Behind the Session - Carmen’s Initiation

Photo

Feb 6

Carmen and I initially connected a few years ago through a shared love of dance and movement. I knew instantly that we were kindred hearts and that she was also a deeply creative, artistic soul.

As an adoptee, Carmen's journey to uncovering her birth parents and heritage led to discovering her Indigenous roots, a life-altering revelation. Last Fall, we decided to get together for a creative playdate inspired by her reconnection to her Indigeneity, and to this day, it remains one of my most proud co-creations.

Nature and the natural elements played such an integral part in this session and, you can see and feel how Carmen embodied the deep ancestral connection she has to her lineage and the land.

Then, because it only felt right, we started with dance. I pulled out my speakers, turned on some music, and Carmen started to move. A few songs were enough to get us both warmed up, and we could feel the creative energy starting to flow.

We took our time to slowly make our way back, stopping to shoot in every place that called to us. At every little nature nook we chose, I was blown away by how much I could feel Carmen’s connection and emotion. The tangible energy coming through her that day is so evident in the photos - I get chills every time I look at this gallery. Only later did we both realize that we created these images together during National Native American Heritage Month. A divine, unintentional alignment that makes the entire day feel that much more special.

I will forever be grateful to Carmen for helping to show me what is possible in co-creation. What a phenomenal honor to witness and hold space for this connection, this representation, and this creation.

What a phenomenal honor to witness and hold space for this connection, this representation, and this creation.