Here is one out of the bag…well sort of. One of my Hair and Makeup miracle artists, Ally has been getting in front of the camera of late. She has a passion and love for all things Cosplay, Anime and Japanese. She recently asked me if I could create some magic for her with some items she bought back from a recent trip to Japan. A little brainstorming and Pinterest researching we came up with the fabulous idea for a Kitsune/ Geisha /Kabuki-inspired shoot.
The Concept
I spent some time online researching mainly Kitsune (Japanese Fox Spirit), but we also took some other avenues as well. Ally had spent hours styling and creating and practising the makeup for this shoot. We predominantly wanted a very cosplay/ anime style symbolising the Kitsune, I guess this is a case of failing upward? Shot in high-key (mostly blown out whites) on a white background, the whole Geisha look was too beautiful not to give its own page.
It has also been described as a Kabuki Witch, and I guess that is true too, possibly even more than a Geisha, due to the makeup. I still feel that the whole ‘vibe’ is very geisha girl. I have more images, which I will create another post, as it has a very different feel to it.
How does it make you feel? What sense of story or purpose to you see? Is it beautiful or creepy?
~ Julz
Julie Powell - Photographer & Graphic Artist 
I’m easily creeped out, but like these shots. You can see the care that’s gone into making the series from everyone involved. I like the effect of pushing the white, photographically; the eye makeup; the way the nose seems to vanish in some shots, which is slightly doll-like or fluffy animal-like, I’m not sure I could put a name to it. I love the effect of the bottom left corner of the flowery robe in the bottom left picture – the flowers seem partly on the robe and partly floating in the background. My favourite is the last one with the parasol and petals.
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Thank you Susan, yes it could just as easily have been a little creepy, but the images turned out almost fashion like, soft and beautiful. I am so glad our dedication to this shoot is evident. It is so nice when people notice the little details we take such pains to include.
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I don’t get creepy at all. Although the makeup I guess could go that way if it was dark rather than bright. I love this whole palette and style. Beautiful.
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Thanks Desley, yes I guess a darker palette would have changed the whole look. Is it interesting how just changing one small detail can completely change the look and theme of an image, I guess that is why Still Life fascinates me in a way, you can play with simple subject for ages and keep the look different by changing small things.
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“Is it beautiful of is it creepy?” Yes…to both. I also find geishas a bit of both. It seems suitable to have a geisha feel to a Japanese fox spirit.
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😁 thanks Kate. I suppose when you think about what they stand for, geishas are kind of creepy in a way
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