Behind the Scenes
Today marked the end of my Workroom FashionMash Editorial course—a class that has been an absolute blast, pushing my creative boundaries in fashion, photography, and editorial storytelling. One of the highlights of the semester was partnering with iconic brands like Ralph Lauren to craft editorial pieces, which reminded me of another pivotal experience: my summer with Onward Reserve.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to join Onward Reserve's creative team for a three-day, on-location photoshoot in south Georgia. The shoot was for their Fall 2024 catalog, and being part of such a production was both eye-opening and inspiring. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the meticulous planning and attention to detail required to create something as seemingly simple as a clothing catalog.
We started by steaming all the samples before loading them into the van for our trip to Leary, Georgia. The shoot took place on a picturesque hunting estate surrounded by lush green vegetation and abundant wildlife. But here’s the catch: we were shooting a fall collection during the sweltering heat of a Georgian July. The challenge was creating the illusion of a chilly, rustic hunting season while contending with a sultry climate, layers of clothing, and relentless gnats.
The mornings and evenings were prime shooting times for lighting and to keep the models from visibly sweating. The photographers had to skillfully avoid capturing anything seasonally out of place—like bright crape myrtles. Meanwhile, graphic designer Ashton had meticulously planned each spread in advance, mapping out the types of shots we needed and the clothing pieces that had to be featured. Every detail was calculated to ensure that the final catalog felt cohesive and intentional. But it was the impromptu moments that were the most exciting. There were so many special rustic or historical pieces on the property that had so much character to add to the authenticity of the shoot, like these darling distressed gold horse-shaped coat hooks or the infamous ladder.
Despite the long days, intense heat, and ever-persistent bugs, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The camaraderie among the team made it all worthwhile, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to learn from and collaborate with. When I finally saw the polished catalog arrive in my mailbox months later, I was in awe of how beautifully everything came together. Holding the final product in my hands and flipping through the pages, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for the work Ashton, Virginia, the photographers, and the entire team put into making it all come together.
Reflecting on the past six months, between this course and my summer experience, I can confidently say my creative skills have grown tremendously. I’ve been stretched, challenged, and pushed beyond my comfort zone, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow. Most of all, I’m thankful for bug nets!
If you want to see it for yourself, you can virtually flip through the catalog here!
