divorce meets get-a-way car

MILESTONES

Nov 21

A longtime friend of mine, Kristen, was driving from Austin up to Kansas with her daughter to help her mom prepare for chemo. Which is a story that is becoming fare too common these days. On top of the chemo mom bomb, she tells me she’s also getting a divorce. and to be honest this felt like good news to me. She’s deserved better for far far too long.

The double good news came when she told me she wanted to turn the drive into something more meaningful.

Instead of just passing through Dallas, she wanted to stop and create a unique photoshoot with me!!!

She wanted something that spoke to the “fuck men, we can change a flat tire on our own!” kind of woman power. I created a mood board and Kristen incorporated a some of the fabulous scarves she bought for her mom for when her hair would fall out. She also rented a Vintage Car DFW— a classic Ford Fairlane 500 to give it that badass energy.

We started at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake right at sunset. The Dallas skyline was doing its thing in the background, but honestly the best part was watching Bell, the daughter, settle into it. She got really into the concept and started coming up with her own ideas, playing with movement, kind of taking the lead in her own way. And I just let it happen. It turned into less of me directing and more of us creating together, which is always where the magic is.

After the sun slipped below the horizon, we headed to Keller's Drive-In and ordered burgers, fries, and shakes. A location idea I’ve had in my back pocket for a while now and it was a perfect touch to this road trip feel. Being the sweet souther gal that Kristen is, she bought dinner for the car owner. After we wrapped, I started talking to the guy and telling him how similar the car was to my wedding day car. He asked me what my wedding date was and then he pulled up a photo of my husband and I on our wedding day. He said it was the car’s first wedding (now I realize maybe it’s first divorce too).

What I love most about this session is how it sits right in between editorial and documentary. It’s styled, yes, but it’s also completely real. Nothing forced. Just a mom and her daughter making art out of a trip they will never forget.