Photoshoot + Interview: 'Crescent City Dreaming' by Victoria Zeoli
“It is the world in my imagination, where flowers are life sized and you can hold the moon in your hands.”
We’re entranced by Victoria Zeoli’s entire back catalogue – a Cry Baby tribute, her groundbreaking work with groundbreaking model Melanie Gaydos, her witchy women and nymphs in water. Victoria strives to use a diverse range of models through her works, which examine femininity and softness, a visual representation of her dreams and fantasies.
Model Lauren Hall is queenly in this photo set, shot in a still-dilapidated New Orleans. All is soft, dusky and pink – a foreign land only somewhat familiar to our own, the anachronistic styling hinting at a different past.
Q: When did you first become to define yourself as a photographer?
A: Probably when I was 18, I started working with fashion models and at that point I felt like I was really going to be a photographer.
Q: How does a shoot first come together for you? Model, location, story?
A: It could be all or any of these things! Sometimes I see a model who inspires a story, sometimes I envision a story and have to find the perfect model and location, sometimes a location will give me an idea. Ideas come out of all outlets for me.
Q: Can you tell us more about the alternate universe your photos exist in?
A: It is the world in my imagination, where flowers are life sized and you can hold the moon in your hands. It is dreamy, light, and mystical.
Q: What inspiration do you take from New Orleans as a photographer?
A: The colors and vibes there greatly influenced me. A lot of New Orleans was still dilapidated while I was there and the modern ruins were a major inspiration.
Q: What media influences your work? Books, film, art?
A: I take a lot of inspiration from films such as The Virgin Suicides, and other dreamy pastel films and also often from Renaissance art work as well.
Q: What are you working on next?
A: I am working on a series about the moon and the feminine connection.
Victoria is definitely one to watch – browse her official site, and follow her on Instagram at @victoriazeoli.
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Full credits: Photography / Styling: Victoria Zeoli | Makeup: LM Artistry | Model: Lauren Hall
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Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.