Elemental // Purity
This is the first image in my new portrait series exploring the symbolism of the natural elements; water, fire, earth and air. There are a lot of other elements existing in our world, but I'm choosing to focus on these four because of their strong correspondence to our internal states of emotion and their deep roots woven throughout our history as humans.
Water is an essential part of our existence. It can give life, or take it away, symbolizing both birth and death. In this series, I plan to explore the balancing characteristics of each element. In many cultures, water represents cleansing of impurities, or renewal.
I went into this shoot intent to capture the more destructive essence of water. But the stillness of the lake on this quiet morning, along with the way the light transformed its deep blue to a luminescent white gave the images a very different direction.
Model: Katie Courtney
Elemental // Clouded
The second installment of my elemental series for the Air element.
Fog is a thick cloud that confounds us and causes us to lose our sense of direction, in both a physical and mental sense. When our judgement is "clouded", or our mind in a "fog", sometimes it's best to wait until all the facts impacting our decision become visible and clear. The sun eventually burns away the fog, enabling us to see everything clearly. The same holds true, and serves as a metaphor, for the mental realm. Our mental sun eventually burns away our mental fog, allowing us to "see" everything clearly with an unclouded mind.
Model: Jasmine Bouziden // MUA: Cheriene Galley
Elemental // Vitality
Earth is the basis and foundation of all the elements. The Earth is the womb from which all things spring. You can feel the vitality of the Earth simply by pressing your hand against its fresh soil. Earth embodies the capacity to live, grow and endure, not only within ourselves, but the universe at large.
In both a physical and mental sense, vitality refers to the feeling of aliveness, which can bring purpose and meaning to our actions. Vitality is also one of the five key strengths commonly associated with happiness and wellbeing. It's my personal belief we should always strive to approach life with excitement and energy, with your whole heart.
The third installment of my Elemental series for the Earth element.
Model: Nicolle Blair, The Spritely One
Elemental // Clarity
We can't capture air, but we know it's with us. Wind moves things that block your path, mentally and physically, renewing the mind with a fresh perspective and heightened mental clarity. Air reminds us that there is much more to this world than we can see or touch.
Kristy and I woke up at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise over the Anza Borrego desert floor from Mt. Laguna. I originally thought this would be my fire concept, but the wind moved the skirt so beautifully it had to be air.
Model: Kristy Lauren
