A Warrior-Inspired Portland Fashion Photo Shoot

Fashion photography means drawing inspiration from a lot of places, including some pretty unexpected ones. This “Modern Warrior” photoshoot got its first spark after I fell down a YouTube rabbit hole of ’80s music videos, which led to a forgotten favorite: The Warrior by Scandal (and frontwoman Patty Smyth). The bold makeup and messages of empowerment, breaking down walls, and love conquering all were the jumping off point for an awesome collaboration featuring amazing artists and creators all around Portland.

I began pulling the team together for the shoot, and they each brought their unique perspectives to the idea. The concept evolved, and our multitalented photo shoot stylist Katie Guinn summed it up wonderfully in her project statement. A passage from her words:

We presented pieces from all females since the concept is strongly feminist based. The female warrior empowers herself and others to surmount inequalities, fights back against those who want to break her down piece by piece. She is a pillar of strength, creative, self-motivated to be a righteous human, but not self-righteous, she is beautiful inside and out no matter her flaws, and she will never refuse the empowerment of other females, she will stand beside her fellow feminists and link by link will help to encircle the power that is the woman. And of course will do so in solid style.

Each person has a story that stands behind their design aesthetic and specific collections. This project coalesced many amazing stories.

Thank you for your stories.

Concept & Photography: Sarah Giffrow / Upswept Creative
Model: Kathleen Evans
Styling: Katie Guinn
Makeup: Marissa Freeman
Hair: Cassandra Carter of Oranj Studio

[ezcol_1half]Above and Below Left:
Top: Michelle Lesniak
Skirt: Rogue: Minx
Earrings & bracelet: Betsy & Iya
Necklace: Demimonde Studio
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[ezcol_1half_end]Below Right:
Blouse & Vest: Michelle Lesniak
Skirt: Katie Guinn
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