS DESIGNER EMILY RIGGS | EARRINGS NATURAE DESIGN