Hi, I'm Kristen and I just wanted to tell you about my recent shoot with Grinkie Photography.
Let's start at the beginning. September 9th 2018 Mississippi mayhem car show. I was unable to get into the pin up show and was honestly quite bummed, until I saw this Grinkie place offering mini sessions. Needless to say the shoot was delightful. I borrowed a dress from her large assortment and Christi took over.
Before this 1st encounter I didn't know much about her work. So like an expert level stalker I scrolled her Web page, girl crushing on all her photos.
A longtime passion of mine has been performing. As a classically trained ballet dancer I lived for putting on a good show. I thrived under the bright hot lights of the stage. But at last, life happens. Having a real job, getting older, and looking and feeling less like a dancer was disheartening. 30 years of judging yourself surrounded by 3 walls of mirrors in a leotard and tights never goes away. Soooo I began belly dancing, but without all the judgement (as much, from myself) This allowed for a different perspective on dance and body image, fueling my passion for the arts once again.
Fast forward to the dreaded 2020….no one needs a recap on how that year played out. Without dance or a creative outlet I found myself sitting at home honing my video game skills. Yeah, I know, nerd!!! (Not ashamed) Who can say they've logged more hours on the playstation than on pertinent life skills? Ha! (No, I'm serious)
2020 was definitely the year of the hermit, and too much inner reflection with an overall feeling of disappointment. Christi's model call couldn't have come at a better time. We booked the session, and like a typical over thinker was anticipating the shoot, but on mostly what to expect.
Christi greeted me like an old friend and Lela's(mua)openness warmed the room. I unpacked my bag to show what I brought, plus the item I just bought on sale, yay, then got to work. Lela started on makeup, by asking about my style. I was happy she took into consideration my "usual" look so as not to make me appear unlike myself. Next was hair and again was asked my opinion; I said sassy and she delivered!
I'm ready for my close up….
OK, I can't say enough good things about Christi. She was prepared and came with a vision and an expert guiding hand. I've modeled pin up before and know what to do with my face, body, etc but this was different. I secretly felt a little out of my element, but like an artist, Christi weaved a visual story of beauty and confidence captured with a push of a button (and her diligent editing).
