Connectivity is such a beautiful thing. There is limitless opportunities in our daily lives when we really think about it. It is that simple fact that gives me that uplifted tingle that happens internally when something truly moves your soul. That serendipitous relationship that occurs naturally and in God's timing is what makes life unpredictable and thus, exciting in every way. Meeting and joining forces with photographer Carly Buntin is one of those exciting times in my life that I am grateful for.
So how did this creative collaboration happen? Well, during an otherwise unchartered time of quarantine and chaos, I was asked to help design a new salon space for friend Chrystal, of Chrystal L. Graves Hair & Makeup which was both e-design and then on site styling to set it all up (masked and distant). On that second visit to the salon, I discovered a wonderfully warm woman garnering a camera and laughing while prepping a branding a shoot of her own, having found the best light in the salon and setting up bottles nicely on a chair. Ah hah! We talked all things life, kids and Covid and exchanged business cards, having bonded over the craziness of the times and the love of Chrystal and what we get to do for a career.
Carly does it all right. Her love for her work behind the camera is ever present even when she's not shooting. She is a true visionary that sees her subject, creating a fluid space that is constantly in motion, as she herself is rarely set. She is up, bending, reaching for equipment and always pushing to see where the best is discovered. She will unearth who you are.
So how did this collaboration happen? Well, I was asked to help design a new salon space for friend Chrystal, of Chrystal L. Graves Hair & Makeup which was both e-design and then on site styling to complete the project. On that second visit to the salon I discovered a wonderfully warm woman garnering a camera and laughing while prepping a branding a shoot of her own, having found the best light in the salon and setting up bottles nicely on a chair. Ah hah! We talked about all things life, kids and Covid and exchanged business cards, having bonded over the craziness of the times and the love of Chrystal and the instant gratification we both got from our respective career paths.
Photos by Carly Buntin of the Salon Space The Whitley Co. created for Chrystal L. Graves.
Working within Carly's studio space in the heart of The District, downtown, was inspiring thanks to the depth of character in all that she does. Cedar walls her father cut adorn one 16' wall while wallpaper shows opposite four humungous windows facing Broadway. The room is filled with amazing comforts that fill each of your senses. Her love of all things bohemian give an easy and approachable dynamic that puts you at ease with the textures and colors that you see. Being there to simply listen to her method, watch her in motion and offer some ideas on ways to add a living wall and layers to an already chic and BOHO studio was a joy for me. Until next time...