Alice, No Rabbit, No Hole (Photoshoot Project)
Alice, No Rabbit, No Hole
This shoot has been two months in the making, and yesterday it finally came to life. I wanted to share the process, the story, and the emotions behind it in a Q&A style, because sometimes the best way to tell the story is to let it unfold in conversation.
The Prep
Q: This project took two months to plan. What went into that preparation, and how did your vision board shape the final shoot?
It took two months because I wanted to make sure I had all of the props, costumes, and details ready. On top of that, I had to work around both my schedule and the model’s. The vision board was my anchor, we used the sketches and reference images I created as our roadmap. For each scene, I knew exactly what I wanted, and I made sure the elements were there. That board kept us focused and true to the story I envisioned.
The Storytelling
Q: You reimagined a character and built a whole story around it. Can you share how the story unfolded and what it meant to you personally?
I’m a storyteller photographer. When I meet a new model, I like to sit and talk with them, get to know who they are, and see what sparks. Sometimes the idea even comes from a dream.
For this shoot, I reimagined Alice, no rabbit, no hole. I take inspiration from old fairy tales, and I love digging into the darker, original versions. The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, those stories were never as sweet as we think. I twist them into something different, something darker, and make them mine.
This project was emotional for me. As we laid out props and set up scenes, I kept thinking about my mom. If she were still alive, she would’ve been at every single shoot, right in there with her sleeves rolled up, helping me design and create. She would’ve loved this. I miss her deeply, and I carry her spirit with me in my work.
The Shoot
Q: Walk me through the day. How did it feel moving from scene to scene?
We started at 2 p.m. and wrapped at 6. The energy stayed high the entire time. Each setup flowed seamlessly into the next. I had a binder with everything mapped out, lighting diagrams, prop placement, what to light and what to leave in shadow. We simply opened the book, turned to the page for the scene, and got to work.
By the end, we had around eight different setups (maybe more). Honestly, at 6 p.m., we could’ve kept going. Everything came together, the lighting, the atmosphere, the character. It was exactly how I had envisioned it, and I couldn’t have been prouder.
The Collaboration
Q: Joelle stepped into character, and Steve supported you throughout. How did their contributions shape the shoot?
Joelle was fantastic. She fully embraced the character, bringing emotion and life into every frame. During a short break, she wandered into my costume and prop room, and she was in awe. She told me she’d love to work with me again, and that meant so much.
And Steve, he’s my rock. He was by my side handling lights, snoots, moving props, and filming behind-the-scenes reels. More than that, he protects me. I’m so grateful to have a husband who believes in me, stands up for me, brags about me, and pushes ands encourages me to keep growing.
The Challenges
Q: What challenges came up, and how did you handle them?
We had a couple of hiccups, but nothing major. The main challenge was makeup. One artist couldn’t come until after six, which wouldn’t have worked with Steve’s schedule, and another artist couldn’t make it.
So I asked Joelle if she could do her own makeup, and she nailed it. She went heavier with the application, which is exactly what you need under studio lights. It turned out perfect.
The Takeaway
Q: When you sat back afterward, what stood out to you the most?
There were so many things. I told Steve, “That is the smoothest photo shoot we’ve ever worked on together.” He said it was because he followed my book, my vision board, my notes, my lighting diagrams. He understood that for the shoot to run smoothly, you have to follow the vision I’ve written out.
The biggest thing that stood out was how aligned we all were. The three of us dove right in, and it worked. It was seamless. When we got home, we had dinner, sat and talked, even watched a little TV. Later that night, as we lay in bed holding hands, we decided to each share five things we were proud of from the day. It was emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful, one of those moments I’ll always remember.
I also felt proud of my technical planning. I shot everything on a tripod so I could stack the images later. I lit specific elements separately, knowing I’d layer them in post. That way, everything aligns perfectly. It was intentional, thorough, and set me up for composites that will be strong and clean.
Your Favorite Scene
Q: Which scene stood out as your favorite?
I’m guessing we did about eight scenes, but the one that really stood out to me was the box scene. Steve built this wooden box, and Joelle had to crouch inside it. In one setup, she’s hunched over, arms against the walls, with this look of shock and fear on her face. We placed her stuffed bunny in the corner, and Steve lit it perfectly with the snoot, just her expression, the bunny, and that sense of the walls closing in.
Another variation had her curled up, hugging her knees and holding the bunny tight. Both poses were incredible, and I’ll have to choose which one I like most. The box will later be composited into a dollhouse I bought — complete with tiny furniture and Easter eggs like books tucked inside. In one scene, Joelle will be crouched outside the dollhouse, reacting as if someone has just walked in and startled her. That look of fear and surprise she gave me, bang. Nailed it.
That whole sequence is probably my favorite, though I love them all.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Q: Was there a specific little detail, a prop, an Easter egg, or a lighting trick, that you’re especially proud of?
Definitely the lighting in the box scene. Steve tried different angles, moving the light around until he finally nailed it. The snoot spotlighted Joelle’s face perfectly, catching her expression like she’d been caught in the act. That’s when I knew we had it.
And of course, the Easter eggs. I love planting little things in my images that make people stop and think. Why is she wearing one red shiny slipper and one black shoe? Why the red bow in her hair? Those details pull viewers deeper into the story and leave them wondering what it all means. That’s the magic I love.
What This Shoot Means in My Journey
Q: Now that you’ve “found yourself again,” what does this shoot mean for your journey going forward?
I lost myself for a couple of years. I got caught up trying to impress others, to do things the way people told me I should. I wasn’t creating for me anymore. I was creating for approval, and that’s not who I am.
This shoot brought me back to the core of why I started. My very first big concept was Jekyll and Hyde, playing chess. That image had a story, and people connected with it. To this day, so many say it’s their favorite piece I’ve ever done. There’s depth there, meaning.
That’s the artist I want to be again: the storyteller who creates her own worlds, her own interpretations, and lets the work speak for itself. My advice to anyone else: listen to your inner self. If it feels right, then do it. Be you. Be unique. Make it yours.
The Future
Q: You’re already working on your next vision board. Can you give us a hint of what’s coming next?
I don’t want to give too much away, because I don’t want someone else to take the idea before I can bring it to life. But I’ll say this: it’s a twist, literally. A continuation of my It’s the Real Thing concept with Pennywise and Coca-Cola.
This will be a series, a “serial series” (pun intended). I already have Pennywise, but I’d love to create maybe seven more images for a set of eight, printed big on metal for a gallery wall. That’s the dream. So yes, I’ll be looking for new models and makeup artists soon. Each person will get to step into character, and it’s going to be amazing.
Final Reflections
I love telling stories. I hear them, see them, dream them. My mom always said I was different, that I could spin whole worlds in my head. Sometimes those stories even scared me because they felt so real. She loved that about me, and I hold onto it.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
When you’re working on something, make it yours.
If it takes two months or even a year to build a project, let it.
Create your vision board. Collect images. Write notes.
Work with others who inspire you, but trust your own voice.
Most of all, have fun. Life is short. Be creative. Enjoy it.
And don’t let the noisy voices tell you what you can or cannot do. People love my work because it’s mine. That’s what keeps the fire burning. Whenever I start listening to outside voices telling me how I “should” do things, I lose myself. I forget who I am.
This project reminded me. I found myself again.
I’m back. And I’ve got a lot of projects coming. Watch out, because I’m just getting started.