All over the world we celebrate different holidays and in different ways. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The kids are excited (and maybe just a wee bit more behaved), the music is traditional and we know all the words, lights twinkle around towns and homes, and the smells of cloves, cinnamon, wood smoke and pine permeate everything. Let’s not forget my slight (okay, not so slight) addiction to Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks.

I also appreciate the history of the season, from the beautiful story of the nativity, to the rich stories of Santa Claus and even the study of the pagan roots of traditions such as the Yule log and tree. Yule in its most basic form is the celebration of light based on the shortest day of the year. Celebrated around Dec. 21^st it has to do with the axis/tilt of the earth and all that scientific stuff but is referred to as the Winter Solstice.  The Winter Solstice has a rich history in many cultures dating back as far as a millennia in the Norse culture. Many of the traditions are carried through to modern culture and various religious practices: mistletoe, decorated trees, candles in the windows, etc.

  The Vision:  

When I was asked to do a more traditional and earthy Christmas shoot by my good friend Amy, I was immediately envisioning something golden and filled with light and natural elements more in tune with traditional Celtic Yule celebrations. I chose the colors green and gold to represent earth and light and designed a costume with traditional elements: long flowing skirt, high neck, cape and gloves. Amy and I gathered natural elements and snowflake ornaments in appropriate colors for her to design a wreathed headpiece. I lucked out in passing fields of dying soy beans that were beautifully golden and my inspiration was complete. I could see the image in my head. After contacting the owner of the property and getting permissions in order to shoot there, we were all set. The day was perfect, heavily overcast, windy, and amazing for my vision.

To Achieve this Look:

We used greens and browns on the eye, lace detailing to draw attention to the eyes and overlaid heavy gold pigment over eyes, brows and cheeks. I applied a golden brown for a neutral lip and a little bronzer to enhance the shadows of the cheekbones and a sparse fake lash. Most Images were 50mm at f1/8- 320- 1/4000. No reflector. I did break out the 19-35 wide but I liked the 50mm images better. If you have any questions about this concept please do not hesitate to contact me. Happy creating this holiday season!

~Krista