The Oak Forest Lifestyle Project: A Behind-the-Scenes Journey of Creativity and Collaboration
When it comes to curating lifestyle photoshoots, every project holds its own unique set of challenges, inspirations, and triumphs. For me, The Oak Forest Lifestyle project was no exception, and revisiting it after two years has given me an opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the creative magic that unfolded throughout the day.
The Concept: A Fresh Take on an Old Favorite
This project wasn’t my first time tackling a lifestyle shoot like this—The Oak Forest was actually the second installment of a concept that I had first explored back in 2018. The idea had been lingering in the back of my mind for a while, and with a few years of growth in my work, I decided it was time for a fresh take. I always find Pinterest to be an endless well of inspiration when planning a shoot, and for this project, it was no different. From color palettes to compositions, Pinterest helped me refine the vision I had in mind: a cozy, welcoming atmosphere set against the backdrop of an inviting Airbnb home.
Location: The Perfect Space for a Lifestyle Shoot
Speaking of Airbnb, it turned out to be the perfect setting for this project. As an artist, having a space that feels lived-in but still polished is crucial for lifestyle photoshoots. The Airbnb homes I’ve worked with always provide that perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic, and this time was no different. The spaces we chose were designed to feel like places you could imagine spending a weekend in—a warm, stylish home that made the perfect stage for capturing intimate, candid moments.
The Models: A Dance of Uncertainty and Flexibility
The models for this shoot were a little bit of a logistical puzzle. Originally, I had planned to shoot with just one model, Aliana, who had already been a part of my vision for this project. But as with any photoshoot, life has a way of throwing curveballs. Aliana had another shoot scheduled on the same day, and the timing was uncertain. So, I reached out to Victoria, who was next on my list. Unfortunately, she wasn’t sure if she had a ride, and things were starting to look a bit rocky.
That’s when I decided to pull in a backup—Mire, a talented model I knew well. Mire was more than happy to step in and was already a part of my team. By this point, I was feeling a bit like a problem-solver, juggling uncertainties, but I was determined to make it all come together. A week before the shoot, I had a conversation with my wife to see if she would be willing to help out by picking up Victoria and the makeup artist. That solved one problem, but another remained: I needed a second photographer to help make sure the shoot flowed smoothly.
Enter Charles Young—a talented photographer and long-time collaborator. I reached out to him, and despite some initial hiccups, he was on board and ready to assist.
The Wardrobe: A Lesson in Budgeting and Creativity
Budgeting for this shoot was tight—real tight. With only $150 to work with for the entire project, I had to get creative with how I allocated my funds. After setting aside $70 for gas and food, I was left with a mere $80 to outfit two models. Shopping for wardrobe on such a limited budget meant I had to be resourceful. My go-to shopping destinations? Amazon and eBay. While Amazon’s delivery window was reliably fast, eBay’s unpredictable shipping times made it a risky bet for this tight schedule. I stuck with Amazon, crossing my fingers that the pieces I ordered would arrive on time.
The key to pulling this off was making sure the wardrobe fit the shoot's aesthetic without breaking the bank. I went for timeless, neutral pieces that could work across multiple wardrobe changes—styles that felt effortless and natural, in line with the "lifestyle" vibe of the shoot.
Shoot Day: A Symphony of Coordination
The day of the shoot arrived, and as expected, things didn’t go according to plan—but that’s all part of the fun in photography. Charles was having trouble finding a ride to the location, and Mire was in a similar situation. Fortunately, my wife came to the rescue, picking up Victoria and the makeup artist, while I went to retrieve Mire from the city.
We arrived at the Airbnb around 9 a.m., just in time for makeup. With the crew now assembled, I began setting up my gear and prepping for the day’s shoot. By 10 a.m., we were officially underway. Despite the hectic start, the energy between the two models was infectious, and the shoot began to flow seamlessly. We paused for lunch around noon, with my wife picking up Jimmy John’s sandwiches for everyone.
At around 1 p.m., Charles was able to make it to the shoot, and with his help, we picked up the pace. It was invaluable having a second photographer—Charles’s eye for detail helped me move faster and capture even more great shots.
But just as we were hitting our stride, I got a call from Aliana—she was able to make it after all! She would be arriving around 3:30 p.m., so I decided to wait for her before continuing the shoot. The extra time gave me a chance to reassess the shot list and tweak some ideas, but I was eager to get back into it.
Once Aliana arrived, we dove back in, and the pace picked up. With three wardrobe changes and a clear sense of collaboration, we kept the energy high until 6 p.m. when we wrapped up. Fun fact: the shoot came to an end not because we were finished with our ideas, but because my memory cards were nearly full, and all my camera batteries had died. Talk about shooting until the last possible moment!
Reflecting on the Shoot: The Post-Production Magic
Two years have passed since The Oak Forest Lifestyle shoot, and I’ve been itching to sit down with a cup of coffee to go through the images. Editing these shots has been an incredibly rewarding process, one that allows me to reflect on how far I’ve come as a photographer. The goal was to produce some of my best work, and looking back at the final images, I’m proud of the results. There’s something about revisiting a project after some time that brings a fresh perspective.
In the end, despite all the logistical challenges, The Oak Forest shoot came together beautifully. It was a reminder that, in the world of photography, creativity, flexibility, and a great team can turn a chaotic day into something magical.
