Peace and Pandemonium

But first, a couple of things...

I have very much been enjoying the idea of a concept photo shoot. I allows both me and my subject the ability to work outside of "who we are in rl.. (real life)". I find I have much more freedom in setting up and taking these kinds of pictures. I'm also discovering that it's the perfect way for me to express myself. My beliefs, my ideas, my feelings. It's always me, me, me isnt it? : )

This concept was originally going to be a trip back in time. We were going to have Rachel dress in the different styles of the 60's ad 70's...hippie, disco fever, mod, etc. We got about as far as hippie. : ) It worked though because it gave us a jumping off point and from there it became exactly what it was supposed to.

Oh yeah, and one more thing. Since our country recently celebrated it's Independence Day, I felt it would be fitting and appropriate for me to utilize my first amendment right to free speech and tell you all what I think.

My brother is in the military. He flies helicopters for the army and I couldn't be more proud of him. He loves what he does and even though his political views may differ from that of our pres, he is still honorably serving our country. He is going to be deployed this winter and even though we are all expecting and anticipating it, I have a pit in my stomach when I think of it. Why are we still there? For democracy? Yeah right! Let me just force freedom down your throat and see how you like it. To say I cant wait for a new president is a gross understatement.
While I was researching ideas for anti- war posters for this shoot I ran across a couple of excellent slogans. My favorite being:

"Thank you Mr. Bush, for 8 years of gore."

Yep, that about sums it up. In order to make my life a little easier though I decided to use these two posters because they were already made and expressed equally relevant ideas and feelings.







And now, without further adieu...Rachel






















In case any of you don't know, I feel I should explain the symbol on this ring. It is the Om symbol or Aum. Please follow the link if you want more information. In short, it represents the sound of the creation. It is used in meditation as a mantra. It reminds me to BE STILL.