A few months ago, I had the extraordinary honor of collaborating on a photo session that was nothing short of magical. It was a vibrant and fantastical shoot featuring my dear friend Carissa and her friend Celinna, two incredibly talented creators who brought to life the beloved characters Fearne Calloway and Orym from Critical Role latest campaign. This session wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the imaginative worlds we all dream of stepping into.
The Story Behind the Magic
Carissa (owner of The Stardust Stylist), a true wizard of cosplay and a master of hair and makeup art- inspired in Critical Role (a playshow born from Dungeons & Dragons), crafted her portrayal of Fearne Calloway entirely from scratch. In just three weeks, she sewed, sculpted, and styled her way to embodying Fearne, the mischievous yet charming faun druid whose fiery personality and penchant for chaos have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From her intricately detailed outfit (I mean, she had goat legs! hooves and all!), to her captivating makeup, every element of Fearne’s essence was brought to life with impeccable care.
Meanwhile, Celinna stepped into the role of Orym, the steadfast and practical Air Ashari fighter who serves as a grounding force to Fearne’s whirlwind energy. Celinna’s dedication to her costume, props and makeup was equally inspiring, making Orym’s thoughtful and heroic nature shine through in every frame.
The World of Critical Role
Critical Role has grown far beyond its roots as a tabletop game played by a group of “nerdy-ass voice actors.” It has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, complete with a dedicated fandom, an animated series on Amazon Prime (The Legend of Vox Machina), and gaming conventions like Gen-Con Indy that bring fans together from all over the world, including Carissa and Celinna, which is where they met. For Carissa and Celinna, embodying these characters was more than just cosplay; it was a way to connect deeply with a story that has touched millions and to share that connection through art.
Quoting Carissa here:
"Critical Role has become larger than life. Gaming conventions like Gen-Con Indy bring fans together from all over the United States, including Celinna and myself. When Celinna made the trip to Colorado for a personal trip, I knew we should create magic together and knew just the vivacious photographer to ask to collaborate."
The Experience of Creative Portraits
Yes! that was me! the vivacious photographer :D
One of my specializations in photography is what I call "Creative Portraits"—sessions that go beyond capturing a person’s likeness to tell a story, evoke emotion, and showcase the unique essence of each individual through their vision, and my eye.
What makes these sessions so special is the collaborative energy. From the moment Carissa approached me with the idea, I knew we were about to embark on something extraordinary. We worked together to craft a session that felt as vibrant and dynamic as the characters themselves. Whether it was capturing Fearne creepily watching Orym while he was sleeping, or Orym’s quiet determination, every shot told a piece of their story.
Why Creative Portraits?
Creative Portraits are more than just photos; they’re an experience. They’re a chance to step into a world of imagination, to become a character you love or to create a persona entirely your own. These sessions are designed to be fun, immersive, and deeply personal. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, a cosplayer, or simply someone looking to explore a new side of yourself (or reinvent one that you already know), I’m here to help you bring your vision to life.
Let’s Co-Create Magic
Are you ready to step into the spotlight and co-create a portrait session as unique as you are? Whether you’re inspired by the worlds of Dungeons and Dragons, your favorite fandom, or your own imagination, I’m here to help make it happen. Together, we’ll craft a session that captures your story, celebrates your creativity, and leaves you with images that feel like pure magic.
Reach out today to start planning your own Creative Portrait session. Let’s co-create something fantastic!!
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