Stylist Story: Bougie, But Budget
The story behind a funky, new series made in collaboration with NYC photographer Shirley Yu! All photos art directed, prop & set styled by yours truly.
When NYC-based photographer Shirley Yu asked if I’d be interested in collaborating in a personal project at the tail end of 2019, I jumped at the prospect. Although I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, I was thrilled that a new photographer whose portfolio I admire wanted to work with me. NOT to mention, it was also a great excuse to get my booty up to NYC, check out some prop houses and visit friends who I haven’t seen in months :)
A few weeks later, when Shirley disclosed her ideas for the shoot, I was blown away. This girl knows how to conceptualize!!! She titled her creative direction “Bougie, But Budget” which alone made me light up with ideas. What a BOMBSHELL title!
Shirley explained that the goal of the project was to create a mini series of contradictory juxtapositions. Featuring thrifty every day products, she wanted to create tension and surprise by styling those items in high-key, editorial ways. This really excited me. A layered storyline such as this could be beautifully emphasized through unique sets of props & colors. I immediately got to work sketching up ideas and grounding the art direction.
Sourcing for this shoot was also an unexpected treat. I went up to New York a few days early to hunt down objects not available in the Baltimore/DC area. This whole process made me fall in love with NYC all over again. I found myself popping in and out of shops I’ve never been to and seeing the city with different eyes than when I lived there.
We also got to shoot at the awesome Prop Haus NYC which has been on my bucket list! Needless to say, working in a prop house, having seemingly endless possibilities of curated objects at my fingertips, made this experience extra special 🤗
Shirley and I had a blast working together and I hope we get to do another one of these soon (or at least after Covid-19 dissipates…). Sending a big thank you to Shirley & Jacqueline Isabella from Creative Picnic who introduced us.
Don’t be shy - say hi to me on social @limonatacreative ! Hang in there during Covid-19 guys! WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER.
(All creative direction & photography below by Shirley Yu | Art Direction, Prop & Set Styling by Limonata Creative)
