Aphrodite in the Peninsula Park Rose Garden

I am so excited to share these photos of a collaboration I did with local talents! We shot at the Peninsula Park Rose Garden in Portland, OR. Our original concept was going to be the ancient dark deity figure Lilith, but once I showed up to the shoot the photographer and artist immediately told me I was channeling the goddess Aphrodite, and we changed the concept on the spot!

Photographer – Kara Cooper Photo

Artist & Props – Chelsea Leigh Art

Hair & Makeup – Buried Arts

Headpieces – Eudorea Design & Decor

Dress: Free People

It was really fun to channel such an iconic goddess, and the location certainly fit the mood. This rose garden is one of the lesser known gardens in the Rose City, but I think I like it better than the International Test Rose Garden. This park reminded me of the garden of Eden. The hedges were trimmed perfectly, the trees were shaped perfectly round, and the delightful colors of the roses added to the ethereal atmosphere. I wore a long sand-colored dress from Free People that fit the goddess look perfectly. They have so many flowing maxi dresses that are so perfect for everyday style as well as photo shoots.

One of my favorite themes of the photos was the mirror shots. The reflections looked so cool, and Kara was constantly coming up with unique angles to create a wonderland out of a pretty busy park. I love the photos through the cement wall that looks like she’s peaking through a keyhole. I also love the photos with the crystals and crystal ball. They just add such a fantastical aspect to the photography, along with Kara’s kaleidoscope tool that added a hint of glimmer and rainbow to the photos.

Chelsea, the artist, plans to draw this shoot and I am so excited to see that outcome too! It was such a fun day for all of us. We ended the shoot telling each other more about ourselves while sipping on some yummy kombucha. It’s awesome that total strangers can all get together to execute something so lovely. I am looking forward to working with more local talent, there are so many amazing photographers here in Portland, Oregon!