It Begins: The Little Mermaid
Once Upon a Time ....
That is how all fairy tales begin. And my own real-life fairy tale is no different --
"The Little Mermaid" is in full swing. Gowns are being sewn, watery realm costumes are arranged, camera settings are pondered over, and shot lists have been made. The first of seven sessions is slated to take place tomorrow afternoon. It will involve a pool and several mer-people, a water-housing for my Nikon FX, and a cooler full of bottled waters for those on-set. I'm fairly certain I've planned for everything -- and also fairly certain I've forgotten at least twelve necessary things.
Of course, I am beyond excited to be photographing something so near and dear to me, a lifelong dream in the making -- but more than that, the community of people who are volunteering to come together to do this Monumental Thing, regular folks turned models, mothers bringing their little mer-children to sessions, dads posing as sailors and castle folk, and fellow artists and photographers, actors and make-up artists .....
Sometimes, in the midst of nitty-gritty, hardcore planning and swelling rushes of excitement -- sewing gowns and sending e-mails, text-answering questions about hair and make-up, thrifting for fabrics, props, and accessories .... I just stop in the middle of it all and breathe it in and think what a BLESSING this is to my heart of hearts, the thing that pumps hot life into my soul --
And also what a blessing it WILL BE to other artists when The Fine Art of Becoming hits its full stride, ushering the way for other artists to create in mad and wonderful ways, unleashing a fullness of freedom for creatives who are currently struggling or standing in the shadows, creatives who question their validity and purpose.
The way I did for so many years.
I am overwhelmed by the unfolding of it all.
My heart nearly explodes for the hope I feel for them. They don't now it yet, but they are going to experience an awakening. They are going to Become.
And it all begins, in earnest, tomorrow afternoon, at a neighborhood swimming pool, with a few humble hearts and a wish embedded deeply inside of visionary souls.
And they lived happily ever after? Not yet .... and yet, indeed. Because this is living, this madness, this community, this shared passion and purpose. It's glorious. And with each new development, each challenge and inching toward success, I am reminded of why we're pulling together to do this. And that is indeed happiness.
Up Next: The Sessions.
