SHOOT FOR CHANGE

There is no doubt that the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt home is one of my favorites places to shoot. The room has just the ideal lighting conditions and with the way that it's shaped, the light bounces perfectly. This couldn't be more evident than the photo above, as we were simply trying to figure out where KMG should stand. When I noticed that she looked down while I was testing some settings, I asked her to do it again. But as many shots as we tried, it was still that first one that worked.

As a photographer, I am always trying to get that perfect shot. It's a lot like fishing, I think. I don't fish, but it has to be the same feeling. And even though you think you might have caught the perfect shot, you know deep down that there's one even better. But for me, this photograph comes as close as I could come to getting the shot that matched what was in my head. And believe it or not, that doesn't happen as often as you think.

When I started this project, I knew that there would be so many variables. To have 30 different people agree to a schedule was a miracle in and of itself. But to have everything line up and for everyone to have the same vision in art and execution, is a testament to everyone involved.

I am so proud of what we have accomplished in such a short amount of time. I have never been more honored to work with such a great group of people. To everyone who participated in this project - the participants and the artists - I am grateful for your time, generosity, creativity, and passion. You are truly an inspiration.

(Photoshoot at the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home with Kate-Marie Grinold. Photo by Walter Grio. Hair by Neven Radovic. Makeup by Trayshia Rogers and Laura Bateman.)

Like the first day, our second day for the Project Inspiration photoshoot went very well. I am completely amazed by how these types of projects go without a hitch. And the one common theme when it comes to successful projects is that you have an amazing group of people who share their talents and time to make it all work. It is a humbling and amazing experience to work with such an A-List group of people.

The second day of shooting happened at L2 Lounge in Georgetown and I couldn't be more pleased that they would let us use their space. I'm extremely excited as well that the exhibit on November 16th will actually also take place there. There are a total of 17 individuals that are being photographed, styled, and made up. The fact that we haven't had any problems yet is nothing short of amazing. It's one thing to be able to plan a project, but to be successful, you need people to execute on the plan. The opportunity to work with people like Christophe Jouenne, Violetta Markelou, Tray Rogers, Brittney Tiarra, and Elaine Mensah is an incredible treat.

Additionally, I was happy when one of the participants bought the trench coat we used on her. It saved me a trip back to Banana Republic.

Trying to schedule twenty people to meet you on any day is already a daunting task, let alone when it's a Saturday and it involves stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, and directors of several nonprofit organizations.  So the fact that we were able to photograph seven individuals in a full blown old hollywood glamour photoshoot without a single problem or issue was a testament to everyone involved.

What made it even challenging is that The Kreeger Museum was quite full of visitors for a summer day.  I'm grateful for the museum staff for keeping the traffic clear and for letting us work without any interruption.  And as always, a successful photoshoot would not be possible without a talented team behind it.  Special thanks to the wonderful team of Laura Bateman, Tray Rogers, Anastasia Lambrou, Neven Radovic, Isabel Azocar, Kenyetta Kemy Greene, and Maritza Savage. So lucky to work with so many talented people!  And to the leaders of the 7 nonprofit organizations who came out today - you were fantastic.  Can't wait for Day 2!