Burning Man Art Exhibit Photo Shoot

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, VA had a traveling art exhibit called "The Art of Burning Man" (an annual event held in the Nevada desert ). The immersive, large-scale sculptures and interactive installations transformed the Hermitage grounds for five months. The exhibition featured outdoor and indoor artworks from seven of Burning Man’s artist teams.

I decided to photograph my Senior Model Crew at the exhibit for some of their senior photos. I created all of the dresses and accessories. The girls were so excited. The exhibit featured a giant boot called Storied Haven. You could explore the inside, which had living quarters, a library and stairs to the top balcony. I positioned Julie, my first model, at the top of the outer spiral staircase. STUNNING! I photographed Elizabeth on the set of the indoor exhibit. I created a crown and neck piece out of various things I found at Michael's art store. I created her dress from a comforter that I got for $4 at a thrift store. She looked like a fierce queen! I photographed Hailey in front of a beautiful temple. The colors were amazing. I created her dress out of random fabric and trim from Joann Fabrics. I love the arm sleeves! They looked so cool when she would raise her arms over her head. Mesmerizing! I photograph Madeline in a giant stick sculpture. I made her dress out of pillow shams that I found from a thrift store for $3. Her dress and hair paired beautifully to the sculpture! Obsessed!! Finally, I photographed Tatiyahna in front of a giant mirrored sculpture. It looked like a space ship! I made her dress out of a rubber material. I added pretty silver trim around the edges. I designed it to be a little Avant Garde. So, one of arms was underneath the fabric. It looked so cool! We, lovingly, called it the space burrito. 😂 This was an amazing photoshoot!

Sculpture Artists:
Bree Hylkema
Michael Garlington & Natalia Bertotti
Charles Gadeken
James Peterson
Kirsten Berg
Gregg Fleishman
Christopher Schardt
Scott London