Photoshoot + Interview: 'Last Days of Summer' by Whitney Smith
'Last Days of Summer' by Whitney Smith is a stunning photo shoot celebrating the soft transition between seasons.
The talented Whitney is a self-taught photographer based in Kansas City who specializes in conceptual portraiture, fine art nudes, boudoir, and fashion photography.
She explains: "My personal work explores the fascination I have for mysticism, fairytales, literature, nature, and of past eras... I live in a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that right now is a mix of flowers and falling leaves. I also had these amazing crowns so I came up with an idea to do a mini crown shoot to showcase them."
We've also got an exclusive interview with Whitney, so check out the full Q&A below!
Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?
A: I've always loved art! All kinds and have dabbled over the years in just about all of them, but as far as photography goes, I remember as kid being fascinated by the film cameras my mom had. I thought they were so cool! And we always had disposable cameras around. She still takes pictures of everything and has a thousand photo albums so I guess it was just bound to happen! It wasn't until about 8 years ago that I got into it like I am now where I just want to shoot all the time though.
Q: What inspires your creativity the most and why?
A: I'm inspired the most by literature, the paranormal, mythology, nature, past eras, fashion, and music. All of these are things I find fascinating and make me think. I can't help but create pictures in my head and then I want to make them come to life! I want people who look at my photos to see a story.
Q: Please tell us a little more about the experience you had planning and capturing this beautiful series?
A: I had some amazing crowns at my disposal and working with the model, Lizzy, is just a dream so it just came together so easy. I had mentioned a couple weeks prior to shooting about wanting to shoot the crowns then texted her my thoughts about the overall look. My neighborhood is this eclectic and vibrant place and is in this interesting transition at the moment where we have some flowers from summer still, but leaves are sprinkling the ground since it is now autumn.
The evening before a shoot, I like to get everything prepared that's needed, such as, camera equipment, props, etc. Lizzy brought some dresses she picked up from Forever 21 the morning of and we both did her makeup. I did her hair and then we went around my neighborhood. We have worked together now several times so it was very relaxed.
Q: What advice would you offer to emerging photographers?
A: Don't be afraid to experiment. Whether it's the way a photo is edited or if you want to try film instead of digital or if it is just a crazy idea for a photoshoot. Have fun!
Q: Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your photography career in the not-too-distant future; do you have any upcoming, exciting plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I have lots of ideas for shoots I'd love to do when time allows and look forward to working with more creatives. There is a shoot I'm hoping to do before all the leaves fall away and it becomes too cold. This place is too amazing and full of DRAMA! Over time, I'd love to be able to do photography full time.
We want to thank Whitney for taking the time to answer our questions and we encourage you to view more of her amazing work by visiting her Instagram (@wooinwonderland). Enjoy!
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Full credits: Photographer: Whitney Smith | Model: Lizzy Rodriguez | Bone & Quartz Crown: Whiskey + Bone | Metal Antler Crown: Tomas the Lapidary | Wardrobe: Forever 21