The Sekrit Theater – Vintage Appeal

Before the “Shelter at Home” was activated in Austin, I had a session with one of my favorite models at the Sekrit Theater on March 21.  Last year, I purchased this absolutely feminine dress for a photo shoot.  Its outer piece is embroidered with pastel flowers.  The shell was a solid peach slip.  When I saw the Sekrit Theater, I knew that this dress had to be photographed in the greenhouse.  

I put out a call for a Time for Print session.  I had several models respond, and I chose one of them.  We confirmed the arrangements, and I sent her the TFP contract. I always use contracts.  When the day came, it was overcast, and I was so happy.  I brought my lighting just in case, but preferred the ambient light.  Well, the model didn’t show up. After my second text, she finally responded to say that she couldn’t attend.  Needless to say, I wasn’t happy.  I had to pay for the session at the Sekrit Theater.  I made it explicitly clear in my post that the model must have reliable transportation and be on time because I had to pay for the session.  Long story short, the model reimbursed me for the session fee.

I still wanted to complete a session in this gorgeous place.  This time, I reached out to a model that I had worked with previously, Diêlha. I so enjoy photographing her.  First, she knows her angles, and how to move.  Second, we work very well together.  Third, she’s beautiful inside and out.  I should have reached out to her in the first place because her look was perfect for the project.  

Diêlha was just as excited about the session. She wanted to shoot there as well.  Diêlha asked if she could bring a gown to the session, and I was all for it.  It was one that she had purchased for an event, and wanted to wear it again.  The gown fit the environment perfectly!  It was a deep burgundy color, and reminded me of the 1940s. 

The day of the session was overcast as well.  This time, I traveled light.  I only brought two camera bodies and two lenses – my 24-70mm and my 85mm.  I really wanted to use the 24-70mm more so that I captured more of the environment.   I also brought a mirror that I had purchased at Target.  I wanted to try an image that I saw on Pinterest.

We began the session with Diêlha’s gown.  It was stunning!  I was extremely inspired to begin the session.  We selected an easy listening channel on Spotify for the session, and went to work.

When we finished shooting that dress, Diêlha changed into the dress I brought.  It looked just as amazing as the gown, and lent itself to a different vibe.  We shot in the greenhouse for a while, and then moved to another area of the Theater.  It was near the bathtub that was outside.  Let me tell you that I could do a complete session in this area as well, but we had to stop because of the rain.

We moved into this small building onsite to finish the session.  The furniture was vintage and rich in color.  In addition to the door, there were two windows adding light into the space.  I increased my ISO to adjust for the lighting, and starting shooting.  I also had my film camera with me so I finished off the roll during the session.

I am so pleased with this session.  Although, I haven’t had many sessions this year due to a family emergency, this one is truly my favorite of 2020.